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Job Profile

Project Leader/
Project Lead (m/f/d)

what is a project lead?

Project leads/ project leaders are employed in almost every industry to lead projects to success within the time and financial constraints and to minimize risks. Project leads are therefore in high demand in organizations. They coordinate and plan all components of a project and are responsible for the conception as well as the technical and organizational execution.

Project leaders also bear a great deal of responsibility for their team and are in constant communication with their superiors and stakeholders significantly involved in the project. Leadership skills are just as much a part of being a project lead as the ability to create schedules, plan resources and keep an eye on the costs and risks involved until the project is completed.

The terms project lead and project manager are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, however, there are differences in responsibilities and competencies. While project leaders are actually concerned with exercising their leadership skills, project managers are primarily responsible for controlling, coordinating and organizing projects.

what is the difference to a project manager?

Project lead

  • Take primary responsibility for the project.
  • Have management responsibility, personnel responsibility,
  • a say in team composition and budget responsibility.
  • Are entrusted with the technical tasks of a project.

Project manager

  • Mainly take care of management tasks.
  • Only have limited decision-making authority and often have to seek backing and support "from above".
  • Are primarily entrusted with coordinating, controlling, organizing and executing.

Profile overview - THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
 

Education

University degree (FH or university)

Soft skills

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership competence
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Ability to deal with conflict

Preferred study programs

  • Economics
  • Engineering science
  • Technology management

Average annual salary

Approx. 67.000 €

Additional know-how

  • Project management
  • Corporate management
  • Personnel planning/management
  • Cost and activity accounting

Similar professions

  • Project manager
  • Project coordinator
  • Team leader

Profile overview - THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
 

Education

University degree (FH or university)

Soft skills

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership competence
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Ability to deal with conflict

Preferred study programs

  • Economics
  • Engineering science
  • Technology management

Average annual salary

Approx. 67.000 €

Additional know-how

  • Project management
  • Corporate management
  • Personnel planning/management
  • Cost and activity accounting

Similar professions

  • Project manager
  • Project coordinator
  • Team leader

Profile overview - THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
 

Education

University degree (FH or university)

Soft skills

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership competence
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Ability to deal with conflict

Preferred study programs

  • Economics
  • Engineering science
  • Technology management

Average annual salary

Approx. 67.000 €

Additional know-how

  • Project management
  • Corporate management
  • Personnel planning/management
  • Cost and activity accounting

Similar professions

  • Project manager
  • Project coordinator
  • Team leader

Are you looking for a job as a project lead (m/f/d)?

Do you always have an overview of project processes, know how to deploy resources correctly and like to be on schedule? If you would like to contribute your strategic and planning skills as a project lead in a new company, then let's talk.

Are you looking for a project lead (m/f/d)?

Do you have several projects in the pipeline but no suitable project leader in your own ranks? To ensure that your projects are completed successfully, we will find you qualified project management personnel who will avoid even the smallest risks and lead your project to success.

Are you looking for an exciting project as a project lead (m/f/d)?

Have you already successfully managed projects in various industries from order acceptance to completion or have you even specialized in one area? If you know exactly how to coordinate a team well, deploy different resources correctly and establish a good relationship with clients and stakeholders, then why not put your project management skills into practice in a new project? Find your next challenge with us.

Project leader tasks and activities

Proper planning is the be-all and end-all when implementing projects. The project must be prepared down to the last detail before it really gets going. This means that goals, budgets and deadlines for the individual project phases are planned and the corresponding teams are set up. Responsibilities and tasks are allocated and clearly communicated. This is the only way a project can be successfully implemented and completed.

