Addressing this gap, this master thesis investigates how the role of the IT project manager in Switzerland is being transformed by the integration of GenAI, identifies the most important future competencies and provides an approach for their development.

Adopting an interpretivist research philosophy and an inductive research approach, this thesis employs a qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of IT project managers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 IT project managers in Switzerland and complemented by a literature review. Using thematic analysis, the thesis identifies recurring patterns related to role transformation, emerging competency requirements and effective approaches for competency development.

The findings indicate four essential future competencies for IT project managers to perform effectively in GenAI-integrated project environment. First, critical thinking is required to evaluate AI-generated outputs, identify bias and ensure decision-making accountability. Second, IT project managers require applied AI and data literacy to understand data sources, validate results and use tools responsibly. Third, leadership and communication competencies are important for guiding teams through technological change, fostering psychological safety and translating AI insights for stakeholders.Finally, the IT project managers act as guardians of responsible use, requiring strong competencies in ethics and governance to manage data protection, compliance and the mitigation of algorithmic bias.The thesis concludes that future competencies are most effectively developed through a blended, practice-oriented learning approach, rather than through isolated theoretical instruction. In response, this thesis proposes an actionable three-step competency development approach. First, IT project managers should engage in learning by doing by initiating small, low-risk pilot tasks, such as automating meeting minutes, to build handson experience with GenAI tools. Second, they should establish peer-based reflective structures, including communities of practice and peer reviews, to validate outcomes and facilitate shared learning. Third, targeted formal training should be pursued, linking AI tools directly to project governance and real-world challenges. Through this structured approach, this thesis provides actionable guidance to help IT project managers remain relevant and prepared for GenAI-enhanced project environments.