Working as a Project Manager at Symbio

The work has taken Tapio, among other places, to the top of a wind turbine.

Tapio Raesalmi has been a trusted Project Manager at Symbio since 2020. With over 25 years of industry experience, Tapio’s project management expertise ranges from large projects with over 100 people to small teams of just a few individuals. He has been involved in various stages, from product development to maintenance, with a particular focus on software and embedded systems projects.

Varied Workdays and Projects

A typical workday as a project manager involves leading meetings, monitoring project goals including resources, budget, and schedule, as well as reporting on status and progress. “There has never been a boring day,” Tapio has happily noted. The role also involves collaborating with clients to find new ways to achieve the company’s strategy and vision in both the short and long term. Acting as a consultant allows him to effectively identify bottlenecks in processes and their impacts.

Most recently, Tapio has been involved in a project developing smart energy solutions in Finland. His responsibilities have included the development of risk management tools and e-commerce solutions. Additionally, the project included ERP initiatives where maintenance updates and scheduling were implemented at power plants. “As an outsider, you can clearly see what works and what doesn’t. In my job, I highlight what is being done and why, and what adds value,” Tapio describes.

Teamwork and Continuous Development

For those considering a similar career path, Tapio especially recommends it to individuals who enjoy interacting with people, prefer being at the customer interface, and are analytical by nature. The most important thing to remember is that a project manager’s role is all about teamwork, so it is crucial to ensure the team is committed to working towards a common goal. Tapio himself favors a transparent approach where he also gets to know his team members. He encourages staying curious about the industry, keeping up with technological advancements and customer needs while committing to the company’s goals and visions.

At Symbio, Tapio particularly values the low hierarchy, where he feels trusted and appreciated for his expertise. Tapio appreciates his independent role, where help is always available when needed. In the future, Tapio aims to continue his professional development, with plans to obtain a project management certification – “Symbio supports learning and education. If there’s something you want to develop, they certainly encourage it.”

In his free time, Tapio enjoys spending time with his dogs, working out at the gym, and exploring the world of computer games with Symbio’s gaming group.