Program Management Lead

About the Company

WPP OPEN is WPP's proprietary, AI-powered operating system designed to connect our people, data, and technology to deliver integrated, creative, and effective solutions for our clients. It is a strategic imperative, central to our ambition to be the most integrated and client-centric creative transformation company. WPP OPEN is built to unlock the full potential of WPP's collective intelligence, streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and drive unparalleled value for our clients across all aspects of their marketing and business needs.

About the Role

The WPP Open Project Manager plays a crucial role within the team, leading the successful delivery of projects for our clients. This involves overseeing all aspects of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and closure. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring projects are completed on time and to the defined scope, while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction. This role requires a strong understanding of project management methodologies, excellent communication skills, and the ability to effectively manage diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning:

• Define project objectives and deliverables in collaboration with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Manage the defined scope of work and avoid scope creep for the project.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budget estimates.
• Create and maintain project documentation, including charters, and risk registers.
• Maintain the requirements documentation in collaboration with the Product Analyst.

• Resource Planning & Management:

• Manage project teams, assigning tasks and responsibilities.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the project team and with external stakeholders.
• Planning and reporting on team resource levels on a twice weekly basis.
• Forecasting resource requirements 1-3 months in advance.
• Motivate the team and foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

• Risk Management:

• Proactively identify and assess potential project risks.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Communication:

• Provide regular project updates to clients, senior management, and other stakeholders.
• Effectively manage client expectations and address any concerns.
• Facilitate clear and concise communication across all project stakeholders.
• Ensure timely sign-offs and closures with the clients and agency stakeholders.

• Quality Control:

• Implement quality assurance processes to ensure project deliverables meet defined standards and specifications.
• Conduct regular quality checks and reviews.
• Address any quality issues promptly and effectively.

• Performance Monitoring:

• Track project progress against the plan, identifying any deviations or issues.
• Implement corrective actions to address performance gaps and ensure project objectives are met.
• Utilize project management tools and software to monitor and report on project performance.

• Reporting:

• Prepare and present project status reports to relevant stakeholders, including clients and senior management.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and issues clearly and concisely.
• Provide regular updates on project milestones and key performance indicators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Information Technology).
• 15+ years of total work experience.
• Proven experience (8-10 years) in project management, preferably within a Product company background
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with project management tools and software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project).

Required Skills

• Strong Communication Skills:

  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communication to different audiences.

• Leadership Abilities:

  Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

• Analytical Skills:

  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends, potential problems, and make data-driven decisions.

• Problem-Solving Skills:

  Ability to identify and resolve project challenges effectively and efficiently.

• Organizational Skills:

  Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Technical Proficiency:

  Proficiency in relevant project management tools and software.

• Adaptability:

  Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.

• Client Focus:

  Strong client focus and commitment to delivering high-quality service.

Preferred Skills

• PMP or PRINCE2 certification.
• Experience working in the marketing and advertising industry.

Equal Opportunity Statement