How to work with a Delivery Manager (if you’re not one)
Delivery managers can seem a bit abstract if you’ve never worked closely with one. Some people assume we’re here to manage tasks boards or chase deadlines. Others just aren’t sure what we do at all.
The truth is, I think, delivery management is about creating the conditions for good work. It’s not about controlling people or owning the plan. It’s about helping teams feel clear, supported, and able to do their very best work.
Here’s what that looks like in practice, and how to get the most out of working with a delivery manager, especially one like me, who brings a calm, people-first approach to projects.
It starts with trust
Before anything else, I try to create a space where people feel safe being honest, especially about the things that aren’t going well. That might be personal worries, team tensions, stuff you’re too busy to raise, or just a general feeling that something’s off.
The earlier these things surface, the easier they are to deal with. Good delivery relies on trust, and building that trust means listening without judgement and acting without drama.
So if you’ve got something on your mind, tell your delivery manager. It’s not a distraction, they won’t be (or shouldn’t be) too busy; this is the work.
What a delivery manager is here to do
I’m not here to control the work, but to support the people doing it. That support can take different shapes, depending on the team and the moment. Some of the things I focus on:
Keeping things moving without rushing or overwhelming
Helping people stay connected, across disciplines and roles
Protecting focus and time, so teams aren’t pulled in ten directions
Spotting risks early, and naming them gently so we can plan, not panic
Noticing how people are feeling, and checking in before it becomes a problem
I think a good, no, great delivery manager pays attention to both the people and the work. We don’t treat them as separate things.
How to work well together
You don’t need to know agile jargon or delivery frameworks to work well with a delivery manager. What helps most is openness, communication, and a shared commitment to making things better.
Here are a few ways you can help make the most of the relationship:
Talk to us early. If you’re starting a piece of work or sensing something difficult ahead, bring us into the conversation.
Be honest about how things are going. No need to mask, hide, under- or over- play stuff, especially when it’s messy.
Let us know what you need. That could be more space, more structure, or just someone to talk through a problem with.
Stay curious. We’re here to help the whole team learn and adapt, not just hit a deadline.
~ ~ ~
Good delivery isn’t just about what gets done. It’s about how people feel while doing it, supported, clear, and able to focus on what matters.
If you’ve got a delivery manager who helps you feel supported and steady, that’s a good sign things are working.
If you are one, keep doing the quiet things that help teams thrive (and thank you).