Program Manager

VML South Africa; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

VML is seeking a Program Manager to lead the Commerce team's largest global client programs. You will manage end-to-end delivery of integrated campaigns across TV, print, radio, social, and display, ensuring on-time, on-budget results while navigating trade-offs for client success.

You’ll mentor cross-functional teams, partner with account management, and drive scope, pricing, and ROI-driven project plans in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years managing complex, integrated marketing projects.
• Experience with commerce-focused clients.
• Proven ability to mentor project teams.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead meetings with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end projects on time and within budget, pushing creative boundaries.
• Oversee end-to-end delivery of large-scale, integrated projects in commerce.
• Identify dependencies and mitigate delays; align scope, schedule and pricing.
• Develop client proposals and statements of work with clear ROI focus.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Builder mindset

Detail-oriented

Exceptional communicator

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award‑winning human‑first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, SãoPaulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Who we’re looking for:

VML is seeking a Program Manager to work on the Commerce team of one of our largest global clients in the beverage industry. Our Program Managers are adept at understanding both the big picture and the granular details, taking ownership of setting and exceeding expectations with internal teams and clients. They possess a deep understanding of how to strategically manage and negotiate trade-offs to consistently deliver results on time, within budget, and aligned with agreed objectives. They have extensive experience managing full campaign lifecycles, from initial scoping to final delivery, and confidently navigate and prioritize business needs, resource allocation, scheduling, and financial considerations to ensure the successful execution of all project aspects. This individual will be instrumental in supporting one of our largest clients, overseeing their integrated marketing programs within the commerce landscape, including TV, print, radio, social media, and display initiatives.

What you’ll do:

• Work |Spearhead the delivery of exceptional work that is delivered on time and within budget, and pushes creative boundaries. Experience working in commerce to oversee the end‑to‑end delivery and execution of large‑scale, integrated projects. Proactively identify dependencies and mitigate the impact of potential delays. Drive alignment on scope, schedule, assumptions, and pricing for projects, effectively translating these into compelling Client Proposals and Statements of Work.
• People |Inspire, mentor, and direct cross‑functional teams to produce award‑winning work. Partner with Account Management to strategically manage scope, cultivate client relationships, and identify new business opportunities. Foster a collaborative ‘One Team’ approach, integrating account management, creative, production, content/social, finance, and client representatives.
• Process |Define, implement, and optimize project/program communication and processes. Expertly balance opportunities and constraints within complex projects. Champion the use of existing tools and processes to effectively monitor team performance and project progress, while also identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Financials |Take ownership of project estimation, financial planning, and profitability. Develop detailed project plans that align with budgetary requirements and maximize ROI.

Who you are:

• Strategic Leader |Influences and inspires teams without direct authority, fostering a culture of shared accountability and excellence. Drives projects from initial ambiguity to clear, actionable strategies. Possesses an innate ability to marshal resources, galvanize teams, and usher innovative ideas.
• Builder |Expertly navigates the complexities of people, processes, and systems to drive seamless collaboration. Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset coupled with a strong business and financial acumen. Proactively brings people together to achieve common goals and build lasting relationships.
• Detail‑Oriented |Exhibits a sharp attention to detail balanced with the ability to see the big picture and drive strategic initiatives. Create team environments that are collaborative, comfortable, and encouraging, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Exceptional Communicator |Possesses excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills. Proactively identifies and resolves challenges, demonstrating a ‘yes, and why not’ attitude.

What you'll need:

• 5-7+ years of experience managing complex, integrated marketing projects in an agency or consulting environment, with a proven track record of success.
• Experience working on commerce‑focused clients or a strong understanding of the commerce space.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance environment.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think critically and strategically to overcome challenges.
• Proven ability to lead team and client meetings, tailoring communications to diverse audiences (technology, creative, finance, client, or vendor).
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and meet high standards for quality and accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Deep passion for the marketing and advertising industry, with a strong desire to learn the inner workings of the business and contribute to the team's success.
• Exceptional scoping and project management skills, with the ability to accurately estimate project timelines, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job‑related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

We offer a competitive benefits package. $75,000—$180,000 USD.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) 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.