Program Manager - Temporary Worker

Dentsu International Americas; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Merkle, a dentsu company, seeks a Temporary Program Manager to lead complex marketing initiatives for US and global clients. The role requires strategic guidance across multiple teams, with experience in CRM rollouts and UAT processes.

You will manage 15–30 professionals in a matrixed environment, coordinate across regions, and mentor junior PMs while ensuring on-time delivery and budget control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of program management experience in marketing, advertising, or consulting environments.
• Experience as PMO for multi-vendor delivery and global CRM rollout.
• Experience leading clients through UAT process.
• Advanced proficiency with Jira; Zephyr is a plus.
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience is a huge plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop program strategies and roadmaps for multi-channel marketing initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional planning with creative, data analytics, tech, and media teams.
• Manage budgets from $1M-$3M+ and forecast/optimize spend.
• Oversee delivery across geographies and time zones, ensuring quality and deadlines.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Global/intl experience

UAT process experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field

Tools

Jira

Zephyr

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

CRM systems

Job description

Job Description

• TEMP W2 on Dentsu Payroll, Hourly Non-Exempt


• Approximately 40 Hours/Week


• ASAP - 5/31/2027


• Remote or Hybrid Depending on location


• Must work EST


• Travel Possible


• Must be US based

Company Description

Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle's expertise has earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Temporary Program Manager to lead and coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary marketing initiatives for our diverse portfolio of US and global clients. This role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of large-scale marketing programs while ensuring seamless execution across multiple teams, geographies, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing high-visibility programs in a fast-paced agency environment. Experience with a global CRM rollout and leading clients through the detailed steps and execution of the UAT process is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Planning

• Develop comprehensive program strategies and roadmaps for complex, multi-channel marketing initiatives spanning digital, traditional, and experiential touchpoints


• Lead cross-functional planning sessions with creative, strategy, data analytics, technology, and media teams to ensure integrated program delivery


• Create and maintain detailed program charters, scope documents, and success metrics aligned with client business objectives

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client stakeholders, building trust and maintaining strategic relationships across multiple markets


• Facilitate regular client communications, including client stakeholder presentations, program reviews, and weekly status sessions


• Help the working team navigate complex client organizational structures and cultural considerations for global programs


• Proactively identify opportunities for program optimization based on client needs and team outcomes

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead matrixed teams of 15-30 professionals across multiple disciplines, including creative directors, strategists, data scientists, developers, and media planners


• Coordinate resources across regional offices and time zones to ensure consistent program delivery


• Mentor junior project managers, providing guidance on best practices and career development


• Foster collaboration between internal teams and external partners, including vendors, production companies, and technology providers

Program Execution & Delivery

• Oversee program execution, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines across all workstreams


• Manage program budgets ranging from $1M-$3M+, including forecasting, tracking, and optimization recommendations


• Implement risk management strategies and contingency planning for complex, multi-phase programs


• Lead post-program retrospectives and capture best practices for future initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field


• 5+ years of program management experience in marketing, advertising, or consulting environments


• Proven track record with programs where the agency acts as our clients' "PMO" and is an integral part of their multi-vendor delivery system


• Experience with a global CRM rollout and leading clients through the detailed steps and execution of the UAT process

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (Jira a MUST, Zephyr a plus)


• Familiarity with marketing technology stacks including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, data management and eCommerce tools


• Specific Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience a huge plus

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing large, diverse teams in matrixed environments


• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executives


• Proven ability to influence and drive consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities


• Cultural sensitivity and experience working across international markets

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge marketing programs for world-class brands while developing your career at one of the industry's leading marketing agencies. The position requires someone w