Sr Project Manager

Sr. Project ManagerMarks, part of the Propelis Group, Marks 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.Primary PurposeRepresent Marks and support our ever-evolving business needs and act as an integral member of the team, building partnerships and collaboration with both agency and client teams. Serve as the primary liaison between the agency and the client, working exclusively on a dedicated client's business from our near site agency office.As the Sr. Project Manager, you are responsible for developing and issuing projects briefs in collaboration with the client teams, and developing, revising project timelines to kick-off and keep all projects moving smoothly from start to finish. The position of Sr. Project Manager is critical within the agency and client teams for assessing deliverable needs in order to properly delegate projects to team members based on current workloads. This position provides continuity and ownership of key project deliverables and timelines, coordinating and providing an interface between the client, vendors and agency teams to ensure flawless execution and on-time delivery to effectively and efficiently meet product manufacturing due dates.In the face of demanding deadlines, multiple, rapidly changing priorities, you will support and exhibit behaviors consistent with Marks values and beliefs in a fiscally responsible manner. Marks philosophy: Design integrity, Technical accuracy and Speed to market.General OverviewThe Sr. Project Manager will work closely with the cross functional teams including Sr. Account Manager, Traffic/Scheduling Manager, Lead Designers, Copywriter, Regulatory, Sr. Quality Manager, Production Artists to support and contribute to the day to day project management, deliverables and flawless execution. Clearly understand client objectives and concisely communicate expectations to the team in a timely manner. Facilitate and maximize the teams time to effectively develop new design concepts and/or revisions that meet client expectations, brand style guidelines, and are on time and on budget. In addition, always think ahead, keep an eye on the roadmap to effectively manage, plan and anticipate upcoming business needs, teams workload, and/or identify additional resources, as required. This role will advocate our culture, brand and community.ResponsibilitiesAccount ManagementBe the dependable and trusted day to day primary point of contact for any and all matters for assigned client/agency work, inclusive of photo process and artwork development management.Develop and build strong, long-lasting relationships with client/agency/vendor teamsPartner with the client team to proactively anticipate workload, schedule project brief kick-off meetings, prepare and initiate projects in project management tool, set up folders on the server, gather necessary materials from the vendors, set and manage timeline expectations with vendorsLearn and understand the product life cycle, workflow process, and phases of development and timing needs to effectively manage project deliverables and meet client expectationsConduct weekly status meetings with all teams to ensure projects are progressing in a timely manner to meet key deadlinesProactively engage and collaborate daily with Lead Designers and Production Artists to track project progress and keep both client and agency teams informed of project deliverables and in a timely manner update all parties of needs to reschedule projects and/or reset expectations based on new or changing priorities; ensure transparency and no surprisesEffectively manage all client requests and alert or escalate any issues to the Account Director as needed, and keep Account Director apprised of workload demands to best manage team resources and address potential risksClient Service/CommunicationDemonstrate understanding of client's brands and importance of adhering to brand style guidelines throughout project developmentEnsure client expectations and projects are effectively managed: keeping our clients happy, being an invaluable resource, provide timely and successful delivery of project solutions according to Brand Style Guidelines and brief objectivesDevelop creative briefs and/or ensure the client issued briefs are comprehensive with necessary content to kick off new assignments, and clearly understand project objectives to best communicate and manage client expectations and due date deliverablesDevelop and issue meeting recaps that outlines key discussion points, requests and/or agreements and key next steps/timing to key team members in a concise and timely mannerCommunicate and provide oversight of client/vendor requests with agency cross functional teams, review artwork files to ensure accuracy and flawless execution, route artwork files to client/vendor for review/approvals, route vendor contract proofs for approval. Notify all parties of any comments and final approvals, ensure timely release of final approved filesTransparency: keep all team members informed of any and all changes and escalate as needed to communicate key dates to drive towards throughout the project and keep team on taskPull monthly chargeback reports of all released projectsCreate any OOP cost estimates and secure client approvals prior to incurring costs for any illustration, photography and/or high quality mockup needsBusiness AdministrationParticipate in and supports agency business objectives appropriate to role (quality objectives, process consistency, company policies)Maintain balance and flow of information throughout all departments. Reporting to leadership about current workflow and capacity issuesAlert Account Director to workload demands that may require the need to resource freelancersActively identify and suggest workflow/processes improvement opportunitiesProactively contribute to the development and continuous improvements of SOPsSuccess In The RoleSuccess in this role is achieved by consistently demonstrating the ability to proactively manage your projects and collaborate with the client and agency teams to achieve business objectives, uphold the Marks Design Pillar Standard of Excellence, manage multiple priorities with internal and external clients, deliver flawless execution and meet critical deadlines. Establish the reputation of being the client's brand steward and go to person for addressing any requests and helping solve any problems.Education & ExperienceBachelor degree in Marketing or related fieldMinimum 5 years of relevant Production/Project Management experience in a design, packaging or engineering agency environment preferredUnderstanding of the creative and production process, and CPG/packaging design and manufacturing experience is a plusDemonstrated ability to facilitate and manage project workflows, timelines and key deliverables across functional team members both internally and client/vendor facingSuperior organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, while paying strict attention to the details and adhering to brand style guidelinesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbalProficient using Mac OS, and Microsoft Products; and project management/routing programsIdeal Candidate Will PossessStrong project management skills with in-depth hands-on project management and execution experience working on fast paced retail/CPG client businessComfortable working within a high-volume, fast-paced, dynamic creative environment and demonstrate resiliency, quickly adjust and adapt to changesHighly self-motivated, resourceful, organized and very detail orientedAbility to navigate and construct workable solutions when presented with multiple and, often times, conflicting points of viewUnflappable, ability to bring a sense of focus and calm assurance to high-energy interactionsA collaborative team oriented approach to working and keeping all parties informedA sense of humor and have passion for your jobAbout 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.For more information visit: 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.We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable