Leadership, innovation, digital transformation, and valuing people shape PMT's CEO's vision for the engineering and construction sector in 2026.

Issue No. 147 of Pontos de Vista magazine, dedicated to the theme “Engineering and Construction 2026: People, Innovation and Quality, Digital Transformation and Purposeful Growth,” highlights the reflections of Manuela Timóteo, CEO of PMT, on the challenges and priorities of a sector undergoing profound transformation.

Founded in 2009, PMT was born in a demanding context, marked by strong instability in the construction sector. For Manuela Timóteo, this moment was decisive in establishing a vision based on solid values, technical rigor, and a commitment to quality. “Each project, each challenge, and each person who joined the team contributed to establishing PMT as a benchmark for trust,” she emphasizes.

Organizational culture and close leadership

According to PMT's CEO, a solid organizational culture is built daily through relationships of trust, responsibility, and collaboration. In a context of technical and multidisciplinary teams, close leadership plays a central role, especially in demanding projects with critical deadlines. Being available, supporting teams, and removing obstacles without resorting to micromanagement is, for the CEO, essential to ensuring efficiency and motivation.

Rigor, trust, and responsibility as non-negotiable values

In construction and design, Manuela Timóteo points to technical rigor, consistency between words and actions, and constant presence in the field as key factors in ensuring trust and safety. “Only with strong human values is it possible to maintain high technical standards and lasting relationships with customers and partners,” she says.

Digital transformation: people before technology

When asked about the maturity of the sector in Portugal in terms of digital transformation, the CEO of PMT is clear: the main challenge is not technology, but people and technical training, especially in the public sector. Innovation with real impact is that which supports decision-making, improves coordination, and reduces risks, namely through digital modeling, integrated data management, and real-time monitoring.

Railway inspection as a strategic milestone

One of the projects in the spotlight is the inspection and safety coordination of the modernization of the Vendas Novas Railway Line, a strategic infrastructure for the country. For PMT, this project represents a significant milestone, reinforcing its experience in large-scale projects and the trust placed in it by public entities.

Growing with focus and consistency

For Manuela Timóteo, healthy growth in engineering is achieved through focus, without compromising quality, organizational culture, or safety. The continuous commitment to valuing people, training, and modernizing processes has been decisive for PMT's sustained evolution.

Looking ahead to 2026, the priority is clear: to deepen the company's digital transformation, integrating artificial intelligence across the board, with the aim of simplifying processes, supporting decisions, and increasing efficiency, always with technology at the service of people and technical knowledge.