Program manager

Program manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative projects, ensuring top-notch delivery and collaboration across teams.
  • Company: Join JKR, a vibrant branding agency with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a lively office, generous holidays, healthcare, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a fun and dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that inspires brands to be their true selves.
  • Qualifications: Experience in program or project management with a passion for creativity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since. We started out in the world of packaging, but now we’re worldwide—from three founders to more than 300 of us across the UK and US. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience. But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We’re here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves. To be brave. Be tenacious. And above all, be yourself. Because we believe that’s the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.

JKR is looking for a Program Manager, reporting into our Operations Director and Senior Program management team, joining the busy team that supports Client Services and Creative Design on large, complex consumer brand and packaging projects. If you are a program or project manager in a fast-paced creative/design environment looking for a role that focuses on best in class delivery, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Program management team delivers huge value to clients through leveraging talent and expertise to orchestrate the best creative outcomes to client opportunities. In this role, you will work as part of a Client Services team that spans both Account direction and Program management, whilst still client facing your role will be detail led on the delivery including:

  • Responsibilities
  • Internally: Collaboration between internal teams to get to the best creative solutions through meticulous planning and organisation. Ensuring all workstreams are well coordinated.
  • Externally: Developing client trust and advocacy through effective planning and delivery across all briefs, while partnering client services to provide a consistent and excellent experience for our clients.

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Creative Delivery: Inspire client confidence through effective project delivery, harnessing the creative intent, across a variety of channels. Effectively manage multiple project timelines across multiple clients within a hub ensuring all deadlines are met and tangibles delivered. Partner the Creative team, to ensure creative intent is preserved across mediums. Be a key partner to the client service team, proactively driving the project through the studio internally enabling client services team to effectively manage client expectations.
  • Communication: Collaborate closely with Creative Services team to determine most suitable internal and external expertise required for the Client opportunity and support in articulating the design intent in order for them to source talent for specialisms. Effectively and proactively manage internal and external communications. Constantly push for outstanding collaboration, internally and externally, to get to great creative output. Build strong relationships with partners, experts and collaborators, in order to develop advocacy and attract the best talent. Adapt communication style to audience and situation, whilst always delivering a consistent message. Listen actively and openly.
  • Creativity and Brand centricity: Work with Design Directors and Creative Services to determine the right talent for projects, based on in-depth knowledge of capabilities, efficiency, costing and desired outcomes. Proactively offer creative ideas and solutions to client challenges, considering different ways to approach the brief with an understanding of the client’s brand and business. Anticipate client needs and expectations, striving to deliver the best solutions, and exceed expectations wherever possible, ultimately translating into future opportunities. Act as a source of expertise to teams, sharing knowledge and experience. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to client needs.
  • Commercial Awareness: Use knowledge of how the business charges and resources projects to drive efficiency and profitability of projects, while ensuring the highest level of creative output. Work in tandem with client services to ensure project quotes accurately reflect project, acting in an advisory capacity based on previous projects and experience, providing information to assist negotiations. Work closely with Creative Services to ensure quote is reflected in resourcing requirements. Recognise, raise and resolve individual project issues resulting in overburn with the Hub team and Finance as necessary.
  • Leadership & Relationships: Motivate, support and inspire the JKR internal teams effectively and responsibly to manage situations to positive outcomes. Provide tools, techniques and mentoring to inspire others to take responsibility for their own work and personal development. Display integrity, honesty, reliability, responsiveness, openness, to instil trust by clients and internal teams. Manage conflict, leaning into issues as they arise. Quickly & proactively react to change instilling calm across internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements:

  • Experience working in program or project management.
  • Your knowledge of Brand and/or end-to-end creative design processes.
  • Excellent ability to partner with colleagues.
  • A proactive, 'get the job done' attitude.
  • Top notch communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits:

  • Pension Plan
  • Training & Development
  • Healthcare
  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Volunteering days
  • Lively and fun office environment

This role is offered as a permanent role. Location: Shoreditch. Hybrid working: min 2 days pw in the studio (or as required by the team).

Program manager employer: Jones Knowles Ritchie

At Jones Knowles Ritchie, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Strategy Director in our London studio, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and professional growth, alongside competitive remuneration and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact on high-profile brands while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world's most exciting cities.

J

Contact Details:

Jones Knowles Ritchie Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Program manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at JKR. A friendly chat can go a long way in getting your foot in the door. Don’t be shy; we all love a good conversation!

Tip Number 2

Show off your project management skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from JKR, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects. We want to see that you can handle the heat in a fast-paced environment.

Tip Number 3

Be yourself! JKR values authenticity, so let your personality shine through in interviews. Share your creative ideas and how you approach problem-solving. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence and bring fresh perspectives.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the JKR family. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Program manager

Project Management
Creative Delivery
Client Relationship Management
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Branding:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for branding and creativity shine through. We want to see how you can inspire brands and people to be their true selves, just like we do at JKR.

Be Detail-Oriented:As a Program Manager, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application reflects your meticulous planning and organisation skills. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed complex projects.

Tailor Your Communication Style:Adapt your writing style to match the tone of our job description. Use clear and engaging language that showcases your communication skills. Remember, we value strong relationships and effective collaboration!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Knowles Ritchie

Know the Brand Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into Jones Knowles Ritchie’s history, values, and recent projects. Understanding their branding philosophy and how they inspire creativity will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to coordinate multiple teams, meet tight deadlines, and deliver outstanding results. This will show them you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.

Communicate Effectively

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves a lot of collaboration and communication, being able to adapt your style to different audiences is crucial. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as confident and engaging.

Be Ready to Discuss Creative Solutions

Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you creatively solved them. JKR values innovative thinking, so be prepared to share your ideas on how to approach client briefs and exceed expectations. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to think outside the box.