Project leads have different tasks depending on the phase of the project. Find out more about the job description

Start phase

  • Setting up and managing the team
  • Creation of a project plan (deadlines, process, budget)
  • Assessment of risks
  • Definition of sub-steps
  • Coordination of tasks and responsibilities

Project implementation

  • Budget monitoring
  • Adherence to deadlines
  • Conflict resolution with the team or project partners
  • Motivation of the team
  • Communication with customers, partners, clients, superiors
  • Compliance with rules, guidelines, specifications
  • Project documentation

Final phase

  • Final costing
  • Create final report
  • Presentation of the project
Because every project is different, employees in project management rarely have routines to fall back on. However, the project lead benefits from their own experience in planning, monitoring and coordinating employees and resources with every new project.

Competencies of the project lead

  • Professional competence
    The expertise required varies depending on the type of project. The project lead does not necessarily have to be an expert in the respective field. However, he must have an overall view and be able to assess the facts. He does not have to be better than his employees in every area. However, technical expertise alone is not enough for the role of project lead. They also need other skills.
     
  • Social competence:
    This includes, for example, the ability to lead employees, promote and coordinate teamwork, inspire employees and manage potential conflicts. These skills can be learned to a certain extent.
     
  • Methodological competence
    The main focus here is on mastering the methods required for project work, such as project planning, problem-solving methods, creativity methods, time management, presentation and moderation skills.
     
  • Personal competence
    Ability to work in a team, initiative, creativity, reliability, negotiating skills, resilience, assertiveness, frustration and stress tolerance.

project lead Salary: How much does a project lead Earn?

Even though the job title of project lead is used in many industries and covers similar areas of responsibility, remuneration is extremely dependent on the industry. Salaries can therefore vary greatly. Project leader salaries vary greatly depending on the industry. In the automotive industry, for example, they earn considerably more than in the tourism industry.
The size of the company is also decisive when it comes to earnings in project management and project leadership. This is because large companies with more than 500 employees often pay up to 50 percent more than small to medium-sized companies.

The project manager salary

On average, career starters in project management earn around 36,000 euros gross per year. As an experienced project manager, however, it is possible to significantly increase your salary during your career. They can earn up to 77,000 euros gross per year.

IT project lead salary

An IT project manager is responsible for the implementation of IT projects. The manager takes on projects defined in terms of time and budget and coordinates the work of the project team members. The salary of an IT project manager depends on various factors, such as professional experience, company size, industry and region. The average gross salary of an IT project manager in Germany is between €65,000 and €80,000 per year. The range extends from around €50,000 to over €100,000 per year.

Technical project lead salary 

A technical project manager takes the lead in the implementation of projects in technical work areas. For example, he or she leads teams of engineers in the construction of machines or the modernization of technical systems. He or she is involved in the entire process and ensures that quality, budget and deadlines are met. The salary of a technical project manager also depends on various factors, such as qualifications, industry, employer and region. So the average gross salary of a technical project manager in Germany is between €60,000 and €90,000 per year. The range extends from around €40,000 to over €100,000 per year.

Project lead construction salary 

A project manager in construction carries out construction projects and ensures that everything runs smoothly on the construction site. He or she calculates costs, procures materials, arranges appointments with service providers and takes care of invoicing and payment. He or she is the interface to the client and is responsible for the overall project or sub-project. The salary of a project manager in construction depends on various factors, such as the size and type of construction project, professional experience, industry and region. The average gross salary of a project manager in construction in Germany is between €50,000 and €80,000 per year. The range extends from around €40,000 to over €100,000 per year.

project lead Salary: How much does a project lead Earn?

Even though the job title of project lead is used in many industries and covers similar areas of responsibility, remuneration is extremely dependent on the industry. Salaries can therefore vary greatly. Project leader salaries vary greatly depending on the industry. In the automotive industry, for example, they earn considerably more than in the tourism industry.
The size of the company is also decisive when it comes to earnings in project management and project leadership. This is because large companies with more than 500 employees often pay up to 50 percent more than small to medium-sized companies.

The project manager salary

On average, career starters in project management earn around 36,000 euros gross per year. As an experienced project manager, however, it is possible to significantly increase your salary during your career. They can earn up to 77,000 euros gross per year.

