Senior Project Manager

Description:

Embryo is seeking an experienced and highly organized Senior Project Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of digital projects, including website builds, design and development retainers, and ad-hoc feature requests. This role will play a crucial part in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, while also mentoring and managing a talented team of in-house and freelance designers and developers.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and monitor digital projects from inception through launch and maintenance.

• Manage ongoing website and design retainers, ensuring deliverables meet client expectations and budgets.

• Scope out new projects with stakeholders, capturing detailed requirements and defining scope.

• Create detailed project plans, timelines, briefs, technical specifications, and handovers.

• Allocate resources effectively within the design and development teams.

• Identify and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies.

• Handle client communications regarding project scope, managing out-of-scope requests professionally.

• Maintain clear communication with clients, internal teams, and external partners throughout the project lifecycle.

• Track project progress and budgets, providing regular updates to stakeholders.

• Implement best practices and methodologies in project management.

• Support content upload, testing, and project closure phases, including post-project reviews.

Financial Management:

• Manage project budgets ensuring cost control and on-budget delivery.

• Monitor retainer usage and costs of ad-hoc requests.

• Forecast resource needs and manage freelance budget allocations.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, freelancers, and internal teams.

• Serve as the primary contact for project-related communications.

• Manage client expectations and resolve issues promptly.

Line Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Creative team, including recruitment and onboarding.

• Promote company values and manage team dynamics and performance through regular feedback and development.

• Maintain and improve departmental processes and procedures.

• Address and resolve client challenges effectively.

• Identify and solve departmental issues with root cause analysis and preventive actions.

• Make confident decisions regarding client strategy and team management.

• Drive commercial accountability including project profitability, time tracking, and quotation accuracy.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven 5+ years’ experience in project management within a digital agency or relevant environment.

• Experience managing website builds, design, and development retainers.

• Experience leading teams of designers and developers, including freelancers.

• Strong understanding of web development, design principles, and digital technologies.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and multitasking abilities.

• Proficiency with project management tools and software.

• Budget management and financial reporting experience.

• Proactive, results-oriented, and able to work independently or collaboratively.

Desirable:

• Formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).

• Experience with agile methodologies.

• Familiarity with CMS platforms, particularly WordPress.

About Embryo:

Embryo is a digital agency focused on delivering exceptional web and digital experiences, working closely with clients to innovate and grow their digital presence. Based in Manchester, Embryo fosters a collaborative, creative, and client-focused culture.