In Rising in resource management: A conversation with Deloitte UK's Sarah Brady, we’re joined by Sarah Brady, Senior Resource Planning Manager at Deloitte UK and Resource Management Certified Professional (RMCP®), who shares her insights on elevating the role of resource management—through the power of community, certification, and strategic leadership.
A rising role with real impact
I’ve spent nearly 13 years at Deloitte UK, with most of that time focused on resource management, and over my career I’ve seen growing recognition for the complexity and impact of the role. What was once seen primarily as a logistical or administrative function is increasingly being valued as a strategic contributor to business performance and people development.
That shift isn’t just happening across the industry. I’ve felt it in my own development too.
Elevate in action
Last year, I attended the Elevate Conference, hosted by Dayshape. It was the UK’s first dedicated event for resource management professionals, and it was a brilliant experience. It was such an amazing opportunity, and I really enjoyed the day. I know my colleagues who attended felt the same. As the first event of its kind, it brought together resource managers from across the country, with inspiring speakers exploring the future of resource management and covering timely, relevant topics such as the role of AI in RM.
The event reinforced just how important and far-reaching our role is. It highlighted the changing perception of RM, the growth of the function, and the complexity of a role that interacts with so many stakeholders. Resource managers are major contributors to revenue and deserve recognition for that within the business. We also play a significant role in shaping people’s careers, which has a real impact on their lives.
One powerful analogy from the day has really stayed with me:
“We are the control centre at the airport—carrying huge responsibility and risk to ensure a safe landing for multiple aircrafts.”
And my highlight was winning a fully funded place on the RMCP® program, which has given me the tools to keep elevating my role.
Building skills through certification
After Elevate, I began the Resource Management Institute’s Resource Management Certified Professional (RMCP®) program. I had been searching for a resource management certification to undertake, and with so few available, it was refreshing to discover the RMCP® program. The certification combines foundational theory with hands-on case studies and practical insights to support a resource management function in any organization.
The content was practical and grounded in real-world application, with a strong focus on areas that drive day-to-day success in RM. It builds core skills while also elevating strategic impact. Key areas include forecasting and planning, staffing allocations, just-in-time resourcing, and skills management, all immediately applicable to a resource manager’s role.
Beyond the content, the chance to connect with like-minded peers across the industry was a major highlight. Since completing the program I’ve brought many of the learnings back to my team. Since then, I’ve encouraged a renewed focus on our skills inventory and how we can make better use of the functionality available within Dayshape. This has been another way I’ve been able to elevate how I support my team.
Learning from peers
Between Elevate and the RMCP® program one of the most valuable outcomes has been the chance to meet and connect with others who truly understand my role. Through Dayshape events, I’ve grown my LinkedIn network with many new contacts and had several follow-up conversations where we’ve supported each other and shared ideas on the future of resource management. I now have a strong group of peers I can reach out to for advice on all things RM.
When you work in RM, especially in large firms, it’s easy to feel like you’re pushing against the tide. Events like Elevate help shift that perspective. They reinforce the strategic value resource management brings and provide a space to connect with people in similar roles, facing similar challenges. Having time to talk openly, share experiences, and listen to different perspectives is invaluable. We may often feel like the minority, but these events highlight the collective strength of RM professionals and what we’re capable of with the right direction.
These conversations also often turn to the challenges and opportunities ahead, from increasing efficiency to the role AI might play in shaping RM’s future.
And if you’re looking to build your expertise or step up in your RM career? Start with curiosity and a commitment to growth. Completing the RMCP® program is a great first step. Keep a curious mindset: think carefully about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it that way, and whether there’s a smarter, more efficient approach. This mindset will set you apart. In resource management, adaptability and openness to change are essential. Nothing is ever truly straightforward.
Looking ahead: pressures and potential
Firms today are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less, and that is reshaping how resource managers plan, forecast, and make decisions. There’s a growing need to become leaner and more efficient, with a sharper focus on utilization. Firms are exploring new ways of working and implementing technology to meet these goals. The challenge for RM is how we keep everyone effectively utilized while still achieving growth targets. Longer-term forecasting and capacity planning are central to this, looking further ahead and taking action now.
Looking forward, I believe AI has real potential to enhance the role of RM and free us up to focus on where we can add the most value. It can help improve day-to-day efficiency, automate more mundane tasks, and ultimately drive better outcomes. The question is: what steps do we need to take now to enable its success? I’m excited to see how AI is being adopted across the RM community, and the value different organizations are already starting to see.
Shaping the future of resource management
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but experiences like the RMCP® program and Elevate reminded me of the importance of stepping back to learn, connect, and reflect on how we work. They’ve given me fresh perspective and a real sense of momentum for where resource management is heading. Most of all, they’ve shown me how much opportunity there is to keep elevating our role as resource managers.
Get ready for Elevate 2025
Sarah attended the inaugural Elevate Conference in 2024, where she won a fully funded place on the RMCP® program. Elevate returns in November 2025 with a continued focus on helping RM professionals connect, learn, and shape the future of the profession but this time it's even bigger and better.
