At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative projects for top accounts, managing everything from planning to delivery.
- Company: Join M&C Saatchi, a dynamic agency with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, private healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a creative role while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and integrated production across various media platforms.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Project Director at M&C Saatchi will play an integral role in the leadership of creative projects for the agency’s biggest accounts. The role requires an enthusiastic individual who loves people, proper process and great work. This role is a 6 month fixed term contract.
The Project Director will report into the Head of Integrated Production and Head of Creative Operations, and act as their right-hand person in planning, organizing, managing and executing large projects from beginning to end. This will involve a detailed understanding of existing and incoming briefs, timings and objectives, as well as scoping and reconciling budgets. You will work on multiple briefs simultaneously, and coordinate various individuals and teams from across the UK agency and US agency including production, creative, design and account management – so exceptional organisational, interpersonal and multitasking skills are essential. The Project Director will need first hand experience working directly with clients on processes and scope management, and feel confident managing tricky conversations directly with clients, covering topics such as process, scope, production approaches and budgets.
What You'll Do
- Confidently manage multiple projects from start to finish (from initiation, through development and production, to delivery).
- Ensure that all SOWs are accurate and informative and include detailed plan of project stages, delivery dates, budget and resource requirements.
- Develop strong, positive, fruitful relationships with cross-departmental agency staff, clients and third party suppliers.
- Serve as a point of contact to ensure that there is synergy across each project, that they run on time and to budget, and that high quality standards are maintained.
- Work with the Head of Integrated Production and Head of Creative Operations to manage allocation/workload, and refine and implement processes/ways of working.
- Ensure project management processes support creative and innovation and enable the agency to produce the best possible work for its clients.
- Proactively seek out project risks and ensure clear mitigation plans and solutions are in place.
- Manage expectations by ensuring creative ideas are realistic and achievable and be the voice of reason as project risks increase or scope changes.
- Support in the management of suppliers in creating, negotiating and managing contracts.
- Support in upskilling existing members of the team, and assist in the hiring and induction of new team members.
- Help to drive the agency’s creative agenda, contributing innovative production ideas that help make our work effective and famous.
What you'll bring
- Has relevant Project Management/Creative Production experience.
- Experience of delivering integrated projects for platforms including television, print, digital, online, social and radio.
- Solid understanding of integrated project processes, workflows, tools, lingo and methodologies.
- Approachable, unflappable, confident.
- Highly organised and reliable, with a high degree of independence and autonomy in decision-making.
- Brilliant communicator, pathfinder and problem solver.
- Able to think quickly and smartly under pressure.
- Highly motivated, collaborative and empathetic.
- Commercially astute.
What You’ll Get
For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 27 days annual holiday, private healthcare, employer contributory pension, life assurance and income protection. We also offer a host of benefits that support wellbeing including subsidised gym membership, while our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer learning opportunities around D&I, mentoring programmes and the opportunity for all to participate in a number of active Employee Led Networks and associated events. Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.
ABOUT M+C SAATCHI GROUP
M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture. As part of this M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application. All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Project Director employer: M+C Saatchi UK
M&C Saatchi is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for a Project Director to thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, the company offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and a contributory pension. Additionally, M&C Saatchi prioritises professional growth through mentoring programmes and active Employee Led Networks, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to innovative projects across diverse platforms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like M+C Saatchi UK. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at M+C Saatchi UK.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at M+C Saatchi UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at M+C Saatchi UK and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at M+C Saatchi UK
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like M+C Saatchi UK will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to M+C Saatchi UK.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at M+C Saatchi UK.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at M+C Saatchi UK. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
