Project manager

The missions of the project manager

The project manager's role in the nautical industry is a cross-functional position combining technical expertise and interpersonal skills. The project manager organises and oversees the construction of a boat, from design through to delivery, ensuring that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and meets the marketing and client specifications. He/she is at the crossroads of dozens of different trades: carpentry, electrical systems, plumbing, certification, homologation, as well as supplier relations.

The job is split 50/50: 50% interpersonal skills and people management, and 50% technical know-how. Every day is different depending on the progress of the project. There's no routine — you never get bored.

Project manager

On a daily basis, the project manager does not stay behind a desk: he/she moves around the workshop and design office to check progress, test prototypes and validate technical choices. For example, he/she may assess the functionality of a prototype ladder with a view to modifying boats in production. This hands-on presence is essential for assessing what has been created and anticipating any necessary adjustments. The days are intense, often physically demanding, and no two are alike.

The key qualities required for this profession are rigour, ingenuity, technical know-how and excellent interpersonal skills, as the relational dimension is at the heart of the role.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Several training pathways lead to the project manager profession in the nautical industry. A BTS Conception de Produits Industriels or a BTS Systèmes Numériques provide a good starting point (level Bac+2). For those aiming directly at a project management role, a BUT Génie Mécanique et Productique, a Licence Professionnelle Management de Projets Industriels or a Bachelor Chef de Projet Industriel (level Bac+3) are particularly valued by recruiters. A generalist or naval engineering degree represents the most direct route to this type of position.

These programmes are available as initial training or apprenticeships, through a contrat d'apprentissage (ages 16 to 30) or a contrat de professionnalisation (from age 16, no upper age limit). They are eligible for CPF funding.

Career change

The project manager role is accessible to career changers with experience in project management, technical team coordination or industrial production monitoring. It is possible to progress towards this position from technical roles, as demonstrated by many professionals in the naval sector. Continuing education in project management (PMP, PRINCE2 certifications) or industrial management is offered by specialist organisations and can be funded by France Travail, OPCOs or through a Projet de Transition Professionnelle (CPF de transition).

Career development

After several years of experience, the project manager can progress to roles such as head of design office, technical director or programme director, overseeing several projects simultaneously within large industrial groups. Further training towards a Master Management de Projets Industriels or a Master in Naval Engineering (level Bac+5) opens the door to expert or senior management positions and the management of international-scale projects.