Le défi et la complexité des fournisseurs multiples : entretien avec Ellie Bird

We recently had a conversation with Ellie Bird, our Project Manager from the UK branch. During our talk, we discussed the qualities that make someone great for this position, as well as how Ellie managed to smoothly execute her last significant project. However, Ellie’s interests extend beyond her role. She is an avid theatre-goer and enjoys attending music concerts. She also takes part in various charity events and is a physically active individual who has previously completed 10k runs, swam from pier to pier in Bournemouth, and even gone skydiving. Let’s get to know her better!

Comment avez-vous débuté en tant que chef de projet et quand avez-vous rejoint Spyrosoft ?

I became a PM in my previous employment, where I planned and installed train ticketing machines. I completed over 1,000 installations while working on the project. It also involved the software included on the machines and various projects updating the devices. I then joined Spyrosoft in December 2021. Since then, I have worked on the Red Funnel Project, which, coincidentally, I used to work with from a train ticket perspective in my previous employment.

Le dernier projet, Red Funnel, était très intéressant, mais difficile. Quelle était l'idée et la demande initiales du client ?

Red Funnel initially engaged Spyrosoft to assist in identifying all of the interfaces with the booking system and website to understand the project’s impact and the key stakeholders’ requirements. Following the publication of the document, they requested that I project manage the programme of works. The initial project was the implementation of the new website alongside the upgrade of the booking system, and the scope was changed six months into the project to include the digitalisation of their holiday programme.

Quel était selon vous le revers potentiel au début et quel s'est avéré être le véritable défi ?

I initially viewed the potential setback of having to complete a ‘big bang’ go live, where the website and newly upgraded booking system had to be launched at the same time. However, the biggest challenge was the added complexity of multiple suppliers to manage with a project team, who had to share their time with their BAU responsibilities.

La communication peut être un problème majeur, et le monde des affaires ne fait pas exception. Comment avez-vous assuré la clarté entre toutes les parties impliquées, en particulier avec des parties prenantes ayant des points de vue différents ?

It was clear from my initial placement that I wanted the team to communicate everything to me to allow me to understand any issues or restrictions. The beauty of being external to the business was that I could listen to requirements, risks, issues and give a balanced, unbiased view of them, which at times provided clarity that those in the BAU roles weren’t able to see.

Combien de temps vous a-t-il fallu pour bien comprendre l'activité du client et les défis auxquels il était confronté, et que conseilleriez-vous aux autres chefs de projet ?

It took about three months to gain around 75% of the business and the demands on my stakeholders; however, even now, two years on, I am still learning different intricacies of their business. The best bit of advice I would give to other PMs is to embrace the client’s business, always put your client hat on and put yourself in their shoes to understand their needs. Although I work for Spyrosoft, when I am on the project, I see myself as an employee of Red Funnel, and it has become my passion to make sure that I deliver the best result possible.

Quels outils et méthodes vous ont aidé à surmonter les défis de ce projet ?

The best one in my toolbox is drawing on the experience from the more senior PMs I have worked with throughout the years. Be it from my Line Manager, Shane Poole, to external PMs who have guided me in my previous roles. I am also an active member of the APM society, so I have a vast amount of information at my disposal. However, for me, the biggest tool and method you can use is talking regularly with your stakeholders, and face-to-face meetings are priceless.

Quel a été le résultat du projet, et quelles étaient vos impressions une fois celui-ci terminé ?

The outcome was the project going live in November, and I can say it is the proudest moment in my project management career – surpassing the installation of over 1,000 train ticket machines nationwide. I am continuing to work with Red Funnel to push through further functionality, but the biggest hurdle of one big bang was successfully completed.

Grâce à VERB, les fournisseurs du site web, nous avons obtenu une magnifique vidéo présentant le résultat du projet.

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à la jeune Ellie lorsque vous avez commencé ce parcours ?

N'ayez pas peur de poser des questions et de tout remettre en question.

Merci, Ellie ! Nous apprécions votre volonté de partager.

Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur l'ambiance de notre bureau au Royaume-Uni, consultez notre entretien récent avec Gemma Blackaller, People Partner. De plus, si vous souhaitez travailler aux côtés d'experts comme Ellie, veuillez consulter nos Page Carrière et découvrez les postes ouverts !