Who we are looking for:   

VML is seeking a Group Program Director (GPD) to lead the Project Management discipline for a new global B2B client. This is fantastic opportunity for someone with exceptional client facing, global experience who thrives on standing up new businesses and all that comes with it. 

The GPD will be a true partner to our client and internal Account, Strategy and Creative Leaders, with an intimate understanding of the clients' goals and anticipating how VML can best serve them. 

You must have deep knowledge of all aspects of the Project Management function within a global creative agency. You can identify inefficiencies and streamline processes, while also being a strong lead and mentor to the team. You must be able to build large scopes of work and partner effectively with financial leadership, executive leadership, and key stakeholders in this highly visible role.  

 What you’ll be doing:  

• Lead the delivery of work that is excellent, on time, on budget and goes beyond the brief. You will be responsible for setting up plans and processes that drive projects forward and ensure successful delivery with high client satisfaction. Maintain awareness of the current industry environment that shapes opportunities for client solutions (i.e. news events, trends, social platforms, etc.). 
• Establish and manage program communication and processes. You will be responsible for setting up appropriate structure and tools to ensure successful collaboration and engagement across agency and client teams.
• Establish & optimize our ways of working to drive better efficiency, and ultimately contribution margin on the business
• Act as Worldwide lead to foster collaboration and coordination across our global offices
• Lead, motivate, direct and challenge teams to produce great work. You will be responsible for establishing and managing cross-functional teams across different locations that are collaborative, efficient and high-functioning.
• Consistently demonstrates core management skills in facilitation, communication, attention to detail, negotiation, technical skills, effective leadership skills, great interpersonal skills.
• Build and foster a collaborative relationship with Client procurement team
• Continue to optimize and shape the client operating model to best service the business
• Identify areas of need from a staffing perspective as we continue to grow the business
• Responsible for annual SOW development, project estimation, forecasting and profitability. You will be responsible for building detailed plans; managing resource allocations; and reporting on program status, burn rates, budgets and reconciliations to agency and client stakeholders.
• Ongoing Financial training and process adherence across OpCos
• Manage monthly financial reconciliation across OpCos
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, forecasts, financial reports/trends to inform ELT of the well-being of the partnership.
• Develop and drive monthly financial reconciliation process and billing coordination with client purchasing and OpCos 

What You’ll Need: 

• 12+ years of hands-on project management leadership experience in advertising or marketing communications in a client-facing role, ideally at a (preferably large) global creative agency or similar. 
• A systematic thinker with proven track record of overseeing global brand campaigns across cross-functional teams 
• A campaign thinker, with experience in multi-channel, integrated campaign work, who demonstrates a sharp knowledge of, and thoughtful POV on, the principles of marketing, advertising, campaigns, content and all forms of media.  
• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them. 
• Proven track record in a client-service environment including presenting work and the ability to link people (including team members and stakeholders), ideas, and information throughout a project life.
• Self-motivated and driven to build and create great work.
• Strong leadership skills including ability to connect and motivate a large team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• B2B and consumer electronics experience is highly desired.  

What we can offer you: 

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work. 
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery. 
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness. 
• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally. 

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.