Contract - Lead Creative Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic global brand seeks a Lead Project Manager to join their in-house creative studio in London. This freelance role focuses on managing various creative projects, ensuring delivery on time and budget while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will possess extensive project management experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of project management experience in creative sectors.
• Background in design and production processes across various media.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders and multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee EMEA-led creative projects, ensuring timelines and processes are maintained.
• Lead design and event campaigns from visual development to final execution.
• Act as key liaison between creative teams, stakeholders, and external agencies.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

Design and Production Processes

Problem Solving

Tools

Asana

Google Drive

Microsoft Office

Adobe CC

Job description

Job Description

Freelance Lead Project Manager - Brand & Creative Ops
London | 3 days in office | ASAP - Dec 2025 (with potential to extend)

We're on the hunt for a brilliant Lead Project Manager to join a dynamic in-house brand and creative studio for a fast-moving player in the entertainment-tech space. This role is all about keeping the creative wheels turning - working at the heart of an integrated studio across events, social, digital, animation, and brand content. You'll be the go-to person for project planning, creative resourcing, and getting things delivered on time, on budget, and to an exceptionally high standard.

The Place

This global brand team sits within a high-profile business marketing function - think storytelling, creative strategy, campaign rollouts, and sleek, best-in-class content that makes a statement. The studio is packed with creative thinkers, designers, and producers, all working together to build a brand that's as bold and culturally relevant as the platform itself.

The Role

As Lead Project Manager, you'll oversee EMEA-led (and occasionally global) creative projects across everything from large-scale events to pitch decks, blogs, splash pages, social campaigns, and more. You'll work closely with creatives, stakeholders, and ops to keep the studio running like clockwork - ensuring timelines, processes, and workflows are watertight.

You'll lead everything from scoping and resourcing through to delivery, using your sharp organisational instincts and production experience to guide teams through complex timelines and fast turnarounds. You're someone who thrives in a high-energy environment and knows how to get the best out of creatives while keeping cross-functional partners aligned.

Key Responsibilities

• Own project timelines and deliverables across events and brand marketing touchpoints - from decks and blogs to motion and video content




• Lead design and event campaigns from visual development through to final execution




• Act as a key liaison between creative, stakeholders, and external agencies - ensuring alignment, clear communication, and realistic expectations




• Run kick-offs, creative reviews, and team check-ins - keeping all parties up to speed and on track




• Build and manage detailed workback schedules, track project milestones, and flag risks early




• Manage external agency workflows (including briefing, delivery, and approvals)




• Support the Operations and Design Directors in managing team capacity, project prioritisation, and process optimisation




• Bring a proactive, problem-solving mindset to everything - looking for ways to improve efficiency without compromising creativity




• Share regular project status updates with the wider team

You'll Need

• 8-10+ years of project management experience in creative, advertising, or brand environments




• A solid background in design and production processes across print, digital, video, and events




• Strong leadership and communication skills - confident managing senior stakeholders and multiple moving parts




• Hands-on experience with PM tools like Asana, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office (bonus points if you know Adobe CC)




• Experience working in or alongside agencies, in-house teams, or studios with high creative output




• Calm under pressure, with a knack for keeping things moving - even when timelines are tight

Start Date: July
Contract: Freelance (through Dec 2025) with potential for extension
Location: London-based (hybrid - 3 days onsite)

Sphere Digital Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.