Project Manager

Description

The company designs, builds and runs the growth systems that competitive businesses depend on, and helps clients transform their business and modernise their marketing, linking strategy to delivery.

About 12,000 specialists in engineering and platforms, commerce, consulting, content transformation, CRM and CX work in one global operating unit across more than 40 markets.

The team works with partners including Adobe, AWS, Braze, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce and Shopify, as well as AI innovators, to build growth solutions suited to each client.

The company has been recognised as a leader in Commerce Services and CX Strategy Consulting by the Forrester Wave.

The company is part of WPP. VML supports WPP Enterprise Solutions by helping brands turn transformation into action through creativity and experience.

This is a contract role on the eCommerce Team. It calls for a Project Manager with commerce experience and a technical background.

You will be an experienced Project Manager who leads teams to deliver complex, high-quality projects on budget and on time, so the benefits in the business case are realised. You will work closely with the Programme Manager or Account Director to hit productivity goals and support the organisation's overall success.

Applications must be submitted with a CV in English.

Responsibilities

• Run complex projects effectively using Agile methods.
• Keep work moving by solving issues and removing blockers.
• Write accurate status reports on milestones, deliverables, risks and issues for stakeholders and sponsors.
• Run several workstreams successfully, making sure each team knows the expected output and quality.
• Manage dependencies between workstreams.
• Guide teams with limited Agile experience, proposing practical process improvements where useful.
• Motivate teams to meet individual and team goals and deliver high-quality outputs on agreed timelines.
• Improve delivery processes.
• Support Junior Project Managers within your account.
• Review and update the project resource plan regularly, keeping budgets under tight control.
• Build close relationships with senior management and business stakeholders, becoming a credible and reliable expert they trust.
• Understand client needs and deliver first-class solutions that build their confidence.
• Set and manage client expectations, and resolve escalations diplomatically.
• Chair meetings and reviews with several stakeholder groups.
• Stay current with emerging industry practices.

Requirements

• Proven project management experience in software development.
• Experience in eCommerce, ideally in retail.
• Proven experience managing re-platforming projects, including owning the cutover.
• Proven experience controlling scope in project delivery.
• Proven experience on eCommerce platform projects, delivering change to external stakeholders.
• Experience on Content projects.
• Experience on Experience projects.
• A good understanding of the software development lifecycle and release management.
• Ability to define, manage and deliver to customer expectations within strict deadlines.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and welcome change with enthusiasm and critical thinking.
• Experience leading and managing teams at different stages of their lifecycle.
• Experience with modern software development practices.
• Strong grasp of agile delivery techniques and lean ways of working.
• Experience managing people and financial budgets, including project budgeting, financial monitoring and reporting.
• Solid time management and organisational skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the tact to handle sensitive issues.
• Relevant project management qualifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Conditions

Contract basis.

Equal opportunity employer: applicants are considered for all positions without discrimination.

Benefits

• Work with some of the most recognised brands worldwide.
• Career development and support to grow your skills.
• Room to make an impact, be yourself and be respected for who you are.
• The company's values are Heart, Brains and Courage: empathy and trust, curiosity and collaborative problem-solving, and speaking up and backing bold ideas.
• AI is used in recruitment only for secure, objective note-taking, never for evaluating candidates. You can ask for a transcript of the notes or opt out at any time without affecting the interview outcome.