MERGE is looking for a Project Manager to serve as the central point of coordination for all projects tied to assigned clients. You will ensure team members are organized, schedules are maintained, and work is delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. This role manages large, complex projects and campaigns across multiple channels while collaborating directly with clients in the Lifestyle and Consumer industries.
What You'll Do
- Serve as an independent liaison and communication hub among all agency team members.
- Organize, manage, and oversee each step of the strategy, media planning, and creative development process from project setup to delivery across all mediums.
- Schedule and facilitate key touchpoint meetings, including kick-offs, internal reviews, and development checkpoints.
- Scope projects, estimate resource time, create detailed project plans and schedules, and manage timelines throughout each project's lifecycle.
- Manage and prioritize team assignments with clear tasks for daily deliverables using agency tools and effective verbal communication.
- Collaborate with Account Management, Strategy, Media & Analytics, Creative, Producers, and Print Production to coordinate schedules, budgets, deliverables, and approval processes.
- Forecast future deliverables based on project scope and schedules.
- Review and comprehend media plans and communicate necessary specifications to creative and studio teams.
- Notify the team if a project deviates from scope or original parameters.
- Lead contingency planning, problem resolution, and recommend solutions to maintain schedules, budgets, and quality deliverables.
- Track actual hours against estimated project plans and generate reports as needed.
- Oversee workflow capacity based on project plans, staff assignments, and capabilities, collaborating with the Department Director to manage resources.
- Manage project out-of-pocket estimates and purchases within assigned budget parameters.
- Develop, manage, and enforce a rigorous internal approvals process throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure adherence to proofing processes, brand guidelines, and quality standards on all projects.
- Keep the Department Director informed of project progress and raise concerns promptly.
- Implement agency workflow processes and quality assurance procedures to ensure successful execution aligned with agency goals and client satisfaction.
- Provide insights on process improvements and resource/tool opportunities.
- Update the status of projects on the Agency status report and ensure proper organization of project naming in the Studio Server archive.
- Set up, attend, and actively participate in all necessary weekly status meetings.
What We're Looking For
- 5-7 years of project management experience in a marketing or advertising agency setting.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Recent experience managing projects, specifically multi-channel media campaigns, including paid social and paid search for clients in the Lifestyle and Consumer category.
- Deep understanding of all production disciplines involved in integrated campaigns, including print, broadcast/video, digital, social media, and in-store or experiential marketing.
- General understanding of media and analytics strategy, including planning and execution.
- Experience using project management software (e.g., Trello, Smartsheet, Jira, etc.).
- Proven ability to anticipate problems and find practical solutions to ensure projects meet deadlines and stay within budget.
- Highly detail-oriented and organized, with exceptional time management skills and outstanding written/verbal communication abilities.
- Proficient in Google Workspace and Adobe Acrobat Professional.
Nice to Have
- Working knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is a plus.
Technical Stack
- Trello
- Smartsheet
- Jira
- Google Workspace
- Adobe Acrobat Professional
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
Team & Environment
You will collaborate closely with Account Management, Strategy, Media & Analytics, Creative, Producers, and Print Production teams. You will report directly to the Department Director.
Benefits & Compensation
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Life Insurance
- 401K plan
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Flexible Time off & Holidays
- Salary Range: $78,000.00 - $94,000.00
Work Mode
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement.
MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities.
