Senior Project Manager (12 month contract) - Ford

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Senior Project Manager (1 year contract) – Ford

VML Canada is looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead the Ford of Canada Retail business in Toronto.

This is a senior-level role for an experienced project management leader who thrives in fast-paced, integrated agency environments and enjoys guiding complex, multi-channel work from strategy through execution.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Project Leadership:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of integrated, multi-channel projects that exceed client expectations

• Define project strategies, production approaches, and execution plans aligned with client goals

• Establish structures, workflows, and processes that enable efficient collaboration across teams and locations

• Maintain awareness of industry trends, cultural moments, and platform developments to inform project opportunities

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead, inspire, and mentor project teams, including Project Managers and cross-functional contributors

• Build and maintain high-performing, collaborative teams that are comfortable with ambiguity

• Act as a senior point of contact for internal stakeholders, clients, and external vendors

• Provide coaching and guidance to less-experienced project team members

Financial & Operational Ownership:

• Own SOW development, project estimation, forecasting, and profitability

• Manage budgets, resource allocations, burn rates, and reconciliations

• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, on time, and on budget

• Identify risks and proactively implement solutions to keep projects on track

Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Develop strong, trusted relationships with clients, vendors, and agency leadership

• Present project plans, status updates, and key deliverables confidently to senior stakeholders

• Act as a strategic partner to the Account team, providing insights and recommendations to enhance client solutions

Who You Are

• A strategic, confident leader with strong business and operational instincts

• A builder and unifier who inspires teams and drives results

• Collaborative, ego-less, and comfortable stepping in wherever needed

• Optimistic, resilient, and solutions-driven, able to navigate complex environments

• A skilled communicator with high emotional intelligence and the ability to influence teams and stakeholders

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of project management experience in advertising or marketing communications, ideally at a large creative agency

• Proven experience leading integrated, multi-channel campaigns and complex, cross-functional teams

• Strong client-facing experience, including senior stakeholder management

• Deep understanding of agency workflows, production processes, and project financials

• Excellent written, verbal, and negotiation skills

• PMP certification or formal project management training is a strong asset

• Degree or diploma in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field

• Automotive or retail marketing experience is highly desirable

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between the values at the bottom of this posting. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

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$65,000—$115,000 CAD

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

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.

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