In anticipation of increased project delivery demands across various short- and long-term acquisition and sustainment projects, Systematiq has conducted a leadership review.
Like most defence and infrastructure consulting firms, both large and small, Systematiq has gone through a recent period of uncertainty. However, with a focus on optimising our workforce, systems, processes and outcomes, as well as fostering strong relationships with our clients, we are positioned to finish this financial year from a position of strength.
Performance improvements by promoting from within
Brydon Johnson, Systematiq’s Managing Director, recognised that in order to scale, we need to focus on process improvements in how we deliver successful projects.
“We’ve appointed Sarah Norton to Head of our Project Delivery Team. With proven expertise in streamlining operations and implementing stronger project controls, Sarah will now lead efforts to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and on schedule.”
Sarah has been with Systematiq for over five years, and up until recently was our Proposals and Pre-Contracts Manager.
Project lifecycle expertise
Throughout her career, Sarah has gained extensive experience across the project lifecycle, from strategy and bidding to project delivery.
Reflecting on her new role, Sarah shared, “Leading multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments has strengthened my ability to streamline delivery across multiple projects.”
Her expertise has been shaped by roles at CASG and within the Defence Industry, giving her insight into both client and supplier perspectives: “My time with Systematiq has been invaluable,” Sarah noted, “especially in working with SMEs and Prime contractors to align complex stakeholder needs with clear solutions.”
In her previous position as Manager of the Pre-Contracts team, Sarah implemented processes that enhanced bid development efficiency and consistency. Her pivotal contributions to large-scale ASDEFCON submissions helped refine her understanding of Defence requirements, which she described as “a hands-on experience that prepared me for this next step in project delivery leadership.”
Strengthening Processes and Team Development
Sarah describes her priority as building scalable, repeatable processes that improve efficiency and consistency across project delivery, from proposal development through to project execution. A key focus is strengthening collaboration between our business development, capability, and delivery teams, ensuring that what we propose is fully aligned with what we deliver.
Sarah is also keen to develop her team: “I’m committed to supporting our people’s growth by providing mentoring, opportunities to develop new skills, and meaningful project experiences. Creating a culture that consistently achieves great outcomes is very important to me.”
Advancing PMO Capabilities and Delivery Excellence
Looking ahead, Sarah is excited to further position our PMO capabilities and cement Systematiq as a trusted delivery partner, especially for complex Defence and government projects. This means offering delivery frameworks that are both structured and flexible, tailored to each client’s unique needs, while continuing to deliver with confidence and value.
“Systematiq is uniquely positioned because we offer comprehensive delivery expertise that connects bidding, delivery, and governance capabilities to ensure seamless project execution and certainty for clients.
My focus is on refining tools and frameworks, encouraging team growth, and staying responsive to evolving client needs and industry standards. By leveraging data and insights, we aim to inform early decisions, reduce risks, and improve performance.
Clients value partners who deliver clarity and foresight, and by adapting, investing in our people, and applying smarter tools, we can provide proactive and integrated support that keeps us ahead in Defence and government projects.”
Brydon and the leadership team are eager for Sarah’s contributions: “Congratulations, Sarah. I look forward to collaborating more closely as you take on this new role and am excited about the results we will achieve together.”
