Method

Overview
Lead Program Managers lead Method's delivery efforts on projects for our clients. They understand and support the identification of client needs and goals, and work with pursuit teams to establish the project approach and scope of work, develop and manage effective project work plans given the work effort, and help to close business. They manage the quality of client relationships day to day, and oversee delivery teams in executing a quality solution, on time and on budget, exceeding client expectations. They distribute, manage and monitor the progress of the work breakdown structure and tasks that lead to project execution, for both client and project team members.
 
The Lead Program Manager provides thought leadership and delivery leadership - through communication of vision, smart decision-making, strong project planning and oversight, risk management and outstanding communication skills - to both the project team and the client. The Lead Program Manager is responsible for keeping the execution of the project on track in terms of profitability, timeline and quality of deliverables. The Lead Program Manager guides the project team in decision-making around the project, anticipating and mitigating risks, and leveraging the expertise and talent of both the core project team (and any extended team members, as needed) and their own knowledge of the project and client.
 
A Method Lead Program Manager works to deliver an outstanding client experience – the experience of working with savvy, focused, smart, fun, talented people who are dedicated to delivering great solutions that delight our clients. Program Managers actively work to deliver great service and support to their internal project teams - removing barriers to project success, anticipating the team's needs, facilitating constant communication, and keeping the team focused on delivering the right solutions.
 
Responsibilities
Project Communications
-Establish and implement project start up and close down procedures and artifacts
-Maintain a current project work plan for the client and project team at all times
-Establish appropriate client meeting schedules, manage agendas, and direct meetings to achieve project goals
-Lead regular internal project team meetings in which the team learns about client needs and responses and in which the team actively problem solves for future risks
-Facilitate collaboration through excellent communication about the project, and
schedule appropriate internal interim reviews and meetings to help disciplines problem solve together
-Manage an archive of project-related documentation and deliverables
-Actively document project decisions, progress and acceptance of deliverables
 
Client Management
-Deliver an outstanding level of client service
-Establish a relationship of trust and credibility with the client in Method's main
point of contact on a project
-Actively support the development of strong relationships between multiple client and multiple Method team members, while directing the project and remaining the hub of project communications
-Clearly communicate the project work plan and assumptions to the client
-Educate clients about the Method work process and deliverables, and help Method’s clients provide effective and meaningful input to both the process and deliverables
-Regularly and consistently manage client expectations as to tasks and deliverables as specified within a statement of work
-Lead the client towards acceptance of final deliverables through appropriate project reviews and interim deliverables, and facilitate constructive dialog about our progress against our goals
-Establish and promote the value of Method's work and team to clients through
thoughtful communications and advice within the project.
 
Engagement Management
-Manage the project team to deliver quality on-strategy work that supports a
premium position for Method in our market place and long-term relationships
-On a daily basis, guide the team towards effectively solving the client's problems and responding appropriately to client needs, including the introduction of solutions that may be outside of the status-quo
-Lead and encourage project teams in the maintenance of positive attitude and a commitment to quality work
-Escalate concerns and request assistance from the appropriate groups and individuals to keep the project team on track or resolve disputes about priorities.
-As client needs change, tune and evolve project work plans to continue to guide projects to successful delivery; manage a change order process against contractual expectations
-Work proactively to identify opportunities or requirements to expand project scope or add additional engagements with clients where appropriate
-Manage resource assignments to the project, and proactively identify resource challenges and work within potential constraints through creative scheduling and by occasionally helping to source contract help
-Help project teams anticipate, understand, and evaluate client feedback
-Direct project teams to have effective partnerships and appropriate dialogs with clients. Coach team members on how to handle difficult client situations, lead them through these situations
-Identify and track project issues and risks, including the implementation of mitigation plans
-Facilitate project sunset reviews and retrospectives; encourage the development of reusable deliverable assets where appropriate
 
Financial Management
-Regularly monitor the project budget to keep it in scope and on budget
-Actively partner to determine whether to adjust work efforts, adjust budget goals, or request additional resources from clients
-Actively manage and report percentage or milestone completeness and related revenue recognition
 
Business Development
-Leading an opportunity pursuit team, support Method's business development efforts by guiding and coordinating responses and representing the project management discipline and our project work plans to clients
-Develop task, staffing, and time estimates during proposal generation
-Lead other disciplines in providing their contributions to the pursuit and proposal process
-Work with business development and the pursuit team to identify client needs and constraints
-Actively enhance the client relationship for the long term and identify new work opportunities.
 
Company Growth
-Identify ways for Method to improve our work product, our teamwork, our practices, and our client service
-Actively promote new ideas and better practices within the company through group and personal initiatives, leveraging applicable subject matter expertise
-Contribute to Method's positive reputation with colleagues outside the office and through networking and learning events
 
Skills/Qualifications
-College education or commensurate level of writing and critical thinking skills required
-3 - 5 years of solid job experience as a project manager in a professional services environment, managing interactive and design projects
-Experience in a design studio or interactive agency preferred
-Demonstrable track record of  growing business, developing and managing client relationships and overseeing profitable and successful projects
-Demonstrable experience with Web and interactive technologies and in managing projects with technology components
-Demonstrable experience with project planning methods, processes, terminology and best practices required (PMP or other active learning and/or certifications a plus)
-Strong MS Word and MS Excel skills required. Experience with a presentation
application (Keynote or Powerpoint)) required. Experience with project management/planning software and tools required
-Facility with email, instant messenger, and internet-based communications required
-Proven organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail.
-A high degree of strength and polish in both written and verbal communications skills as well as presentation skills
-Experience in writing proposals, experience playing a supporting role in new business development
-Track record for working in a team-based, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with the ability to multi-task and handle changing priorities
-Specific subject matter expertise in at least two market segments (e.g. media & entertainment, retail, CPG, financial services, etc.) preferred