Senior Project Manager

VML

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location: Costa Mesa, CA, United States

Requisition ID: 11147

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Who we’re looking for: 

VML is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our team, supporting one of our key clients in the automotive industry. In this role, you will be instrumental in managing integrated marketing programs, including TV, print, radio, social media, and display initiatives. Our Senior Project Managers are skilled at understanding both the overall project goals and the specific details, taking responsibility for managing expectations with internal teams and clients. You'll apply your understanding of how to effectively manage and balance project elements to consistently deliver results on time, within budget, and aligned with agreed objectives. This position involves managing full campaign lifecycles, from initial planning to final delivery, and effectively navigating business needs, resource allocation, scheduling, and financial considerations to ensure successful project execution.

What you’ll do:

  • Project Delivery: Oversee the end-to-end delivery and execution of integrated projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Proactively identify potential dependencies and work to mitigate the impact of any delays. Help align on scope, schedule, assumptions, and pricing for projects, assisting in the creation of Client Proposals and Statements of Work.
  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to facilitate project success. Partner with Account Management to manage project scope, support client relationships, and identify opportunities. Foster a collaborative 'One Team' approach, integrating account management, creative, production, content/social, finance, and client representatives.
  • Process Management: Help define, implement, and refine project communication and processes. Effectively balance opportunities and constraints within complex projects. Utilize existing tools and processes to monitor team performance and project progress and contribute to identifying and implementing process improvements.
  • Financial Oversight: Support project estimation, financial planning, and profitability. Develop detailed project plans that align with budgetary requirements.

Who you are:

  • Collaborative Contributor: You can influence and inspire teams through collaboration, fostering a culture of shared accountability. You can help translate initial ideas into clear, actionable project plans. You have an ability to help marshal resources and bring teams together to deliver innovative solutions.
  • Process-Oriented: You can navigate the complexities of people, processes, and systems to drive smooth collaboration. You demonstrate a proactive approach to bringing people together to achieve common goals and build effective working relationships.
  • Detail-Oriented: You exhibit a sharp attention to detail while also understanding the broader project objectives. You contribute to creating team environments that are collaborative, comfortable, and encouraging, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Effective Communicator: You possess strong communication, presentation, and analytical skills. You proactively identify and help resolve challenges, demonstrating a positive and solution-oriented attitude.

What you'll need:

  • 3-5+ years of experience managing complex, integrated marketing projects in an agency or consulting environment, with a proven track record of successful delivery.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with and support project teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and strategically to address challenges.
  • Proven ability to facilitate team and client meetings, tailoring communications to diverse audiences (technology, creative, finance, client, or vendor).
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and meet high standards for quality and accuracy under tight deadlines.
  • A strong interest in the marketing and advertising industry, with a desire to learn the inner workings of the business and contribute to the team's success.
  • Effective scoping and project management skills, with the ability to accurately estimate project timelines, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build good working relationships with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

What we offer:

  • 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.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$60,000$140,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.