Project Manager

At AKQA (part of WPP) our Delivery Discipline sets the approach and standard for project delivery and governance, ensuring that clients maximize their return on investment. Responsible for team performance, they provide team members with the tools, support and training essential to delivering the most effective result possible. We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Project Manager to act as the linchpin between our creative, technical, and client teams. With a background in structuring and delivering creative marketing campaigns, mobile app builds or large-scale web builds.

You will be responsible for planning, executing, and delivering high-impact projects—ranging from traditional / digital marketing campaigns, branding initiatives to web development and software launches. The ideal candidate blends technical understanding with creative empathy, bringing order to creative chaos while ensuring technical feasibility, timely delivery, and budget management. 

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Project Planning & Scoping: Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and, where appropriate, technical specifications. Create comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, milestones, and resource allocation using tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project.
• Creative & Technical Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between creative teams (designers, copywriters) and technical teams (developers, engineers, testers). Ensure all creative assets (videos, UI/UX, copy) are seamlessly integrated into technical deliverables.
• Resource & Budget Management: Allocate human, financial, and technical resources effectively to maximize productivity. Monitor project costs, track expenses, and manage budgets to ensure profitability.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify potential roadblocks (scope creep, technical dependencies, team constraints) and develop mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Stakeholder & Client Communication: Maintain regular communication with clients and internal stakeholders to provide status updates, manage expectations, and facilitate feedback loops.
• Workflow Optimization: Utilize, and improve, project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Kanban) to streamline workflows and increase efficiency.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Ensure the final deliverables align with both the creative brief and technical requirements. 

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Experience: 7-9 years of experience in project management within a creative agency, tech company, or digital production environment.
• Methodologies: Strong knowledge of Agile (Scrum/Kanban) and Waterfall methodologies.
• Tools: Proficiency in project management software (Jira, Asana, Trello, Basecamp, or MS Project).
• Technical Familiarity: Understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), UI/UX principles, content management systems (CMS), and basic web technologies.
• Creative Understanding: Familiarity with creative processes, such as video production, graphic design, and content creation workflows.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and maintain composure under tight deadlines.
• Possess strong sense of personal responsibility for own and team’s work, and will proactively assist to ensure delivery of highest quality work within required timeframes (no matter the situation).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Marketing, Computer Science, Communications, or a related field. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP, CSM (Certified Scrum Master), or similar certification.