Project Management in Software Companies: its role and impact

At eagerworks , we are proud of the dynamic and diverse team that has grown significantly and is the one driving our projects forward. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Santiago Villada , one of our Project Managers (PM), whose insights reflect the passion and expertise that contribute to our team and projects’ success.

From strategy to execution: The role of PMs at Eagerworks

Santi defines his role as the "key facilitator" who ensures smooth coordination between all project stakeholders. As a PM, he’s responsible for guiding projects from conception to completion, which involves balancing strategic planning, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication. “My goal is to ensure that our projects align with Eagerworks' objectives and deliver value to our clients by proposing innovative ideas and enhancements that benefit their businesses,” Santi says about his approach.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Project Manager at Eagerworks?

A typical day as a Project Manager at Eagerworks begins with reviewing my agenda and meetings. I ensure I'm prepared by gathering necessary inputs or identifying any missing ones. Each day brings new challenges, from resolving issues to adapting plans. I meet with the development team daily to track progress and address any roadblocks. Weekly, I may attend demos or retrospective meetings to gather feedback and discuss improvements for future sprints.

What project are you working on right now?

Currently, I'm working on Hipstr Inc. a company that offers innovative and versatile photo booth services for corporate events and brand actions. This project is challenging because it’s an ongoing effort with ambitious growth plans in the USA, requiring numerous new features and enhancements. One of the main difficulties is building upon an existing codebase, which presents challenges in maintaining consistency and quality. Our primary goal is to develop a platform capable of handling a high volume of events across multiple regions while maintaining a high standard of service. I’m also preparing to transition to a GovTech project, which promises new challenges and opportunities for growth.

What makes a great PM?

I believe a successful Project Manager needs to possess a variety of skills:

• Organization: Managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and resources efficiently.
• Empathy: Creating a positive working environment that fosters collaboration.
• Active Listening: Ensuring all team members’ and clients’ concerns are heard and addressed.
• Firmness: Setting clear expectations and making tough decisions when necessary.
• Responsibility: Owning the outcomes and progress of each project.
• Tension Management: Resolving conflicts and challenges calmly and constructively.
• Multitasking: Keeping multiple projects on track and ensuring timely delivery.

3 pillars for effective team collaboration

Effective collaboration is a cornerstone of Santi’s approach to Project Management. For him, successful collaboration with other teams comes down to three pillars:

1) In-depth product knowledge: "Understanding the product is crucial," Santi says. It allows him to effectively communicate with both developers and clients, ensuring everyone is aligned with the project’s goals.

2) Empathy and positive leadership: As a leader, Santi emphasizes the importance of empathy. Fostering a positive, organized environment motivates the team and drives productivity.

3) Managing tensions and client relationships: By addressing issues transparently, Santi ensures the project stays on track and client expectations are met.

Project Management: the backbone of client success

Project Management plays a critical role in a software company like Eagerworks. For Santi, the main benefit of effective project management is that it allows each team member to focus on their area of expertise, improving overall productivity. "It also helps manage client relations by ensuring they feel heard and supported." By handling day-to-day project challenges, PMs like Santi reduce the burden on senior leadership, allowing them to focus on closing deals and driving company growth.

These insights underline the importance of transparency, collaboration, and a client-first approach at Eagerworks. Our Project Managers are not just taskmasters—they are leaders, facilitators, and problem-solvers who play a pivotal role in the success of our projects and the satisfaction of our clients.

We’re proud to have Santiago Villada , Camila Pereira Russi , and Julian Frenck as part of our Eagerworks team and look forward to the continued success of the projects they lead.