At Omexom in Biberach (Germany), Martin Sauter manages complex underground infrastructure projects with method, pragmatism and indomitable team spirit.
When asked what motivates him every day, Martin Sauter is quick to answer: “Every day brings its own set of challenges and surprises, which is exactly what makes my work so fascinating.” As a project manager in underground cable construction for Omexom Germany, Martin coordinates projects in their entirety, from preparation of the estimate to final administrative wrap-up, handling project team coordination, scheduling, procurement and budget tracking in between.
But his role goes far beyond traditional project management. At 27, Martin Sauter is a committed conductor, equally present in the field and in the office. “I wouldn’t dream of shutting myself in an ivory tower. If a colleague is away, I’m ready to pick up a broom, or get behind the wheel of a truck or excavator. It’s these moments of solidarity that create true cohesion.”
From mechanical engineering to site management
Martin Sauter’s career began in a different universe. Having a passion for technology and particularly enthusiastic about automotive engineering, he initially chose to study mechanical engineering. “I’ve always been fascinated by technical processes and their interactions. At first, I wanted to become a design engineer.”
But he very quickly felt the need to get out of the office and handle more concrete tasks: “I wanted to be in the field, to understand how things work in the real world.” In 2019, with his studies completed, Martin was drawn to site work and joined the specialist demolition, earthworks and cabling company Max Wild. There, he discovered the realities of project management, from working with people to technical coordination. His experience there set the seal on his vocation.
An XXL project to advance the energy transition
After 18 months, the young engineer joined Omexom in Biberach in southern Germany, captivated by the far-reaching projects, the team spirit and the prospects for development. He found a real balance between autonomy, diverse missions and long-term commitment. He is currently managing the largest project of his career, worth close to €2 million, for the customer Netze BW. “The project involves the installation of around eight kilometres of fibre-optic and electrical lines. It demands meticulous coordination of the different trades and strict adherence to deadlines and quality requirements, especially with the simultaneous installation of electrical and fibre-optic infrastructure.”
“Every day brings its own set of challenges and surprises, which is exactly what makes my work so fascinating.”
Along with their technical performance, Martin emphasises the important social impacts of these projects. “We’re helping to modernise electricity networks, which are an essential lever for the energy transition. Our work also underpins renewable energies and ensures a secure energy supply. This gives meaning to what we’re doing.”
Proximity and responsibility
In his team, Martin prioritises listening, trust and upskilling. “I try to delegate, involve everyone and give feedback. Open dialogue is essential to developing employees and creating a positive dynamic.” Of the five VINCI Energies core values, responsibility is the one he most embodies. “I’m responsible not only for successful project execution, but also my teams’ safety. It’s a commitment I take extremely seriously.”
The business culture at VINCI Energies also offers continuous personal development through a broad range of training courses and a structure that promotes autonomy, enabling Martin to expand his skill set and move on to more ambitious projects.
Volunteer firefighter and keen model maker
Outside work, Martin is a volunteer firefighter – a civic commitment that echoes his professional responsibilities. “It strengthens my sense of teamwork, my ability to keep a cool head in a crisis, and my responsiveness. These are qualities that serve me well every day.” In his spare time, Martin enjoys building models – a hobby that requires both technical precision and patience – when he’s not out cycling or snowboarding! “These moments are when I can relax, replenish my energy and come back with renewed focus.”
An open, but committed future
When asked where he sees himself in five or ten years, Martin Sauter remains true to his values: “I’d like to keep learning, gain new responsibilities, and take the business forward with me.” He finds that innovation often thrives in the field, close up to the realities of project work and human interactions.
His favourite memory? One highlight was a potentially very difficult management challenge at a construction site on the Waldburg road, with several team members absent. “I decided to go directly to the site to coordinate whoever was left, take responsibility for operational tasks and ensure communication between the different stakeholders. We really worked hand-in-hand that day, and we hit the target commissioning date. It’s moments like those that really bind a team and drive projects forward.”
08/28/2025
