Program Manager - Freelance

twentysix; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

VML is seeking a Freelance Program Manager to lead large‑scale website development and content initiatives for the North American Digital E‑Commerce space. You will own roadmaps, schedules, budgets, and collaboration across creative, development, and content teams.

Strong CMS experience and governance of QA processes are essential. Ideal candidates bring 5–9+ years in project management within an advertising agency setting, with a track record of omni‑channel campaigns and SEO‑driven content

Qualifications

• 5–9+ years of experience in project management for website development and content workflows.
• Proven track record of omni‑channel campaign launches and content initiatives.
• Deep understanding of website development lifecycle, content strategy, and SEO.
• Technical proficiency with CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, AEM) and HTML/CSS/JS.
• Experience with WCAG accessibility standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage campaign launches, digital development projects, and content initiatives with cross‑functional teams.
• Oversee North American Website Redesigns for the Digital E‑Commerce sector.
• Define scope, create detailed plans, and manage budgets and roadmaps.
• Mentor junior teammates and enforce quality standards across deliverables.
• Ensure CMS migrations and CX/payment portal integrations meet requirements.

Skills

Campaign launches

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Web development lifecycle

Tools

WordPress

Drupal

AEM

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, 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.

Please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

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.

VML is in search of a Program Manager (Freelance)

What you’ll do:

• Lead and manage campaign launches, digital development projects and content initiatives, collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams (creative, developers, content strategists, SEO specialists, marketing). Own project roadmaps, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Focus on North American Website Redesigns and launches for the Digital E-Commerce sector
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks and sprints. Develop and manage detailed project plans and timelines.
• Migrate and modernize existing CMS and related management systems focusing on CX/Consumer related electronic payment portals
• Experience with Sitecore, SFMC, AEM or related systems strongly desired
• Understanding of a Product roadmap strongly desired for B2B launches in the digital e‑comm sector
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential roadblocks, ensuring projects stay on track, within budget, and meet quality standards. Implement project management best practices and optimize workflows.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between stakeholders, providing regular updates, reporting on project status, and managing expectations. Lead project meetings and presentations.
• Oversee quality assurance throughout the website development and content creation process, establishing and enforcing quality standards and best practices.
• Develop and manage content calendars and workflows, ensuring timely publication of high‑quality, SEO‑optimized content. Establish and maintain content style guides and governance processes.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, providing support and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Who you are:

• Strategic thinker and problem‑solver: Able to translate business goals into effective website and content strategies. Proactively identify and resolve challenges.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator: Clearly communicate technical and non‑technical information to various stakeholders. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration and build consensus.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented: Maintain meticulous organization and attention to detail in all aspects of project management.
• Proactive and results‑driven: Take initiative, anticipate needs, and drive projects to successful completion. Focus on delivering measurable results.
• Expert in project management methodologies and tools: Deep understanding of Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Expert‑level proficiency in project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and content management systems (CMS).
• Technical understanding and web development lifecycle knowledge: Solid understanding of web design principles, development processes, content strategy best practices, and SEO.
• Hi EQ and the ability to be in a highly visible role with a strong Technical (SDLC - through launch) understanding (able to talk "Tech" to developers and engineers and nontechnical leadership)

What you’ll need:

• 5‑9+ years of experience in project management in an Advertising Agency: Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex website development projects, content creation workflows, and content migrations.
• Ability to start immediately: This is a long term freelance role- possible Temp to Perm
• Proven track record of successful omni‑channel campaign launches and content initiatives: Provide examples of successfully completed projects, highlighting key achievements, results, and contributions.
• Deep understanding of website development lifecycle, content strategy, and SEO: Demonstrate expertise in web design principles, development processes, content strategy best practices, information architecture, and SEO.
• Technical proficiency: Strong familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, AEM), HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and website analytics tools. Experience with website accessibility standards (WCAG) is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills: Ability to analyze website data, identify trends, and make data‑driven recommendations to improve website performance and content engagement.
• Client management experience (if applicable): Experience building and maintaining strong client relationships, presenting project updates, and managing client expectations.
• Agency experience (a plus): Experience working within an agency environment or a similar collaborative setting.
• Experience with Financial, Banking, E‑Payment or related client accounts very helpful

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all‑inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career‑forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interacti

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

The compensation 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. Click WPP Benefits for more details.

_$70—$85 USDWe 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.