IT project lead salary

An IT project manager is responsible for the implementation of IT projects. The manager takes on projects defined in terms of time and budget and coordinates the work of the project team members. The salary of an IT project manager depends on various factors, such as professional experience, company size, industry and region. According to various sources12 , the average gross salary of an IT project manager in Germany is between €65,000 and €80,000 per year. The range extends from around €50,000 to over €100,000 per year.

Technical project lead salary 

A technical project manager takes the lead in the implementation of projects in technical work areas. For example, he or she leads teams of engineers in the construction of machines or the modernization of technical systems. He or she is involved in the entire process and ensures that quality, budget and deadlines are met. The salary of a technical project manager also depends on various factors, such as qualifications, industry, employer and region. According to various sources345 , the average gross salary of a technical project manager in Germany is between €60,000 and €90,000 per year. The range extends from around €40,000 to over €100,000 per year.

Project lead construction salary 

A project manager in construction carries out construction projects and ensures that everything runs smoothly on the construction site. He or she calculates costs, procures materials, arranges appointments with service providers and takes care of invoicing and payment. He or she is the interface to the client and is responsible for the overall project or sub-project. The salary of a project manager in construction depends on various factors, such as the size and type of construction project, professional experience, industry and region. According to various sources678 , the average gross salary of a project manager in construction in Germany is between €50,000 and €80,000 per year. The range extends from around €40,000 to over €100,000 per year.

Our vacancies for project leader

Our vacancies for project leader

How do you become a project leader?

There is no prescribed training path for the job of project lead. The tasks and projects in the respective industries are far too varied and the knowledge required for the successful implementation of projects is just as diverse. This is why project leads are often promoted to this position or slip into this role because they know the industry and the company well and have led many projects to success.
Many employers entrust long-standing employees with the task of project management because they have already proven themselves in the company and have been able to demonstrate their skills.

Study - the academich path

However, a degree or training in the relevant subject area is still a basic requirement for many employers when it comes to taking on project management. For example, construction projects should be carried out by civil engineers or projects in the pharmaceutical industry by graduates in pharmacy or comparable disciplines. There are also degree courses that focus on project management. Engineering students, for example, can choose to focus on project management and thus acquire the necessary soft skills for their future career.

Project management is an important skill for many professions that have to do with the planning, management and implementation of projects. A degree in project management not only provides theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills to successfully manage and design projects. You can specialize in various fields, such as IT project management, international project management or project development.

The course content usually includes the basics of business administration, project management methods and tools, project planning and controlling, risk and quality management, communication and team leadership, as well as legal and ethical aspects of project management. Depending on your specialization, you can also take courses in IT systems, intercultural competence, project financing or sustainability. In addition to the theoretical modules, you also have the opportunity to gain practical experience in projects, internships or stays abroad.

IHK project leader training (Germany)- when does it make sense?

IHK project manager training is an opportunity to qualify for important tasks in all sectors. You learn how to plan, manage, coordinate and complete projects. You also prepare for certification as a Project Management Professional (PMI), which is internationally recognized.

IHK project leader training is useful if you:
  • would like to improve career opportunities
  • wants to expand project management skills
  • Communication and leadership skills are to be strengthened
  • want to make projects more efficient and successful
The IHK project lead training course is a compact certificate course that can be completed in two weeks. You can register online or by post. The costs vary depending on the provider, but there are various funding options that you can take advantage of. You are also entitled to educational leave to take part in the course.

What skills should project leaders have?

The expertise required of project leads depends very much on their sector and the projects to be carried out. However, what is important in every project is the correct planning of time and costs as well as communication between the team, client and supervisor.

Necessary skills for project leads:
  • Analytical and planning skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, flexibility, assertiveness
  • Strong communication skills
  • Mastery of the methodology of project management
  • Compilation, development and coordination of the project team
  • Communication with all stakeholders
  • Conflict management in the project team and its environment
  • Know-how in project management
  • Leading in projects
  • Agile methods such as design thinking
  • IT-specific skills

Find your next challenge or employee with Hays 

Finding the perfect project management staff for upcoming projects can be very time-consuming. This is because special company knowledge can hardly be assumed. But if you know the industry, you already have an immense advantage.

