Project Managers & Cost Managers, is there a shortage?

[anonymous-user]

Morning all, not sure if this is the right section so feel free to move.

The company I work for are really struggling to find Project Manager and Cost Managers. The company is a Property/Construction consultancy working across all sectors but we are really struggling to find good people at all levels. The department I work in are constantly interviewing but the people being interviewed have either very high expectations (probably fishing) or are not as good as their CV's make them out to be. I don't know if this is a sign of the industry picking up, or if any other companies are having the same issues. It really does seem as if there is a shortage.

What are other people in this industries experiences? Oh and feel free to send me your CV if you’re looking and I will pass it on

[anonymous-user]

GT03ROB said:

If you are looking for good ones, there wil be a shortage. Always seemed to have been one to be honest. Looking for good project managers, cost or planning guys has been hard for a long time. I am a project manager for reference.

There just seems to be fewer than there were a few years ago, which is why I thought it might be down to an improving market and more competition for new recruits. Ultimately an improving market is a great thing but just means I am mega busy now as we need more staff, fancy a new job

[anonymous-user]

GT03ROB said:

To be honest from what I've seen it's been a case of not enough new blood coming into the industry to replace the retiring generation. The business is very cyclical & seems to bring in new blood in fits & starts, there's no conveyor belt of talent coming through.

What do you pay?

You are probably right, we have had some really good grads the last couple of years but not as many as we could have taken on. From a pay point of view I believe we are competative, but I will be honest what people are paid is above may payscale.

[anonymous-user]

Super Slo Mo said:

Off topic somewhat, so apologies, but out of mild interest, what qualifications/experience would someone need to even consider a move into Project or Cost management? I'm thinking someone early 40's with a business management/logistics/engineering background, hypothetically of course .

With the right experience and skills moving into a specialist area of PMing would certainly be possible as a lot of companies are getting consultancies to pick up ever more specialist roles. Cost management would possibly require you to gain a degree in surveying and go the RICS route, although this is not always required.

[anonymous-user]

With only one PM responding along with a potential PM I think I have answered my own question!

[anonymous-user]

Burba said:

Matt

I'm a PM and ex-cost manager - happy to discuss opportunities for the right move.

Looking at long term moves abroad, but challenges are always attractive!

Hi Burba, I see you are London based. The company has loads of opportunities in London and I know a few guy who have made the move over to the states recently as we have several global offices. What sector are you working in? Feel free to pm me.

[anonymous-user]

Ver.4 said:

Of topic so I apologize but what would be the best way to get into such a role? I am studying PRINCE2 foundation in my own time whilst working. I understand that it isn't welcomed by everyone but I am just trying to be practical with my self study time.

Are there entry level positions? Even as an assistant to be trained and shadow/learn skills of a retiring PM? I only come across jobs that are requiring 5 years experience before being considered.

What is your background and what sort of experince/qualifications do you have?