Project Manager

AKQA Media; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 550 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital consultancy in Johannesburg is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of client projects in digital media. You will ensure high-quality deliverables are produced on time and to budget, fostering strong client relationships throughout the process. This role offers a hybrid work environment, allowing collaboration with a talented team across global studios.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering full life-cycle projects in a marketing/media agency.
• Strong customer service ethos, committed to quality.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead a range of digital media projects from resourcing to delivery.
• Successfully deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Manage suppliers and communicate effectively with clients.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Risk management

Client relationship management

Job description

At AKQA, we blend the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products, and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination and deliver impressive returns for our clients.

The Delivery team is at the epicentre of all projects, ensuring they’re delivered to the highest quality, on time, and that clients receive the most excellent possible value from their investment.

The team’s key focus is building collaborative relationships and effective communication with project teams and clients. AKQA’s process and governance standards are industry-leading, providing the tools, training, and team support to make this possible.

Working with globally recognised and highly respected brands, the Project Manager is responsible for the entire life cycle of a number of client projects from inception through to delivery. With the support of the Operations Director and Client Service Leads, the role is responsible for translating a brief into a detailed scope document, planning and budgeting projects accurately, and managing the project and team effectively.

Johannesburg or Remote in South Africa -based while frequently collaborating with our global studios, you will enjoy working in a team of highly skilled people, all with strong opinions about various technologies, frameworks, and approaches to media. You will articulate your ideas to your colleagues effectively while also taking on board the ideas of others. You will thrive when faced with new challenges, view them as opportunities, and constantly look to improve client deliverables and internal workstreams. You will work in a progressive environment that fosters a meritocratic culture, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Lead a diverse range of fast-moving local and global projects that are Digital Media led, technically and organisationally complex, strategic, digital, brand and comms-focused, from resourcing and scoping to delivery.
• Successfully deliver projects with high-quality deliverables, on time, and to budget.
• Manage suppliers and publishers in the media space from onboarding, briefing, delivery and implementation with the lead of the media and client service teams.
• Work alongside the client service leads to create detailed media debriefs and briefs for the team to action against.
• Identify what success looks like for each project, with client agreement, to ensure we achieve that as a team.
• Tailor and communicate an appropriate project structure by methodology or project phase. Ensure this aligns to the approved scope of work.
• Provide support to the delivery lead to accurately estimate a project according to the most appropriate model (e.g. fixed-price, capped time and materials, by project phase).
• Forecast resource requirements across teams and assist Resource Management to plan proactively.
• Present and communicate effectively internally and externally, both verbally and in writing.
• Manage multiple resources and studios to ensure the best outcome for clients and AKQA. Keep stakeholders informed of project progress at all times and manage expectations proactively.
• Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate risks on a project, focusing on solutions.
• Balance specific client demands with project realities and reliably close the loop on all open issues in a timely manner.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Experience delivering full life-cycle projects in a marketing/media agency or consultancy environment, implementing innovative, interactive, and consumer-focused solutions.
• Experience working on Digital or ATL Media, digitally-led campaigns and content production. Media, data, and innovation project experience is also desirable.
• An accomplished communicator who gains the business's confidence and clients’ trust.
• Able to build strong relationships and achieve results under potentially difficult circumstances.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure with high flexibility and fluidity. Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
• Possess good business acumen and sound judgment.
• Strong customer service ethos, committed to quality, with the will to drive improvements.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Constantly strive to improve AKQA delivery practices, processes, and procedures.

Explore our extensive range of benefits here.

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

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.