Project Manager

Inspired Thinking Group; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Wellbeing Day

Flexible bank holidays

Carry over up to 5 days

Smart Working up to 40% from home

Work abroad up to 90 days/year

Pension scheme

Corporate Medical Cash Plan

Electric car salary sacrifice

Charitable payroll giving

Job summary

Inspired Thinking Group on the Waitrose operational team is seeking a Project Manager to own POS and digital screen briefs from briefing through to final delivery. You will manage client relationships, oversee timings, and ensure all deliverables are tracked and delivered within agreed SLAs.

You will coordinate production, logging briefs in Storyteq/Media Centre, maintain WIP, and manage invoicing and supplier relations. A hybrid role with strong focus on accuracy and timely execution.

Qualifications

• Proficient in project management, planning and workflow.
• Experience coordinating production timelines and approvals.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of print production processes and supplier coordination.
• Proficient in Excel and ad hoc data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own briefs from briefing to delivery for POS and digital screens.
• Maintain accurate WIP, invoicing, and supplier management.
• Log briefs in Storyteq/Media Centre and Monday boards.
• Manage client approvals and ensure clear amends before production.
• Deliver projects on time and within SLA.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Print production

Stakeholder management

Budget/time management

Excel

Tools

Storyteq

Media Centre

Monday.com

Job description

The role of this Project Manager on our Waitrose operational team will be taking full ownership of POS and digital screen briefs from briefing through to final delivery. You will manage client relationships, oversee timings and approvals and ensure all deliverables are accurately tracked and delivered within agreed SLAs.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Management

• Main client POC for brief owner (specific brief management)
• Ensures client is kept well informed of project status, flagging any concerns and/or challenges
• Provides regular updates to client and Senior Delivery Manager regarding status of projects, delays, challenges and issues
• Liaise with client teams to manage and resolve any related queries.

Project Management

• Project manages brief from brief development, through to production and delivery
• Interrogates briefs and liaises with client to ensure all relevant information is clarified and confirmed before proceeding
• Ensures briefs and deliverables are logged into required systems (Storyteq/Media Centre)/ Monday boards correctly and timely
• Agrees and manages timings with client, creating critical path dates for all campaigns under your management
• Managing the full print production process in line with ITG standards
• Provide administrative excellence in all invoicing, work-in-progress updates, briefing and supplier management
• Manages client approvals, ensuring these are documented and data captured on STQ, as well as ensuring amends are clear (and make sense) before briefing into production
• Delivers jobs within required deadline; adheres to SLA/agreed response times
• Produce guidelines for branches to ensure the correct implementation and compliance.

Print Management:

• Explore print suppliers via the RFQ process to ensure we’re getting the most competitive rates. A focus on POS volume reduction and cost savings to meet our cost saving objectives is key

Internal ITG

• Regular catch-ups with studios and production managers for full brief visibility
• Keeping the WIP up to date with all jobs and costing
• Attending key weekly meetings – both internal and client facing
• Liaise with other stakeholders, suppliers and teams to ensure POS materials are produced on time and in line with briefs and objectives.

Tracking & Reporting

• Ensures agreed processes are adhered to, and accurate use of Storyteq and Media Centre is followed to allow robust data capture to support reporting, whilst providing a clear audit trail

Financial

• Managing PAYG quotes in line with internal approval processes for briefs under your management

• Point of sale and in store communications subject matter expert: understanding, knowledge and experience of POS including end to end production and process management both on and offline.
• Proficient in project management, planning and workflow
• Good understanding of print management
• A friendly, positive team player
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills
• Committed to high-quality output and service, with an eye for detail
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to multi task
• Able to handle challenging situations and act appropriately
• Experience in internal and external stakeholders’ management including the briefing and commissioning of agencies and suppliers
• Excellent briefing, commissioning, proofreading and editing skills. Attention to detail and restless in delivering high levels of accuracy, consistency, legal and safety compliance and house style
• Fluent in Excel and Google Drive applications

What I need to do:

• Ensure you’re on top of your briefs – fully aware of statuses and managing client expectations in regard to timings of reviews and final approvals.
• Maintaining excellent customer service through outstanding project management – solving issues as and when they arise and making sure that delivery is right every time, on time.
• Develop a partnership approach to working with the client; you must be able to manage their expectations for project delivery - don’t be afraid to challenge constructively.
• Build positive and professional working relationships with your colleagues, internal customers and suppliers to enable smooth transition of all processes.
• The ability to manage your own time and deliver quality with speed is essential.
• This is a busy account, working off large spreadsheets and keeping on top of multiple projects comes natural to you

Work's a treat!

Perks at ITG - alongside a competitive salary, here's what you can look forward to:

• Time off that works for you - 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, a paid Wellbeing Day, flexible bank holidays to honour cultural or religious observances, and the option to buy or carry over up to 5 extra days.
• Flexibility & lifestyle - Smart Working with up to 40% from home, and after 12 months, the option to work from abroad for up to 90 days a year.
• Family & life milestones - Enhanced family friendly leave, 3 extra days for your wedding/honeymoon, and an Employee Assistance Programme whenever you need support.
• Financial perks - Pension scheme, Corporate Medical Cash Plan, electric car salary sacrifice scheme, and tax-efficient payroll giving to your favourite charities.
• Growth & recognition - Funding for professional qualifications, monthly Employee of the Month awards (£250 bonus), and referral bonuses of up to £1,500.
• Community & wellbeing - Regular Wellbeing Workshops, 30+ Wellbeing Champions, a paid Volunteer Day, and an online perks platform with discounts on top brands, days out, and gym memberships.

We Value Diversity

We champion and welcome diversity in our workforce and ensure all job applicants receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.

We are not only committed to increasing the visibility and recognition of talent from under-represented groups within our organisation, but the wider industry too.

At the end of the day, we make sure we take time to look after ourselves, each other, and the planet, because we're always stronger together.

ITG have a number of community groups available to employees and exist to offer a safe space for like-minded colleagues, with shared interests to connect, socialise and check in with each other.