Leading engineering projects in industry is about more than technology. It is about people, coordination, and trust. For Håkan Dahlén, Senior Project Manager at Bilfinger, a holistic perspective and teamwork are crucial for success—from initial analysis to final delivery.
Since joining Bilfinger in March 2019, Håkan has worked on several large-scale projects where technology, planning, and execution must function seamlessly together. In his role as Senior Project Manager, he is responsible for aligning all aspects of the projects and ensuring that internal teams, clients, and suppliers work toward the same goals.
“I lead the projects together with the project team, suppliers, and the client. It is never a one-person effort—it is a shared responsibility.”
Ensuring Overall Cohesion
The engineering projects led by Bilfinger are often complex and span long timeframes. Håkan’s work involves coordinating multiple functions and ensuring that each project is executed in a structured manner throughout the entire process—from feasibility studies and technical analyses to planning, execution, follow-up, and handover.
“You receive an assignment to improve, replace, or future-proof something. My role is to ensure that the project progresses and that the work is carried out according to the required standards.”
Several projects often run in parallel, each with different conditions and scopes. Creating a sustainable workload therefore requires careful internal planning and dialogue.
“We often have multiple projects running simultaneously. That makes it essential to plan together with colleagues and management to ensure the workload remains manageable over time.”
Collaboration is a recurring theme in Håkan’s approach to project management. He describes himself as a team player and emphasizes the importance of alignment across all project functions.
“Projects only work if we collaborate—across engineering, planning, safety, and execution. All parts need to move in the same direction.”
Projects with Clear Impact
Over the years, Håkan has been involved in several technically advanced projects that have significantly improved operational reliability and production availability. One of the most rewarding projects focused on addressing recurring downtime in a critical part of an industrial facility.
“There was a lot of downtime, and we really needed to understand why. We started analyzing when the interruptions occurred, what triggered them, and which measures actually made a difference.”
Through a systematic approach—root cause analysis, improved preventive maintenance, and adjustments to automation—the issues were gradually reduced, in line with Bilfinger’s vision of being number one in efficiency and sustainability.
“When we finished, downtime was nearly eliminated. That was clear proof that the work had delivered results.”
However, for Håkan, the technical solution was not the only success factor. The most important lesson was about involvement.
“The key was engaging the right people. Operators and staff working close to the facility every day hold knowledge that is absolutely critical.”
This approach has been carried into subsequent projects, whether involving backup power systems, protection relays, switchgear, or replacement of legacy control systems in production.
Collaboration in Everyday Work
A central part of the engineering project management role is close collaboration with clients and operations. Projects are often carried out in direct connection to ongoing production, placing high demands on communication, presence, and shared responsibility.
“It is never ‘us and them.’ We are working together to make this succeed.”
The same mindset applies within Bilfinger. When additional expertise or resources are needed beyond one’s own team, it is natural to seek internal support.
“Bilfinger is bigger than any single team. Together, we have a great deal of knowledge and experience, and we are good at leveraging each other’s strengths.”
This way of working closely reflects Bilfinger’s values, which, according to Håkan, are clearly visible in everyday operations.
“It is the colleagues and clients that make me enjoy my work. The atmosphere we create together—and having fun at work—means a lot.”
He also highlights the importance of soft skills in daily operations—those elements that build relationships over time and form the foundation of a well-functioning organization and sustainable workplaces.
“It can be as simple as taking the time to say hello, wishing someone a nice weekend, or sharing a coffee. Those small things build trust—and they often come back to you.”
Pride in Delivery
When a project reaches completion, it is the overall result that matters—technology, safety, documentation, and the collaboration along the way. For Håkan, project management is about delivering something that works in practice and creates long-term value.
“In the end, it’s about doing a good job together and handing over something we can be proud of.”
With a strong team focus, solid structure, and close collaboration with colleagues, clients, and suppliers, Håkan Dahlén is a clear example of how the Engineering organization at Bilfinger is put into practice—every day, in every project.