Junior Programme Manager

Role Description

Junior Programme Manager with proven experience including overseeing small-scale programmes to join our team.

The opportunity:

• Lead teams to deliver high quality, complex project(s) on budget and within a specified timeframe to achieve the potential benefits defined in the business case.
• Work closely with the Account Director to achieve productivity goals and contribute to the organisation’s overall success.

What you’ll be doing:

• Accountable for all delivery across the programme.
• Analyse, evaluate, and overcome programme risks, and produce accurate programme reports for management and stakeholders.
• Maintain organisational standards of satisfaction, quality, and performance, including the creation and implementation of ways of working at the start of a programme.
• Create and implement effective ways of working at the start of the programme and ensure these are adhered to throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track and manage dependencies between projects and workstreams, creating programme level plans to ensure these are addressed.
• Ensure programme goals are reached by keeping the workstreams updated on progress and any changes that need to be made.
• Provide support and guidance to project managers within your account and line management for several project managers outside of your account.
• Maintain a resource plan showing resource commitment across the projects and keep track of potential end dates in association with functional lead personnel.
• Track resource requests and manage fulfilment of these requests internally or externally as appropriate.
• Develop strong relationships with VML team members and client stakeholders at all levels.
• Work with the client to understand their vision and plan the programme of work to successfully achieve that vision to the greatest effect.
• Define and implement programme level governance in conjunction with the client.
• Manage third party vendors on behalf of the client.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing multiple teams across different workstreams (minimum 20 people if in a team management role).
• Experience of software development Programme Management, ecommerce experience ideally within a retail environment.
• Good understanding of the software development lifecycle & release management.
• Some previous experience of eCommerce frameworks and hosting solutions.
• Understanding of cloud/on-prem infrastructure.
• Proven track record in the successful delivery of an ecommerce migration/Re-platform.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills & an ability to handle sensitive issues with tact & diplomacy.
• Exposure to medium to large scale fixed price project delivery.
• Experience in multi-vendor management.
• Experience of managing people and financial budgets (including programme budgeting, monitoring financials etc.) ideally in an eCommerce environment.
• Experience of overseeing 3rd parties.
• Some experience of code management tools such as git, bit bucket, svn.
• Interested in the implementation of Jenkins, git or other release pipeline tools.
• Excellent risk management skills.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working in an Agile environment.
• Proven track record of working with organisations moving from Waterfall to Agile delivery approaches.
• Working knowledge of Agile frameworks, Scrum and Kanban.
• Effective leadership skills with experience of managing other project managers.
• Strong time management & organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Good commercial knowledge, experience of contract negotiations would be advantageous.
• Software Application Development related Project management experience (min 6 years).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Packages, especially MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• This role requires alignment with US working hours (typically 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM), with occasional flexibility needed to support client requirements.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world.
• Prioritisation of your career development and help to grow your skills.
• Empowerment to make a difference and respect for individuality.
• Cultural values designed for impact-driven individuals: Heart, Brains and Courage.

Company Description

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth.

• Recognized for innovative and human-first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's.
• Celebrated as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services, and Marketing Measurement & Optimization.
• VML Health is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies.
• Global network powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets.
• Principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.