Some project managers keep the plates spinning. This role needs someone who teaches everyone else how to spin them.
My client is a creative gifting and merchandise agency behind some of the most talked-about brand moments of the past few years. They produce bespoke, story-led gifts for household-name entertainment, tech and luxury brands. They've recently reshaped the business around their corporate offering, built a dedicated Project Management function, and are growing internationally. They now need a senior leader to anchor that team.
Why this role matters
The project team is looking for a senior voice: someone with the presence to steady things when a brief changes overnight, the credibility to push back on a supplier or a stakeholder, and the patience and skill to bring people on with them. You'll line manage two Project Coordinators and help raise the standard across the wider team. That means running proper 1-1s, setting clear expectations, coaching, and turning good habits into how the team works.
You'll still be hands-on. You'll own a busy, varied portfolio of high-value custom projects from first idea through sampling and production to delivery. No two briefs look alike, and plenty land with very little notice.
What we’re looking for
- Proven people leadership. You've managed and developed a team, and people who've worked for you would say you made them better.
- Gravitas. You're calm under pressure, trusted by senior stakeholders and clients, and comfortable being the person others turn to when things wobble.
- Custom production know-how. You've run bespoke product projects end to end and know where they tend to go wrong.
- Merchandise or gifting background (ideal). Creative agency, promotional products, brand merch or experiential production would all translate well.
- Far East manufacturing experience is a real plus but not essential. If you've worked with overseas factories on sampling and production, tell us about it.
- A positive, solutions-first attitude. You're flexible, energetic and happy when the plan changes.
What’s in it for you
- Line management and a genuine say in shaping a newly formed function
- Work on projects for brands people actually get excited about
- A creative, entrepreneurial business with international growth plans
- Hybrid working with a day at home each week, plus two weeks fully remote a year
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, birthday leave, sabbatical leave, enhanced parental leave, Vitality, an Art Pass, cycle-to-work schemes and more
The client is moving quickly, with first-stage interviews available straight away. If you're a senior PM who loves leading a team as much as delivering the work, I'd love to hear from you.
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Senior Project Manager employer: DNA Recruit
As a leading agency at the forefront of strategy, content, and performance, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid work model offers flexibility while ensuring our team members engage directly with high-profile F&B brands, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong benefits package and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding environment where every employee can excel.
