We believe a great project manager is never just a manager—they’re a trusted partner, a strategic thinker, and a catalyst for meaningful change. More than delivering projects, they help shape business outcomes by communicating well, owning their role in leadership and guiding delivery teams through complexity with clarity and confidence. This article explores what we think sets them apart…
Trusted partners in complexity
A great project manager doesn’t simply monitor milestones and keep things on track—they guide clients through uncertainty. They can handle complex projects. By working shoulder-to-shoulder with the delivery team and supporting Managing Directors, Operations Directors, and Project Directors, they provide insight and direction. And they do it without layering unnecessary processes into the project routines.
They bring strategic perspective and executional excellence. They think commercially to identify opportunities, act decisively, and stay adaptable to navigate changes. And crucially, they communicate with absolute clarity with every layer of the organisation, even when the challenges get messy.
Beyond a deep understanding of project management practices, we believe the greatest project managers take a humble approach – they don’t need to know everything in a sector to ask great questions and offer support to fellow delivery teammates. They care about the details and there are four areas where this makes a difference:
Delivering with precision and feeling
1. Project delivery
A great project manager skillfully holds space for multiple client projects simultaneously, blending structure with creativity. They understand the wider business landscape while zooming into the fine detail—delivering projects on time, within budget, and aligned with client expectations. They’re skilled at:
- Demystifying complexity for all stakeholders
- Maintaining project schedules and precise budgets
- Coordinating teams and leading impactful meetings
- Building communication and trust with senior leaders
- Providing strategic project counsel to adapt or mitigate risks
- Managing change and influencing direction with confidence
Whether leading a client presentation or training a new team member, they draw on strong verbal and written communication skills, backed by several or many years of project management experience and sharp commercial awareness.
2. Project administration
Behind every smooth delivery is rock-solid organisation and streamlined administration. From planning schedules and resource allocation to reporting and negotiating, a great project manager will keep things running smoothly both externally and internally.
Timekeeping, budgeting, and accurate documentation are all essential skills. So, you need someone who is tech-savvy and proficient in project management software, Microsoft Excel and Office 365, with working knowledge of Microsoft PowerApps, Power Automate, and Power BI to support processes and management information.
3. People and culture
Great project managers don’t just manage projects—they build relationships. They realise that successful delivery is built on trust, clear communication, and a deep understanding of what matters to clients and team members. And they work intuitively to adjust their approach based on the different personalities within the team and across the project.
They engage with stakeholders regularly, nurture team dynamics, and bring positive energy to every interaction. Strong management and people skills are must-haves—as is the ability to coach, influence, and lead others through change.
One of the advantages for project managers working within a consultancy like Coron, is taking part in team sessions, sharing best practice and mentoring peers. Having a team which gels together contributes to a consultancy’s vibrant, client-focused approach.
4. Sales and growth opportunities
Working with the bigger picture in mind, a great project manager can help grow the business. They may review contract extensions, or attend industry events, identify opportunities while on another project with a client and support new business development. Whether it’s drafting proposals, joining pitch meetings, or simply listening closely to client needs, they play a key role in ensuring that the project management function supports the business’ strategic objectives. Strong phone communication and interpersonal skills come into play here – helping to build connections, foster client loyalty, and open doors to new opportunities.
Living their values
A great project manager has a strong set of values, a good work ethic and a desire to continuously grow their expertise. When you work with Coron, you’ll hear us use the analogy of hiking and climbing mountains, with our tagline “equipped to help you reach the top.” And when we recruit, we look for people who align with the company’s core values, known as DRIVE:
- Decisive – Make informed decisions with confidence and act with purpose.
- Resilient – Stay adaptable and composed, especially when challenges arise.
- Innovative – Embrace fresh thinking and seek out smarter ways to solve problems.
- Visionary – Keep sight of the bigger picture and help clients shape lasting success.
- Excellent – Pursue high standards in every detail, every time.
These values were formed from the everyday habits that we think are well suited for driving complex projects forwards. These values aren’t just statements – they’re standards we work by. They guide every project, every interaction, and every decision. Follow our LinkedIn page to find out when we’re hiring. A great project manager at Coron is part strategist, part problem-solver, part relationship-builder. If that sounds like you, maybe it’s time we had a conversation? Book a call with us…
