Program Director- Freelance

Position Summary VML is hiring a Freelance Program Director to oversee end‑to‑end social and commerce program delivery for a large CPG company in a client‑facing capacity. The role requires managing delivery of social channel content and commerce marketing programs across various retailers with the ability to scale. Responsibilities Partner with account leads to provide ongoing client satisfaction, oversee the development of integrated project and program deliverables across teams and agency partners, and handle concurrent workstreams for multiple retailers across North America. Establish and maintain project and program communications, oversee project estimations and staffing recommendations, implement new processes across large workstreams, and maintain calendars and deployment schedules for multiple operating units globally. Leverage AI to optimize delivery and efficiency. Ensure project profitability by planning, tracking, and approving project expenses, billing, and invoices; partner with finance to develop consistent profitability and utilization views; manage resource allocation on a weekly basis and monitor project burn rates, budgets, and reconciliations. Drive projects from point A to B, ensuring excellent and timely delivery; provide direction and motivation to the team; champion the work and internal project team by taking notes, following up, building timelines and plans, creating compelling stories, and managing comprehensive documentation. Desired Personal Attributes Process‑oriented and an innovator with a strong point of view and distinct voice. Open and collaborative, comfortable with ambiguity, and a champion of team environments that encourage collaboration. Optimistic and resilient, digging in and working around challenges to keep the team motivated and positive. Ego‑less, willing to wear multiple hats to contribute to the team's success regardless of the task. Qualifications 5‑7+ years of experience in a PMO organization and delivery management, ideally within an agency setting. Social and commerce program delivery experience preferred, with a background in CPG brands and omnichannel programs. Experience working with integrated agency teams and external partner agencies. Familiarity with Smartsheet, Excel, Monday.com, Workday, and Jira; experience with Workfront or Proof HQ is a plus. Interest in AI and how to leverage it as a delivery tool. Strong project management operations skillset, including effective meeting management and capturing actionable next steps. Ability to prioritize tasks, navigate challenges, and build operational rigor. Local to Chicago office, must be in office 3‑4x a week; clients are on‑site. Experience with Agile ways of working, PI planning, sequencing in sprints, and planning on a 4‑6 week basis. Compensation This is an hourly freelance role with an ideal hourly target rate of between $70 - $90 per hour. No third‑party agency candidates will be considered for this immediate freelance need. Equal Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr VML South Africa