With our innovative "Find & Retain" concept, we bring experienced project leads with in-depth industry knowledge to the companies that suit them and need their expertise.
In our extensive pool of companies and applicant profiles, we quickly find the right match. 

We match qualifications with requirements and personality with company values. As soon as we find that the skills, experience and wishes of candidates match the requirements of a job profile, we establish mutual contact. If it is clear after the interviews that a collaboration is desired, the framework conditions for this are agreed with us. Shape your professional future with us.

FAQ

The task of a project manager is to lead a project from the planning stage through to control and implementation. They define the project objectives, select the project team, monitor the project progress, make decisions, manage the budget, negotiate with stakeholders, present the project results and create the project documentation.

The task of a project manager is to lead a project from the planning stage through to control and implementation. They define the project objectives, select the project team, monitor the project progress, make decisions, manage the budget, negotiate with stakeholders, present the project results and create the project documentation.


The salary of project lead depends on various factors, such as the industry, company size, professional experience, qualifications and region. According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary as a project leaders in Germany is €71,051, with a range of €49,170 to €131,7663. The median additional pay as a project lead in Germany is €5,047, with a range of €2,530 to €8,089

The salary of project lead depends on various factors, such as the industry, company size, professional experience, qualifications and region. According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary as a project leaders in Germany is €71,051, with a range of €49,170 to €131,7663. The median additional pay as a project lead in Germany is €5,047, with a range of €2,530 to €8,089


You do not need any special training or qualifications to work as a project leader. However, a university degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. engineering, economics, computer science) or higher specialist training is often required. In many sectors, professional experience in the relevant field is also required. In addition, certificates in project management (e.g. from the International Project Management Association or the Project Management Institute) can improve your prospects on the job market.

You do not need any special training or qualifications to work as a project leader. However, a university degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. engineering, economics, computer science) or higher specialist training is often required. In many sectors, professional experience in the relevant field is also required. In addition, certificates in project management (e.g. from the International Project Management Association or the Project Management Institute) can improve your prospects on the job market.


There is no legal regulation as to who may call themselves a project manager. However, you should have the appropriate skills and experience to successfully manage a project. In addition to specialist knowledge, this also includes leadership qualities, communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills and flexibility.

There is no legal regulation as to who may call themselves a project manager. However, you should have the appropriate skills and experience to successfully manage a project. In addition to specialist knowledge, this also includes leadership qualities, communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills and flexibility.


Although the words project leader and project manager are synonymous in English and both are translated as project manager, there is a subtle nuance between them in German: project management often refers to the general field of expertise, while project leadership refers more to the management task in a specific project.

Although the words project leader and project manager are synonymous in English and both are translated as project manager, there is a subtle nuance between them in German: project management often refers to the general field of expertise, while project leadership refers more to the management task in a specific project.


The "real" project leader has leadership competence due to their function, while the "real" project manager is mainly responsible for the operational implementation of the project, i.e. for coordination, control, organization and execution. The project lead is the main person responsible for the project, has responsibility for personnel, can have a say in the team composition and has budget responsibility. The project manager only has limited authority and often needs support and backing from above in the event of problems and conflicts. It can therefore be said that the project leader is usually above the project manager, at least in the theory of project management. In practice, however, the roles can vary and overlap depending on the type, size and organization of the project.

The "real" project leader has leadership competence due to their function, while the "real" project manager is mainly responsible for the operational implementation of the project, i.e. for coordination, control, organization and execution. The project lead is the main person responsible for the project, has responsibility for personnel, can have a say in the team composition and has budget responsibility. The project manager only has limited authority and often needs support and backing from above in the event of problems and conflicts. It can therefore be said that the project leader is usually above the project manager, at least in the theory of project management. In practice, however, the roles can vary and overlap depending on the type, size and organization of the project.


Top Vacancies: Project Lead Jobs (m/f/d)

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