Tell us a little about yourself. What does your job at Telefónica involve?
I joined Telefónica in 2018 and, although I have performed different roles, in recent years I have been working in IT Project Management.
I currently work as a Project Manager, focusing mainly on local and cross-company projects involving a large number of systems and platforms. I have worked in this role for years in other companies, which has provided me with valuable experience that I have been able to apply at Telefónica.
My day as a Project Manager is full of planning, communication and problem solving, all with the aim of keeping projects on track and ensuring that the established objectives are met.
What does the job of an IT Project Manager involve?
An IT Project Manager is a specialist in charge of planning, organising, executing and supervising information technology (IT) projects.
The main tasks include defining objectives and timelines, coordinating teams, monitoring progress, maintaining effective communication, managing risks, ensuring the quality of deliverables and documenting project progress.
As a Project Manager I am constantly communicating with the teams, whether to solve problems, follow up on progress or simply to make sure that everyone is on the same page. This communication is key to maintaining the workflow and addressing any obstacles that may arise.
What are your main responsibilities?
The main responsibility is to ensure that projects are completed on time, optimising the use of resources and meeting established quality standards.
established quality standards.
What professional profile is required for this job?
To be an IT Project Manager, it is essential to have a combination of skills and training. First of all, continuous practical experience in the management of real projects is required, which allows for the development of a greater understanding of the challenges and dynamics. In addition, it is common for a Project Manager to have training in areas such as engineering, computer science or business administration, complemented by certifications in project management.
Negotiation skills are crucial to effectively manage deadlines and resources, ensuring that projects stay on track and within set limits. Communication, leadership and problem-solving skills are also important to coordinate the team and maintain effective communication with all stakeholders.
How should an IT Project Manager deal with constant technological changes?
To face constant technological changes, you must maintain a flexible and proactive mindset. This includes keeping up to date with the latest trends and technological advances, which can be achieved by participating in continuous training courses, conferences and seminars in the sector.
Adaptability is key in this context. An IT PM must be able to quickly adjust project plans and strategies in response to new technologies or changes in the environment.
What challenges does this professional face?
A Project Manager faces several challenges, such as risk management, coordinating interdependent integrations and updating software to avoid compatibility issues. In addition, they must deal with the growth of the project’s scope, set realistic deadlines and maintain clear and effective communication with all stakeholders.
Another significant challenge is the management of legacy systems that are not capable of evolving. These systems can limit the implementation of new technologies and require creative solutions to integrate with modern systems. The ability to navigate these challenges and find effective solutions is crucial to maintaining the efficiency and competitiveness of the project.
Who do you consider to be excellent at their job among the people who work at Telefónica that you would nominate for this interview?
If I had the opportunity to recommend two people, one of them would be Gastón Conessa. Until recently, he was head of Project Management and is now in another area. During the time I worked with him, he proved to be an exceptional professional, standing out for his great human qualities and dedication.
The other person I would like to recommend is Iván Chomiak, with whom I had the honour of collaborating on a technological migration project. Iván stood out for his brilliant performance, his professionalism and his ability to successfully face challenges.
