My name is André Knol, and I have been working at Bilfinger for seven years now. My background is in civil engineering: first a vocational education at Alfa College, followed by a higher professional education at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. After that, I completed a master’s in Environmental and Energy Management at the University of Twente. When I graduated, I was determined to find a role where I could really take on responsibility. That is when I came across the vacancy for Junior Project Manager at Bilfinger, and it immediately felt like the right fit. What made it unique was that, despite having no experience as a project manager, I was immediately given the opportunity to start in that role. Whereas many engineering firms require several years of experience as an engineer first, I was given their trust right away. That was the deciding factor for me.

A leap into the deep end

Of course, it was daunting at first. I did not yet know all the technical terms and still had much to learn about the content. But what I could do was listen, create structure, and connect people. Instead of relying on technical expertise, I leaned on my personal skills. I quickly discovered that this is the essence of project management: not knowing everything yourself, but ensuring the team is clear on what needs to be done and helping them strengthen each other.

I started out as a tender manager, which turned out to be a golden learning opportunity. In a short period of time, I learned a great deal about the preliminary stages of projects: how quotations are prepared, how a customer request develops into a project, and how to organize that process. That experience became a solid foundation for the years that followed.

Projects that make an impact

What I find so inspiring about working at Bilfinger is the diversity. I have worked with clients in very different sectors: from truck manufacturing to baby food, from power plants to water treatment facilities. Each project gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a company and teaches you what truly matters to them.

One project I am particularly proud of is a recent Design & Build-project for a new water treatment facility. It is a perfect example of how Bilfinger can realize projects from start to finish, from the very first design to the actual construction. The trust placed in me by management and the project team to lead strategic and complex projects motivates me to deliver the best results. And the best part: this project will be realized, which makes it all the more rewarding.

In addition, I have been working for one of Europe's largest truck manufacturers on sustainability projects for many years. I am also currently supervising several projects for power plants, such as battery storage and systems that can restart the power grid in the event of a blackout. These are all projects that are highly relevant today.

Collaboration and structure

For me, successful projects are always about collaboration. As a project manager, I rely on the expertise of my colleagues, because only together can we truly help the client move forward. My role is to provide structure, create clarity, and make sure everyone knows what is expected of them.

Our internal lean board meetings are a good example. In about half an hour, we clarify the goals for the coming week, assign responsibilities, and connect the short-term actions to the bigger picture. You can see the relief on my colleagues’ faces: “Now I know exactly what to focus on this week.” That clarity is motivating, as is personal attention. By understanding what people value, what ambitions they have, or how they are doing personally, you can assign tasks that not only drive the project forward but also contribute to their personal development.

Growth and development

When I started, I hardly knew the industry. Today, I understand how factories and installations come together, how different disciplines interact, and which choices are critical for success. Project management is not something you learn from theory, it is something you learn by doing. Bilfinger has always supported me in that journey: through training, coaching, but above all by giving me the trust to simply try. That combination of responsibility and support has allowed me to grow enormously, not just in knowledge, but especially in personal and social skills.

Looking ahead

As a Senior Project Manager, I look forward to being involved in more projects that are actually built and deliver a tangible impact. With the growth of our Design & Build approach, those opportunities are becoming increasingly frequent.

What advice would I give to new colleagues? Do not be afraid to ask questions. Nobody expects you to know everything. By being open, you learn faster, and most colleagues genuinely enjoy sharing their expertise. In the end, it is not only about technology, but above all about people and collaboration. That is what makes our work at Bilfinger so meaningful.