Director of Projects and Production

Director of Projects and Production - Mat cover - January start date - TBC Product Excellence

• Lead the successful delivery of projects to ensure outputs meet the required standard, are delivered on time, and within agreed budgets.
• Drive collaboration across Experiential, Design & Build, and Integrated teams to deliver integrated and innovative solutions.
• Oversee project allocations and capacity planning, alongside the operations team, to ensure efficient use of resources and smooth delivery.
• Lead on key projects where necessary, maintaining oversight of delivery quality and operational excellence.
• Act as senior point of contact for clients on project delivery, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Partner with Creative, Production, Strategy, and Account teams to ensure a seamless client experience from pitch through delivery.
• Lead pitches and new business opportunities from the Projects function, contributing to agency growth.
• Pre and on-site involvement for large scale projects across the business when multiple are being delivered at the same time to ensure best practice and excellence of delivery and product – this may include budget creation and checking, key meeting attendance, team curation coaching.
• Help bring a sense of calm as live projects get to the business end of delivery Financial / Commercial
• Own all project-related financial reporting, including GP, WIP, and live financial tracking.
• Act as the main liaison with Finance to ensure accurate reporting and locked GP numbers.
• Approve all team financials including invoices, POs, and expenses, ensuring compliance and control.
• Monitor and manage project profitability and overall financial performance.
• Collaborate with Finance and senior leadership to ensure accurate forecasting and financial health across all projects.
• Bring in new relationships when and where possible including clients and vendors. Operational
• Implement and refine core processes, tools, and systems within the Projects function to drive operational effectiveness. Evaluate and roll out project management platforms (e.g. Float, Asana, Paprika) to enhance efficiency and delivery standards.
• Identify and mitigate delivery risks early, maintaining high standards of control and accountability.
• Suggest and implement operational efficiencies across the team, ensuring scalability and consistency.
• Build out the supply chain to ensure guarantee of supply, guarantee of quality at a fair price with lowest reasonable risk in selection.
• Identify opportunities to evolve the Projects function based on client needs, market trends, and team feedback. Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that supports innovation and excellence. Team
• Line manage 3-4 direct reports, overseeing development, performance, and progression.
• Lead the Projects team as the main point of contact for SLT/SMT on planning, resourcing, finance, and performance.
• Champion training, recruitment, and development initiatives to build a motivated, skilled, and engaged team.
• Run key team rituals including team meetings, roundups, learnings, and one-to-ones to maintain communication and morale.
• Create clear growth paths and development plans for team members in partnership with HR.
• Contribute to broader business planning and participate in quarterly and annual strategy sessions to align team goals with company objectives. Strategy and Leadership
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to define and implement the overall project delivery strategy.
• Contribute to agency-wide strategy and planning, ensuring Projects function goals align with broader business objectives.
• Participate in quarterly and annual strategy sessions, providing insights and recommendations on project resourcing, capabilities, and growth opportunities.
• Identify emerging market trends, client needs, and operational innovations to future-proof the Projects function.
• Represent the Projects team in leadership discussions, supporting decision-making on new business initiatives, service lines, and cross-functional priorities. Key Skills The ability to:
• Produce a consistently high product, on time and on budget.
• Put the client at ease and deliver repeatable, excellence in client experience.
• Manage and develop a team of Directors / Leads with different skill sets.
• Bring passion to your team and your projects whilst being calm and patient.
• Champion a team that feel supported and happy but challenged and accountable.
• Show attention to detail.
• Personable, human and authentic.