Project Director in London

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award‑winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences.

Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience.

Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust worldwide.

Summary

The Project Director manages and executes global projects from start to finish, ensuring adherence to the client brief and a consistent and high quality of delivery.

The role proactively manages and frequently communicates with project team members, vendors, producers, creatives, and account directors.

It includes key involvement in pitches, proposals, tenders, client meetings and feasibility investigation.

This role is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in‑office one day a week (typically Wednesdays) at our London location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Client Management
• Understand client needs and cascade to relevant departments
• Build and maintain effective client relationships
• Act as client key project point of contact on projects of all scales
• Provide clear communications
• Work with client and account team on planning, execution and post‑event reporting
• Run and plan client meetings
• Take project brief(s) for all project requirements & disciplines
• Resource / Team Management
• Work closely with more junior staff, mentor and guide them
• Manage resources via Operations
• Manage other project managers working within different areas of a project
• Provide set‑up assistance and on‑site support as required
• Maintain consistent and thorough communication with all involved
• Creative Management
• Participate in creative brainstorms to generate ideas for clients
• Execute the integrity of the creative treatment in all deliverables
• Contribute and recommend ideas to enhance and add value to any experience
• Align production and technical aspects with creative solutions
• Project Management
• Oversee large projects and/or client accounts from a delivery point of view
• Provide project management through documentation, status updates, and regular meetings
• Manage and reconcile budgets, lead budget creation, and brief all required departments and disciplines
• Manage supplier and third‑party relationships and stakeholders
• Run weekly team and client meetings
• Work with producers to ensure relevant event documentation (running orders, show schedules) is produced
• Manage and collate all required show and event documentation
• Track and manage production timelines on active event programs; create and manage budgets, vendor invoice and expense tracking and final reconciliation
• Brief delivery teams on project scope, deliverables, and track time
• Monitor services & activities to ensure they are within budget
• Ensure timely delivery of all necessary components, properties, and materials for each event
• Oversee vendors and service providers efficiently and respectfully
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with third‑party vendors and team contractors, managing operations budget
• Develop and organize transportation plans
• Provide various reports and show analysis; conduct audits and reconciliations
• Work with other departments and agencies to produce, ensure quality, and deliver information and data to clients accurately and on time
• Participate in RFPs and proposal responses and client interactions for key accounts
• Contribute fresh thinking to challenge the status quo and help implement continuous improvement and best practice

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 8 years event agency experience within a project manager / producer role (full‑time or freelance)
• Experience with various project types, including live event, EXPO, consumer marketing, web, mobile, video, brand, and strategic consulting
• Experience with taking and interpreting client briefs (including RFI/RFPs)
• Project delivery within EMEA
• Proficiency in all office software packages (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)
• Full clean driving licence (preferred but not essential)
• UK National or relevant permissions to work in the UK
• Strong presentation, verbal and written skills
• Experience in mentoring others
• Excellent problem‑solving and challenge‑resolution skills
• Proven experience managing budgets of £3m
• Experience of international event delivery
• Experience in managing vendors, people, equipment, and timelines
• Experience in proposal development and pricing
• Ability to quickly recognize or anticipate problem areas and develop solutions
• Exhibits an outgoing, upbeat personality, enjoys working as part of a team, and is efficient, considerate, and organized with a keen eye for detail
• Travel Requirements

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life, Accident and Disability Coverage
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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