What does a projet manager in furniture do?
The Project Manager in Furniture is a project manager for wood-based space planning. They are a key player in the furnishing and furniture sector. Positioned at the interface between clients, suppliers, and internal design and production teams, their main mission is to oversee wood-based space planning projects, whether for companies or individuals, ensuring that all stages, from order placement to final delivery, are completed in accordance with the client’s expectations, while respecting deadlines and the set budget.
mISSIONS OF Project Manager in Furniture
The Project Manager’s work begins from the first contact with the client.
They analyze the specific needs of the client, whether it is for the layout of offices, stores, hotels, or residential spaces.
They are responsible for proposing custom-made furniture solutions, taking into account the technical, aesthetic, and financial constraints of the project. At this stage, they often collaborate with interior architects, designers, or manufacturers to develop concrete proposals.
Next, the Project Manager in Furniture handles the preparation of quotes and contract negotiations. They must ensure that the proposed offer meets the client’s expectations while also ensuring that the project is profitable for their company. This negotiation phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for future business relationships with the client.
Once the contract is signed, they move on to the operational management of the project. This includes coordinating the various teams (design, production, installation) and monitoring the schedule to meet deadlines.
The Project Manager also ensures the management of supplies, working with suppliers to guarantee the availability of the materials needed for the project. They must be able to quickly resolve unforeseen issues, whether related to manufacturing problems, delivery delays, or modifications requested by the client during the project.
Financial oversight is another essential component of their role. The Project Manager in Furniture is responsible for managing costs and must ensure that the project stays within the established budget. They may also be called upon to propose solutions to optimize costs while maintaining the quality of services.
What qualities are needed to do this job?
To succeed in this profession, the Project Manager in Furniture must possess a broad range of skills. First and foremost, they must have an excellent knowledge of materials, especially wood, and furniture design and space planning techniques.
Their mastery of manufacturing and installation processes for wood products allows them to offer viable technical solutions. They must also have strong project management skills to coordinate the various stages of the planning process. This includes managing timelines, budgets, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Negotiation skills are equally important for managing relationships with clients and suppliers.
Finally, the Project Manager in Furniture must be an excellent communicator. They must know how to listen to clients’ needs and translate them into concrete solutions while effectively coordinating the various stakeholders involved in the project. Throughout the courses in the Professional Bachelor’s degree at ENSTIB, particularly in the Furniture Pathway, students will receive training corresponding to this profession.
The Project Manager in Furniture plays a central role in the success of wood-based space planning projects. Their ability to manage technical, financial, and relational aspects makes them an essential figure in a sector where customization and quality are paramount. With the growing demand for more aesthetic and functional work or living spaces, their role is becoming increasingly strategic, particularly in the context of a transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly space planning solutions.