Sara Andersson: from code to leadership – a journey across industries

The best project managers are not just planners – they are connectors, problem-solvers, and relationship builders. At Tieto Tech Consulting, this is what drives our delivery forward, and Sara Andersson is a perfect example of it.

Sara has extensive experience leading global and complex system development projects across industries such as Automotive, Manufacturing, and Retail. Her expertise spans e-commerce, web and app development, and content management systems, including PIM and DAM solutions. She is also an IPMA-certified professional known for her pragmatic approach and exceptional ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. With a strong focus on quality assurance and team alignment, Sara consistently drives impactful results in her projects.

Building expertise one project at a time

Sara launched her project management career at Volvo IT, where she quickly became involved in various new development projects. Her responsibilities spanned from creating a range of applications, including sales support systems, CRM platforms, order and factory support systems, to establishing global support organizations and securing integration platforms.

"My time at Volvo provided me with a solid foundation in project management, thanks to their structured methodologies and well-established PMO that ensured quality and support throughout the processes."

Another valuable takeaway from Volvo was exposure to different cultures through frequent travel. Collaborating with colleagues and clients from different parts of the world was enriching and inspirational for Sara’s day-to-day work.

Two experiences from that period particularly stand out. One was the intense preparation for the Volvo Demo event, where her team successfully presented a new truck system integration. The second was Sara’s involvement in building a factory system from scratch for locations in Asia – one of her first professional assignments, and the project that marked the beginning of her transition from a programmer to future managerial roles.

"These milestones provided me with profound insights and laid the groundwork for my career growth."

Leading with purpose at Tieto Tech Consulting

One of the most impactful periods of Sara’s journey with Tieto Tech Consulting was from 2016 to 2019, when she stepped into leadership roles. During this time, she gained exposure to new business areas and had the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting various offices across Sweden and connecting with colleagues from multiple locations.

"I learned the intricacies of being a manager, encompassing personnel responsibilities, strategic planning, capacity management, profitability analysis, participation in project steering groups, and even site management duties."

"It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible benefits of our work in people’s lives."

Innovation, scale, and what comes next

Sara envisions the future of delivery in evolving into a more agile and data-driven model, where technological advancements such as AI and automation are integral to optimizing processes and enhancing deliveries – enabling faster, more cost-effective solutions that create greater value for clients.

Looking ahead, her team aims to strengthen and expand existing key customer relationships. Sara also sees great value in creating packaged solutions, such as loyalty program applications. These offerings can be extended to a wider client base, scaling innovation while maintaining commitment to quality and customization.

"By focusing on continuous innovation and tailoring our solutions to meet the evolving needs of both global and local clients, we aim to remain at the forefront of the industry."

Sara’s story reminds us of the power of persistence and collaboration – and how a pragmatic, people-focused approach to project management can create a lasting impact across industries and borders.