Organisations invest heavily in methodologies, frameworks and tools. Yet when projects struggle, the root causes are usually human: unclear ownership, misaligned stakeholders, or the wrong skills at the wrong time.
Demand for delivery leadership reflects this. Employment of ICT Managers, a group that includes ICT project managers, grew by 4,100 in the year to February 2026 (Jobs and Skills Australia) and is projected to grow 25.5% over the decade to 2035 (JSA Employment Projections).
Four people factors that shape delivery
- Leadership. Someone who sets direction, makes decisions and owns outcomes.
- The right capability at the right stage. Discovery, build and transition each need different strengths.
- Stakeholder skill. The ability to translate between technology and the business.
- Team stability. Constant turnover erodes knowledge, momentum and trust.
A methodology tells a team how to work. Good people decide whether it actually works.
A quick health check for your project
Score each statement from 1 (not at all) to 5 (absolutely):
- Everyone can name the person accountable for delivery.
- Key stakeholders agree on what success looks like.
- The team has the skills needed for the current phase, not just the last one.
- Risks are raised early, without fear of blame.
A total below 12 is a signal to look closely at people and roles before adding more process.
Hiring for delivery roles: what to look for
- Evidence of steadying or recovering a project under pressure.
- Clear communication with both technical teams and executives.
- Judgement and pragmatism, with certifications as a foundation rather than the whole story.
Key takeaways
- Process supports delivery, but people drive it.
- Match capability to the phase of the project.
- Invest in delivery leadership early, not after problems appear.
Looking for delivery, PMO or program leadership? Submit a requirement. Delivery professional exploring your next role? join the AveniQ Talent Network.
Disclaimer: This article reflects AveniQ Enterprise’s perspective and is provided for general information only. Statistics are sourced from third parties, such as the ABS, Jobs and Skills Australia and the ACS, as published at October 2026, and may since have been revised. No warranty is given as to their accuracy or completeness, and nothing here constitutes professional advice. Please refer to the original sources before relying on any figure.
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