Programme Manager - Commerce (Contract)
Who We AreVML 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 award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands.
Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.
For more information, please visit and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.Programme Manager with extensive experience including experience managing small programmes of work needed to join our teamThis is a London based Contract role The opportunity: You lead teams to deliver high quality, complex project(s) on budget and within a specified timeframe to achieve the potential benefits defined in the business case. You work closely with the Account Director to achieve productivity goals and contribute to the organisation's overall success.
What you'll be doing:
Accountable for all delivery across the programmeAnalyse, evaluate, and overcome programme risks, and produce accurate programme reports for management and stakeholdersMaintain organisational standards of satisfaction, quality, and performance, including the creation and implementation of ways of working at the start of a programmeCreate and implement effective ways of working at the start of the programme and ensure these are adhered to throughout the project lifecycleTrack and manage dependencies between projects and workstreams, creating programme level plans to ensure these are addressedEnsure programme goals are reached by keeping the workstreams updated on progress and any changes that need to be made.
Provide support and guidance to project managers within your account and line management for several project managers outside of your account.
Maintain a resource plan showing resource commitment across the projects and keep track of potential end dates in association with functional lead personnelTrack resource requests and manage fulfilment of these requests internally or externally as appropriateDevelop strong relationships with the team members and client stakeholders at all levelsWork with the client to understand their vision and plan the programme of work to successfully achieve that vision to the greatest effectDefine and implement programme level governance in conjunction with the clientManage third party vendors on behalf of the clientWhat we want from you: Experience in managing multiple teams across different workstreams. As a minimum, if in a team management role, this should be at least 20 peopleA good understanding of the software development lifecycle & release managementProven track record in the successful delivery of an ecommerce migration/Re-platformStrong stakeholder management skillsExcellent negotiation skills & an ability to handle sensitive issues with tact & diplomacyExposure to medium to large scale fixed price project deliveryExperience in multi-vendor managementExperience of managing people and financial budgets (including programme budgeting, monitoring financials etc.) ideally in an eCommerce environmentExperience of overseeing 3rd partiesExcellent risk management skillsExperience working in an Agile environmentProven track record of working with organisations moving from Waterfall to Agile delivery approachesWorking knowledge of Agile frameworks, Scrum and KanbanEffective leadership skills with experience of managing other project managers.
Strong time management & organisational skills. Excellent communication and relationship management skillsGood commercial knowledge, experience of contract negotiations would be advantageous.
Software Application Development related Project management experience.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Packages, especially MS Excel and MS PowerPointExcellent verbal and written communication skills in EnglishMinimum BA/BS degree with a major in information management, marketing, communications, business or other closely-related areas is an advantageWhat we can offer you: Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we'll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We'll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.
Our culture thrives on our core values, designed for impact-driven individuals: Heart, Brains and Courage.
We lead with Heart, fostering empathy and trust where genuine connections and human-centric work flourish.
We empower your Brains for innovation, valuing relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges.
And we champion Courage, inspiring you to speak up, embrace experimentation, and advocate for bold solutions that push our thinking to be better than yesterday. WPP Enterprise Solutions is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands.
Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel. #LI-EMEAWe 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. When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML.
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