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.
We call our partnership approach "OpenX" – it is the transformation-based marriage of WPP, the #1 global network and largest communications holding company in the world, with the iconic Fortune 100 company, Coca Cola, valued at 71 billion dollars, operating in more countries than the UN and comprised of a diverse portfolio of iconic brands such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta, and Powerade among others.
Within Open X sits "Studio X". Studio X unites a suite of marketing capabilities into one fully integrated team of experts. Studio X uses data and technology to make our work more insightful, effective and efficient. Creativity is a proven engine of business growth, but creativity must keep pace with the new marketing landscape – which demands it is more intelligent, agile and adaptable. Studio X is our answer to this marketing challenge. Studio X is fueled by intelligent, actionable data-signals and real-time insights.
Who we're looking for:
We are seeking an experienced Integrated Senior Project Manager to join our Africa OU to coordinate the integrated delivery of ground-breaking work. This role will be the driving force behind co-ordinated campaign execution, facilitating work that encompasses a full suite of marketing capabilities and drawing from the best talent across the WPP agency network in Africa. Current capabilities include E2E, audience insight, TV, digital, social, OOH, CRM and Shopper with more on the way.
You will ensure seamless collaboration between Coca-Cola marketing teams and our fully integrated Studio X solution in Africa. You'll oversee and drive OU level integrated programmes effectively into market transcreation, adaptation and execution.
As the Studio X Senior Project Manager, you should demonstrate a solid understanding of project management tools and best-practice methodology and have the experience and flexibility to guide and support a diverse and dynamic team. The successful candidate will be able to showcase superior problem-solving and relationship building skills and must have a desire to learn. You should have a passion for marketing and the ability to manage complex challenges with multiple stakeholders.
What you'll be doing:
- The programme management and effective execution of integrated campaigns at an OU level into production for localisation and local market execution.
- Working closely with traffic and integration to ensure timelines are managed and maintained and that projects are resourced effectively and efficiently.
- Leading and managing the successful execution of projects. Supporting with both the definition of work and adaptation of Studio X global charters and toolkits.
- Ensuring defined data and reporting frameworks are consistently executed to facilitate accurate test and learn reporting.
Process championing and execution:
- Championing the Studio X delivery and programme framework for Africa, ensuring that all relevant parties are clear on important aspects including timings, scope, dependencies, risk mitigation etc.
- Educating and guiding teams through our Studio X process with a deep understanding of how integrated marketing is delivered effectively at scale.
- Driving for efficiency in how work is adapted and delivered and advocate when relevant for capabilities participating in a project.
Delivery Management:
- Connect key capabilities together to solve problems and move work forward flawlessly.
- Work closely with capability teams to ensure seamless execution of creative, media plans, social media, production, and platform activation across participating markets.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, ensuring key stakeholders are consulted and informed of progress.
- Implement and share project management best practices, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, communication and manage risk.
- Proactively identify and resolve potential roadblocks or issues that may impact programme delivery.
Collaboration:
- Proven track record of successfully delivering marketing programmes at scale and with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, capable of overseeing complex campaigns and delivering outstanding results.
- Ability to manage differing, and sometimes conflicting, viewpoints in a client-partner environment and still drive campaign execution forward with clarity.
- Comfortable with autonomy - you'll use your deep expertise in problem solving to optimise processes and drive outcomes.
- Experience of working with distributed cross-functional teams, managing to influence change despite geographical, time zone and language differences.
Communication:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with teams and clients across capabilities and across Africa. This is both a client and internal facing role.
- Partner with the integration, creative, production, operations and talent/resourcing teams to ensure a smooth process and optimised resource allocation.
- Ensure team members feel personal accountability for deliverables and projects, engaging in all aspects of team assignments driving towards progress, actions and results.
- Develop and maintain high levels of team effectiveness (trust, communication, collaboration, productivity diversity and engagement).
What you'll need:
- 5+ years of integrated project delivery or hands-on program management, ideally within a recognised marketing and advertising organisation.
- Solid understanding of integrated marketing channels, media platforms, social media, advertising production, digital and owned content and the data-driven marketing agenda.
- Experience with campaign performance, data and reporting.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on finding solutions and enabling.
- Possesses an in-depth understanding of project and programme management techniques and brings process innovation into workflows and ways of working.
- A qualification in marketing, digital marketing, communications, media, data analytics or a related field is beneficial.
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