Program Manager

Program Manager

Are you ready to join an innovative team that pushes the boundaries of creativity and delivers exceptional results?

At Aardvark Studios, we thrive in complex, fast-moving creative environments. We are a dynamic design, build, and technology studio serving the experiential marketing, location-based entertainment, and museum industries — constantly evolving with every unique project we take on.

That evolution requires strong leadership.

• When the Run of Show changes 90 minutes before doors open, what do you do?
• When multiple stakeholders are giving direction and clarity is needed, do you hesitate — or step in?
• When a live environment shifts unexpectedly, are you the person others look to for calm, decisive leadership?
• If that kind of responsibility excites you, this may be the right role.

Aardvark Studios is seeking a Program Manager to serve as the accountable owner of complex mobile tours and brand activations. This is a highly visible role with real responsibility, meaningful client partnership, and the autonomy to lead.

You won't be handed a script. You will be trusted to run the program.

What This Role Really is:

• You are the operational leader of your assigned program.
• You align production, tech, logistics, drivers, field staff, and agency stakeholders to deliver a seamless brand experience.
• You anticipate issues before they surface. And when plans evolve — because in live programs they often do — you create clarity, protect the team, and guide the solution.
• You establish structure.
• You protect scope and budget.
• You communicate directly and professionally.
• You build trust with clients and internal teams.
• You don't just manage tasks. You own outcomes.

Your Core Responsibilities:

Full ownership of assigned programs — execution, timeline, compliance, and profitability.

• Managing six-figure budgets with discipline and transparency.
• Serving as the primary client point of contact from kickoff through recap.
• Leading cross-functional internal teams to launch and operate tours successfully.
• Hiring, training, and remotely managing drivers and field staff.
• Maintaining DOT and safety compliance.
• Tracking KPIs, reporting performance, and delivering thoughtful post-program analysis.
• Navigating real-time challenges with composure and sound judgment.

This role offers the opportunity to lead complex, high-visibility programs where your decision-making truly matters.

The Kind of Leader Who Thrives Here:

• Have 5+ years of project or program management experience — ideally in experiential marketing, live events, tours, or agency environments
• Have managed six-figure budgets and understand margin responsibility
• Are comfortable guiding clients through evolving situations
• Influence without formal authority
• Bring calm structure to fast-moving environments
• Balance confidence with emotional intelligence
• Enjoy being trusted to make decisions
• You take pride in ownership.
• You value autonomy.
• You like building strong programs and strong relationships.

Preferred:

• PMP Certification a plus
• Bachelor's degree preferred

How we'll measure success:

• Client satisfaction and renewal
• Budget performance and margin management
• Operational excellence and compliance
• Strong cross-functional alignment

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience
• Paid time off
• Medical / Dental / Vision benefits
• Life insurance, short & long-term disability options
• Retirement matching after 1 year
• On-site private-use gym
• Dog-friendly workspace

If you're looking for a role where you can lead, solve complex challenges, and see the direct impact of your work on high-profile programs, we'd love to meet you.

Apply now!