VML

Senior Program Manager

VML$75K — $180K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in digital project management within an agency environment, preferably large-scale and global.
  • Expertise in project management methodologies like Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall.
  • Strong technical knowledge of digital technology, CMS platforms, and marketing tools.
  • Exceptional client-facing communication skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
  • Proven budget management skills and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex digital projects from start to finish, managing scope, resources, and budgets.
  • Ensure cohesive delivery of multi-channel marketing campaigns, including .com content and email marketing.
  • Oversee the production lifecycle of website development and digital experiences.
  • Manage the production and quality control of online advertising assets.
  • Lead execution of email marketing campaigns and ensure compliance with best practices.

Benefits

  • Competitive benefits package and support for work-life balance through a hybrid work model.
  • Focus on collaboration, creativity, and team connections with a structured in-office schedule.
  • Flexible working arrangements can be discussed during the hiring process.
Full Job Description





The Role: Senior Program Manager- Digital Production

We are seeking an exceptionally skilled, strategic, and experienced Senior Digital Program Manager to join our dynamic delivery team. This is a critical leadership role, responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of complex, multi-channel digital marketing campaigns that are audience-centric and results-driven. You will act as the central orchestrator, guiding cross-functional teams and managing all aspects of digital production, with a particular emphasis on .com development, online advertising, and email marketing initiatives.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the digital production lifecycle, a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and budgets, and the ability to navigate complex client relationships. You are a natural problem-solver, a skilled communicator, and a proactive leader who can anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions. You thrive in a fast-paced agency environment, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on project management, ensuring seamless collaboration across creative, strategy, media, technical, and client teams.

What you'll do:

Project Leadership & Management:
  • Lead and manage complex digital projects from inception to completion, encompassing scope definition, detailed project planning, resource allocation, budget management, and timeline adherence.
  • Drive the successful delivery of multi-channel marketing campaigns, including significant .com content development and implementation in a CMS, robust online advertising programs, and sophisticated email marketing journeys.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive project documentation, including SOWs, functional specifications, project plans, risk assessments, and status reports.

Multi-Channel Expertise & Integration:
  • Possess a strong understanding of the technical, creative, and strategic requirements for each digital channel (.com, online advertising, email marketing).
  • Identify and manage interdependencies between channels, ensuring cohesive campaign execution and integrated audience experiences.
  • Oversee content delivery to various platforms and channels (CMS, ESP, Ad Servers, DMPs,).

.com Production Management:
  • Oversee the production lifecycle for website development, landing pages, and other digital experiences, from discovery and wireframing through design, development, QA, and deployment.
  • Manage ensuring adherence to best practices for web content development and speed optimization, as well as SEO technical requirements.
  • Facilitate QA testing and deployment processes.

Online Advertising Production Management:
  • Manage the production of various online advertising assets (display, rich media, video, social ads), including asset gathering, trafficking, and quality control.
  • Oversee dynamic creative optimization (DCO) implementations and manage ad server integrations.
  • Coordinate with media teams to ensure creative assets meet technical specifications and are delivered on schedule for campaign launches.

Email Marketing Production Management:
  • Lead the development and execution of email marketing campaigns, including template design/development, audience segmentation setup, automation flows, and A/B testing implementation.
  • Coordinate with our partner agency for development and delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with email deliverability best practices and privacy regulations (e.g., CAN-SPAM, GDPR).

Stakeholder Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal team on project status, risks, and changes, building strong, trusted relationships.
  • Lead internal project kick-offs, stand-ups, and review meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment across creative, strategy, media, technical, and account teams.
  • Effectively manage and coordinate with client-based teams, partners, and external vendors.

Process & Quality Assurance:
  • Define, implement, and optimize project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) tailored to project needs.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous quality assurance (QA) processes for all digital deliverables.
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve production workflows, efficiency, and overall project delivery.

Risk Management & Problem Solving:
  • Proactively identify potential project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, navigating technical challenges, resource constraints, and scope creep.
  • Maintain a flexible and adaptable approach in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

Financial Acumen:
  • Manage large-scale project budgets, track actuals against estimates, and ensure project profitability.
  • Assist in forecasting and resource planning for future projects.

What you'll bring:
  • Expert-level knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid approaches).
  • Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello, MS Project, Workfront, SmartSheet).
  • Strong technical acumen - ability to understand and discuss development processes, integration points, and digital technologies.
  • Exceptional client-facing communication skills, including presentation, negotiation, and expectation management.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate cross-functional teams, partners and external vendors.
  • Proactive risk identification and mitigation, with a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently under pressure.
  • A strategic thinker with a keen understanding of how digital projects contribute to overall business objectives.

What you'll need:

Experience:
  • 7+ years of progressive digital project management/production experience within an agency environment, with a significant portion in a global or large-scale agency (WPP agency experience preferred).
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-channel digital marketing campaigns.
  • Deep understanding and hands-on experience with .com content implementation d(CMS platforms like AEM), online advertising campaigns (ad servers, DSPs), and advanced email marketing.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Project Management, or related experience. PMP, CSM, or other relevant certifications are a strong plus.

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.

$75,000-$180,000 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.

About VML

VML is a global marketing and advertising agency. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. VML provides a wide range of services including brand strategy, creative design, social media, and e-commerce. The company has worked with several high-profile clients including Ford, PepsiCo, and Wendy's. VML has won numerous awards for its innovative marketing campaigns and has been recognized as one of the top advertising agencies in the world.
Learn more about VML
Size
3,000 employees
Industry

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