Program Director

Program DirectorProgram Directors at Havas CX have two primary objectives: 1 - Define the vision and structure of client programs and overseeing its execution by our team of project managers, and 2 – Continuously improve and refine the delivery practice. As a Program Director, you may be involved in overseeing multiple projects, across multiple brands or clients to ensure the overall project health in their portfolio (financials, resources, risks, relationships), or overseeing one large portfolio-sized account.The Program Director serves as "Lead" on large client accounts and is accountable for the delivery management team's organization, operational efficiencies, and health within their assigned accounts. Within that role, the Program Director may be responsible for supervising one or more project managers and/or senior project managers. Program Directors will interface heavily with senior creative, technical, and executive management within the client to assure that the solution is understood and addresses the customer's business requirements. They will also ensure that the challenges and requirements are understood by the team and will participate in the solution developed by the team.The Program Director will be responsible for delivering accurate financial management of the accounts/brands to which he/she is assigned and for delivering improved account margins. In addition to the project responsibilities, Program Directors will also participate in the business development process and will be a key member of the business development team where appropriate. They will proactively manage risk to ensure project success.ResponsibilitiesPlanningHas a deep understanding of the client’s business needs, expectations and requirementsLeads the project team in determining the approach, deliverables, schedule, and tools to deliver multiple projects streams within established constraintsWorks with client team as well as members of the assigned project team to estimate costs and timing for tasks such as project strategy, functional design, visual design, technology requirements, etc., utilizing established estimating process and tools.Ensures the feasibility of project delivery given scope, time and budget constraints.ExecutionCoordinates activities of the project management team and has overall responsibility for quality outputPerforms timely review, and approval of invoices and timesheetsLeads the creation and delivery of SOWs and CRsEnsure that the Program meets and exceeds the company’s internal project delivery standardsEnsures that the project management team is handling core functions of the PM role, such as scheduling and facilitating project-related team meetings (i.e. kick-offs, status, internal/client reviews, etc.), communicating action steps to the team, and delivering weekly status reports to project team, the client and managementHelps update processes and standards for project documentation and ensures that the project management team is developing, maintaining, reviewing and/or disseminating all project documentationIs a contributor to the content and presentation of key client deliverables as required to ensure relevancy, strategy, quality, and timelinessMonitoring – Scheduling, Financials and Risk ManagementEnsures adherence to processes for scope management and change controlOversees project management team to ensure that projects in the assigned accounts are completed according to schedule and within budgetResponsible for accuracy and overall financial health throughout the project lifecycle including estimates, revenue forecasts, invoicing, payables, receivables, etc.Responsible for delivering work with sold marginsResponsible for identifying and driving solutions to project risk challenges at the account and project levelsIs also responsible for developing and adhering to processes for project and account financial managementIs the point of contact for all team and client escalationsClient Communication Establishes relationships with key client team members and owns all client communicationsChampion a client focused culture to deepen client relationships and leverage broader company relationships, systems and knowledge.Team ManagementWorks closely with direct reports to ensure they understand expectations of their performance and helps them identify commitments; providing direction and feedback via regular meetings and as neededChampions a high-performance environment and contributes to an inclusive work environment.Builds team expertise by mentoring junior team members and offering training in relevant methodologies, techniques, frameworks, etc.Works with the Discipline lead, Solution Leads, Practice Leads and other team members to develop and/or promote best practices for the disciplineQualifications10+ years’ experience managing multiple large, complex and cross-functional interactive projects, preferably in an agency environmentSolid understanding of agile best practices is requiredExperience managing pharma brands is a plusCertification in an agile methodology is a bonusExcellent understanding and performance of project delivery best practices including budget, scope and time managementExpert knowledge of one or more of the following: software development life cycles, web/mobile technologies, web/mobile development processes and the delivery of solutions with creative and engineering components, digital strategy projectsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent organizational and time management skillsExperience in working closely with Creative and UX teamsPreferably have a background or understanding of ITExpert understanding of project management methodology including the ability to identify and resolve issues, manage risk, develop detailed work plans and specifications, perform resource allocations and run team meetingsAbility to work on multiple projects and manage multiple project managers and/or senior project managers at one timeDemonstrated ability to motivate staff/project/account team, inspire teamwork and take a leadership roleAbility to solve complex account-wide problems with keen instincts and organizational experienceMust be able to simultaneously focus on the big picture, details, and driving results3-5 years of people management experienceAbout Havas CX CanadaHavas CX is a global network of digital agencies dedicated to creating meaningful experiences across the customer journey. With deep capabilities in business transformation, experience design, CRM, and technology, we partner with leading brands to deliver exceptional digital products and services across B2B and B2C markets.We are deeply committed to investing in the professional development of our team members, providing ample opportunities to expand skills, take on diverse challenges, and contribute to high-impact projects. Our passion for what we do drives us. Joining our team means being part of a culture and organization that prioritizes growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence...not to mention you would make some pretty cool new friends!