With two decades of hands-on experience leading technology IT projects, Steve Stringer plays a central role in shaping and delivering structured, outcome-driven projects, ensuring both technical precision and long-term value for clients. We sat down with Steve, Project Manager (PM), to understand the key elements that define effective project delivery and what sets bluesource’s approach apart.
The Importance of Early PM Engagement
A recurring theme in bluesource’s approach is the value of bringing project managers into the process early, ideally at the concept phase, before any formal purchase order is in place. Early involvement allows the PM to contribute to shaping the Statement of Work (SoW), helping to align technical requirements with business outcomes. It also reduces ambiguity, enabling more accurate planning and risk management.
This early context helps PMs identify potential gaps and dependencies long before delivery begins. When involved from the outset, PMs are better equipped to bridge the space between customer expectations and internal delivery capabilities.
Translating SoWs into Actionable Plans
One of the most critical skills for a project manager, is the ability to interpret technical documentation and transform it into a clear, actionable project plan. This process often reveals misalignments that may not be immediately visible within the SoW alone.
At bluesource, PMs focus on understanding not just what the project is delivering, but why. That clarity ensures the delivery team stays focused on the outcomes the customer actually needs, not just the contractual obligations. This shift from task-based delivery to outcome-based execution is central to bluesource’s philosophy.
Structured Governance and Sign-Off
Project governance at buesource follows a gated model, where key phases require formal customer sign-off before progressing. These checkpoints, or decision gates, provide structure and shared accountability. They also offer an opportunity to confirm that the work delivered so far aligns with expectations.
Once a project is handed over, the PM begins with a structured internal review of the SoW, bringing together the SoW author and technical delivery team. A project kickoff follows, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on scope, timeline, and responsibilities.
A standardised onboarding process with the customer and an early introduction of the RAID log, sets expectations clearly from day one. This early visibility fosters transparency and trust.
Our Methodology to Drive Clarity
RAID logs: used to track Risks, Actions, Issues, and Decisions, are introduced at the outset and remain a key governance tool throughout the engagement. Regularly updated and shared with the customer, the RAID log supports consistent decision-making and accountability.
For more complex projects, bluesource develops runbooks to provide a clear, step-by-step framework for task execution. This documentation plays a key role in managing multi-team or cross-functional delivery, ensuring clarity even in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
What Sets Bluesource PMs Apart
bluesource’s project management team is defined by its agility, collaborative culture, and technical awareness. Unlike more siloed delivery models, PMs here are embedded in a culture that values cross-departmental communication and shared responsibility.
“After 20 years in the businesss and 8 years as a PMO, one thing is clear: project success isn’t just about following a plan, it’s about understanding what the customer values and making that your guidepost.”
This mindset allows bluesource’s PMs to move beyond process compliance and deliver engagements that feel seamless, collaborative, and tailored to each customer’s goals.
Final Thoughts
Steve Stringer’s experience reinforces a central principle: project delivery is not just a technical function; it’s about putting the customer at the heart of what we do. Project managers must be able to balance structure with flexibility, manage change with transparency, and always keep the customer’s goals in focus.
bluesource’s project management team brings together the governance, communication, and adaptability needed to deliver successful outcomes, even in complex and evolving environments.
To learn more about our approach to project delivery or to discuss an upcoming project
