Senior Manager, Project Management - Marketing Communications

Who are we?

Marks is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum - from brand design and packaging to content and consumer connections.

Rooted in a deep understanding of human behaviour, we are uniquely constructed to enable brands to win in an age of constant change.

A super-charged experience powerhouse - 700 people strong, with subject matter experts working collaboratively across 12 studios and 8 countries - we have helped some of the world's biggest brands (Amazon, LEGO, PepsiCo, Target and AB InBev, to name a few) connect to their audiences and tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities of today's consumer landscape.

About the team

The Marks Marketing Communications team (Marcom) is our agile and talented agency-with-an-agency. They create smart, insight-driven omni-channel campaigns, programs, and content - bringing them to life across multiple touchpoints and mediums, both digital and physical.

A multidisciplinary group of problem-solvers, our team uncovers the truth behind client asks and needs, developing innovative and creative solutions that engage audiences, build brands, and drive sales.

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Manager of Project Management to join our dynamic design agency. In this role, you will oversee and drive complex and multi-dimensional design and marketing projects across various channels, including digital, print, and branding.

This role is key to leading both project execution and a talented team of project managers, ensuring peak operational efficiency and the highest standards of project delivery.

As a Senior Manager of Project Management, you understand what it takes to lead, ideate, build, and launch omni-channel marketing campaigns, as well as effectively managing a team of Marketing Communications (Marcom) Project Managers.

You are a highly strategic problem solver with a proven track record in the creative and production industry (agency or client-side).

The ideal candidate has people management experience and a robust understanding of the creative process and the ability to tackle various projects simultaneously, ensuring all are delivered on time, within budget, and to our high standard of quality.

You'll work and consult with teams across our entire Marks ecosystem, on an exciting range of clients and categories, including toys, food & beverage, beer, wine, spirits, technology, personal care, beauty, retail, and many more.

On any given day you might

• Provide guidance and direction to direct reports
• Consult with client partners and client services alike to understand the challenge at hand and act as an advisor in order to reach alignment and attain program goals
• Lead in the creation of timelines and resource budgets, information sharing, and analysis
• Manage and organize multiple projects - from creative brief, creative ideation and development, and creative execution
• Identify and coordinate the right talent at the right time to deliver successfully on creative work - across both our internal teams and external partners and talent
• Schedule, manage and address cross-functional feedback and stakeholder approvals
• Act as the intermediary between Creative Groups, Client Service, Studio, and Production so each gate is set up for success
• Predict and / or identify roadblocks and obstacles, and proactively establish meetings or integration points between teams to address and resolve them

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Management :

• Oversee the entire project lifecycle across multiple channels, ensuring seamless execution that meets stringent quality standards
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, facilitate creative ideations, and manage executions, ensuring all facets work harmoniously within the agreed timeline and budget
• Act as a key advisor to both client partners and internal teams, ensuring alignment and fulfillment of project goals

Team Leadership and Development :

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to a team of Project Managers, encouraging professional development and operational excellence
• Conduct routine assessments, provide constructive feedback, and guide the team towards achieving their career goals within the agency
• Handle resource allocation, workload management, and performance evaluations to ensure team efficacy and morale

Quality Assurance and Risk Management :

• Conduct rigorous quality checks and establish quality benchmarks for project deliverables
• Identify potential project risks, devise mitigation strategies, and ensure every project complies with internal and external standards

Process Optimization and Innovation :

• Continuously seek and implement improvements in project management processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in design and project management to bring innovative and timely solutions to the agency and its clients

The ideal person

• Has a proven track record of leading project teams and delivering with excellence
• Possesses high level of initiative, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
• Has a deep understanding of consumer engagement across digital and physical channels
• Lives and breathes marketing communications and is passionate about design, detail-oriented, and a creative problem solver
• Is a strong communicator and empathetic leader

You Bring

• 7+ years of proven project management experience, ideally in a design or creative agency setting with substantial experience managing large-scale, integrated projects
• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Design Management, or a related field
• 3 years experience with managing direct reports
• Strong leadership skills with experience in people management, training, and team development
• Expert knowledge of the creative process as well as technical requirements for digital and print media
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com), MS Office, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Experience managing projects with Senior Director-level stakeholders
• Experience establishing, optimizing, and managing creative processes
• A roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-it-done attitude

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including recruitment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly those who may contribute to the further diversification of our organization.

If you require any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to inform us. Together, we strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves.