Onsite Senior Project Manager (Design)

Job Overview Marks, part of the Propelis Group, is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum – from brand design and packaging, to content and consumer connections. We are a collaborative global network of 1,900+ team members across 25+ studios and 20+ countries, partnering with some of the world's most recognized brands to solve complex business challenges through design, strategy, and craft. Role Summary Represent Marks and support our ever‑evolving business needs as an integral member of the team, working exclusively on a dedicated client’s business from the Chicago office. This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in office, subject to change based on the client’s policy. As the Onsite Senior Project Manager (Design), you are the brand strategy and design steward. Partner with the client Design Lead to clearly understand creative brief objectives, review and critique design concepts to meet stakeholder expectations, and represent the client design team’s perspective to the cross‑functional client team. You will also facilitate design creation and ensure alignment with brand guidelines. Reporting to the Design Group Account Director. General Overview The Onsite Senior Project Manager (Design) works closely with client design, marketing, promotions, SRA, SGX teams and other project stakeholders to support day‑to‑day project management, deliverables, and flawless execution. You will clarify project objectives, communicate expectations, facilitate team collaboration, and anticipate upcoming design needs, managing workload and identifying additional resources as required. Responsibilities 50% Project/Account Management Support design phase from conception to completion with internal and external partners. Maintain brand assets and toolkits. Act as the dependable lead point of contact for all matters for assigned design projects. Challenge status quo, understand business objectives, and add value to deliver solutions that meet or exceed brief expectations. Develop trusted advisor relationships with stakeholders and vendors. Schedule and attend project meetings, create and present presentations, and lead project kick‑offs and creative reviews with the design team. Proactively manage projects from brief through execution and release of artwork, partnering with the design lead, vendors, and agency teams to meet objectives on time. Collaborate daily with project teams and the design lead to ensure projects are progressing effectively and timely. Lead weekly status report meetings to update on project status and address challenges or potential delays, providing solutions to keep projects on course. Manage all project requests, escalating issues to the Client Sr. Design Director and Marks CSSD as needed, keeping them apprised of workload demands. 50% Internal Project Managers Team Lead Step in for Design Managers in select meetings as needed. Build internal relationships, mentor Project Managers, and lead by example while upholding high standards and best practices. Provide oversight and support PMs in developing effective concept presentation sets to elevate client deliverables. Collaborate with Project Managers and Traffic Manager to assign correct resources and adjust work in progress to ensure on‑time delivery and optimal resource utilization. Conduct status meetings with all teams to ensure accounts run properly. Provide daily status updates for all projects, working with design lead and agency leaders to reschedule projects and reset expectations based on new or changing priorities, ensuring transparency. Account Management / Communication Manage communication with Marketing and XF partners. Demonstrate understanding of client brands and integrate project objectives into overall brand strategy. Ensure client expectations and projects are effectively managed: keep clients happy, be an invaluable resource, and deliver brand/project solutions according to brand guidelines and brief objectives. Develop creative briefs and ensure client‑issued briefs are comprehensive with necessary content. Issue meeting recaps outlining key discussion points, requests, agreements, and next steps in a concise and timely manner. Add value to strategic development, including brainstorming sessions; be the expert on category, competitors, and target audience behaviors/needs. Create OOP cost estimates and secure client approvals prior to incurring costs. Business Administration Lead miscellaneous client requests for presentation material, artwork file requests, etc., and manage team resources (PMs / Traffic / Production Designers) to support deliverables. Support agency business objectives such as quality, company policies, and team morale. Identify and suggest workflow/process improvement opportunities. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of SOPs. Success Criteria Success is achieved by consistently demonstrating leadership, partnership, and collaboration with client and agency teams to achieve business objectives. You will manage multiple priorities with internal and external clients and make sound decisions to move the business forward, establishing the reputation as the client’s brand steward and go‑to person for any requests or problem resolution. Education & Experience Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Design Management, Marketing, Communications, Project Management, or related field. Required: Minimum 7 years of relevant Creative Project Management experience in a design/creative agency environment. Strong project management skills with in‑depth hands‑on program management and execution experience in a fast‑paced CPG environment. Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence brand design strategy decisions credibly and effectively at all levels of agency and client teams. Ability to provide industry/category and consumer insights to guide effective design development. Experience delivering client‑focused solutions based on business needs. Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects while adhering to brand guidelines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal. Willingness to work an extended schedule as needed to meet deadlines. Proficient using Mac OS, Microsoft products, and familiarity with creative workflows, asset management systems, and project tracking/routing tools (e.g., Monday.com). Ideal Candidate Broad experience working directly in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, constantly changing creative environment and demonstrates resiliency. Proven problem solver with expert knowledge of design workflow best practices. Ability to construct workable solutions when presented with multiple and often conflicting points of view. Unflappable; bring focus and calm assurance to high‑energy interactions. Creative and innovative thinking. Collaborative, team‑oriented approach and keep all parties informed. Compassion, honesty, and ability to develop trust with both internal and client teams. Sense of humor and passion for the job. About Propelis Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio. Compensation & Benefits U.S. pay range: $115,000 – $125,000 USD annually. The range is based on geographic market, experience, and other job‑related factors. Group benefits include health‑care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account or health savings account based on plan selection, short/long‑term disability, and 401(k) Savings Plan. EEO Statement We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled. Accessibility We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Graphic Systems, LLC