Senior Project Manager - UK

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

A Senior Project Manager with a technical background is required to join our eCommerce Team on a contract basis. You will be expected to lead one or more Agile team(s) in delivering bespoke development projects as well as operational improvements, often within very challenging timescales. You also have excellent knowledge and experience of Agile teachings, approaches, behaviours and be capable of helping both teams and the wider organisation to address dysfunctions that may result from teams and others misinterpreting, ignoring or rejecting Lean and Agile values and principles.

Contractual position located in London.

Please send us your CV in English.

What you’ll be doing:

• Effectively run complex projects using Agile methodologies.
• Support the efficient flow of work by providing solutions to issues and blockers.
• Produce accurate status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverables, risks and issues communicating to various audiences including key stakeholders and sponsors.
• Manage several workstreams successfully, ensuring the teams understand what is expected of them in terms of output and quality.
• Manage the interdependencies between the various workstreams.
• Inspire and lead teams with little Agile experience, suggesting process and practical improvements as appropriate.
• Motivate teams to achieve individual and team objectives, to deliver high quality outputs within agreed timeframes.
• Focus on improving delivery processes.
• Provide support to Junior Project Managers within your account.
• Review and update the project resource plan on a regular basis, keeping tight control of project budgets.
• Foster close relationships with senior management and business stakeholders, be seen as a credible, reliable expert.
• Develop customer confidence by understanding their needs and delivering first‑class solutions.
• Set and manage client expectations, including resolving client escalations with diplomacy.
• Chair meetings/reviews with multiple stakeholder requirements.
• Keep up to date with emerging industry practices.

What we want from you:

• A good understanding of the software development lifecycle and release management.
• Ability to define, manage and deliver to customer expectations within strict deadlines.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity, embrace and react to change with enthusiasm and critical thinking.
• Experience of leading and managing teams at different stages of the team\’s lifecycle.
• Experience of modern software development practices.
• Strong understanding of agile delivery techniques and lean ways of working.
• Experience of managing people and financial budgets (including project budgeting, monitoring financials, reporting etc).
• Solid time management and organisational skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills and an ability to handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Relevant Project Management qualifications.

What we can offer you:

Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we’ll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We’ll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.

Permanent only:

We offer a great benefits package including a discretionary bonus scheme, training opportunities, competitive pension, medical insurance, life assurance, social events, opportunities to buy and sell holidays, family‑friendly policies, discounts with hundreds of retailers and much more.

Our personality and behaviours:

• Connect Meaningfully
• Inspire Creatively
• Include Purposefully
• Approach Positively

AT VML Enterprise Solutions

Our Enterprise Solutions division houses strategic consultants, creative and technical architects and skilled developers and operators that together help some of the world’s leading organisations to deliver outstanding digital experiences across all major routes to market worldwide: marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B and social platforms.

WPP (VML Enterprise Solutions) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.