Senior Project Manager (Commerce)

VML South Africa; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead commerce initiatives for major clients in the CPG sector. This pivotal role involves driving omnichannel strategies and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in shopper marketing, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity and collaboration, and be part of a dynamic team that shapes impactful commerce solutions in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of project management experience in a professional environment.
• Experience with shopper marketing and commerce projects for CPG clients.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project lifecycle from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with client goals.
• Manage cross-functional teams to deliver innovative shopper marketing solutions.

Skills

Project Management

Shopper Marketing

E-commerce Strategy

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Last Updated: 5/7/2025

Requisition ID: R-2410

Who We Are:

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.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead and manage commerce initiatives and deliverables for major clients within the CPG space. This role will be instrumental in driving omnichannel commerce strategies and execution across an IAT model of WPP agencies. We are looking for a proactive and experienced individual who understands the complexities of the CPG landscape, the nuances of shopper behavior, and the critical role of effective project management in delivering impactful commerce solutions. The Senior Project Manager will be a key driver in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the client's strategic objectives, while also navigating the unique requirements of various retail partners.

What you’ll do:

• Work |Deliver exceptional shopper marketing and commerce programs that drive sales and brand engagement across various retail channels (e.g., e-commerce, in-store, mobile). Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to final execution, ensuring alignment with client goals and retailer requirements. Identify dependencies and cascading impacts of delays, especially within the context of retailer-specific timelines and promotional calendars. Lead resource needs and availability across the office and network, working closely with department leads and recruiting.
• People |Motivate, direct, and challenge cross-functional teams (including creative, strategy, technology, and account management) to produce innovative and effective shopper marketing solutions. Establish and manage collaborative, efficient, and high-functioning teams across different locations. Increase efficiency across a group of accounts through effective management of staff resourcing. Oversee staff aggregate bandwidth, utilization, and realization rates, as well as retention and employee relations.
• Process |Establish and manage project/program communication and process, specifically tailored to the demands of shopper marketing and commerce projects. Leverage existing tools and processes to monitor people and progress. Collaborate with Project and Program needs to ensure the right resources are in place to deliver the work.
• Financials |Responsible for project estimation, planning, and profitability, with a strong focus on ROI and measurable results. Build detailed project plans that incorporate retailer-specific requirements and promotional timelines. Collaborate with Delivery leads for resourcing and scoping strategy across portfolio, partnering with finance and account teams. Partner with the Director of Project Management for resourcing strategy across the portfolio, and support Project Managers in resourcing to the scope.

Who you are:

• Leader |Influences without authority and fosters an environment of shared accountability. Comfortable communicating and partnering with department leads, tailoring communications based on audience and level (technology, creative, finance, client, vendor).
• Builder |Navigates strong collaboration between people, processes and systems. Drives projects and resource management from ambiguity to clarity. Understands digital technologies and trends.
• Detail Oriented |Sharp attention to detail and a drive for perfection. Excellent problem-solving skills. Adept at completing high-intensity, high-volume tasks in a timely fashion.
• A Strong Communicator |Excellent communication and analytical skills. Conducts team and client meetings with clear, concise language and leadership acumen. A skilled, creative, confident presenter and negotiator.
• Shopper Marketing Savvy |Possesses a strong understanding of shopper behavior, retail environments, and the key drivers of purchase decisions. Familiar with various shopper marketing tactics, including promotions, displays, digital activations, and e-commerce strategies.

What you'll need:

• 5-7+ years of experience managing projects in a professional environment, with agency or consulting environment preferred,specifically with a focus on shopper marketing and commerce projects for CPG clients.
• Experience working with major retailers and understanding their specific requirements for shopper marketing and commerce programs.
• Familiarity with CPG industry trends, competitive landscape, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Experience managing projects related to e-commerce platforms, online advertising, and digital promotions.

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, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$60,000 — $140,000 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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read ourCalifornia Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

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When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.