“Never a Dull Moment”: Learn about the Work of an IT Project Manager with Vanessa Bráz

Vanessa Bráz is a newly minted IT Project Manager at BNP Paribas Personal Finance. She makes sure the teams are working well together and manages schedules and budgets. Today she tells us about her day-to-day work, her responsibilities and the challenges that come with the territory.

What does an IT Project Manager do?

An IT Project Manager wears many hats. First, I have to manage the IT teams, the software developers and security analysts. I also have to manage and oversee the budgets for the various projects assigned to us. I am also in charge of the international PF Tube Experience programme. So I have to make sure those schedules are on track so we can meet our deadlines. Of course, being a manager, I work with our customers on the projects underway at the IT department. I also have to keep an eye on our integration and production requirements.

What three qualities do you need to be a good fit for this job?

I think that being able to communicate effectively is essential. You have to be transparent and communicate with your teams and other departments so that you agree on where your projects are going and so you can move forward with confidence. You also need to be organised, in terms of managing your teams and the projects and budgets so nothing gets away from you. Even when working closely with others you have to be independent.

What would you tell someone who is applying for the position?

First off, I would tell them that they are making the right choice by applying for this position at our company. We work with interesting people and we are invested in the different aspects of the projects we work on, ranging from development to implementation, which makes it very motivating and satisfying. That’s what I love about being an IT project manager. There is the people-oriented side of things in that we help users have an easier, more streamlined experience. For this job you have to be on the ball, but it is also very interesting.
 

Do you feel like BNP Paribas Personal Finance cares about you as an employee?

I do feel like they care about me. I have had a very positive experience at BNP Paribas Personal Finance. Their corporate values are a great fit for me and I have more flexibility in my work than I’ve had anywhere else.

Do you feel like what you do helps people bring their projects to life?

Yes of course. I was talking about the PF Tube Experience programme before. We are trying to make people’s projects more realistic and make their experience more fluid. So yes, we may not be in direct contact with them, but all the work we do on the back end helps them bring their projects to life.

Anything you’d like to add to sum things up and explain your work at BNP Paribas Personal Finance?

Of all the jobs I’ve had, this is the one that has provided the most stability and flexibility in an interesting and highly motivating setting. With the roles and responsibilities they’ve entrusted us with, there’s never a dull moment.