Creative Program Manager

This role is a continuous talent pipeline opportunity. We are building a pool of qualified candidates for current and future openings.

Aquent is partnering with a leading company dedicated to enhancing the lives of consumers through innovative products and exceptional service. This organization is at the forefront of its industry, constantly pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional value and experiences. They foster a dynamic, agency-like environment where creativity and efficiency converge to shape the future of their brands.

Are you a master of creative orchestration, ready to dive into a fast-paced environment where your project management prowess directly shapes how products are presented to the world? We are seeking a dynamic individual who will be the driving force behind critical packaging and brand development initiatives. This is your chance to make a tangible impact, ensuring that every creative vision is brought to life flawlessly and efficiently, influencing millions of consumers and contributing directly to the success of beloved brands.

In this pivotal role, you will seamlessly blend project management expertise with creative agency experience, operating at the heart of the creative process. You will be instrumental in managing the creative pipeline from inception to final delivery, ensuring that projects are on track, resources are optimized, and communication flows smoothly between all stakeholders. Your ability to navigate complex timelines, anticipate challenges, and problem-solve on the fly will be key to transforming creative briefs into impactful market realities.

**What You'll Do:**

* **Project & Account Management:**

* Intake creative briefs and translate them into actionable projects within project management software, assigning resources and constructing detailed timelines.

* Collaborate with brand, marketing, and cross-functional teams to meticulously manage the creative pipeline.

* Lead internal and external status meetings, meticulously documenting notes and ensuring clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders.

* Develop realistic schedules, rigorously enforce deadlines, and maintain accountability across creative teams.

* Monitor project health, proactively identify risks and tradeoffs, and implement rapid solutions as priorities evolve.

* **Creative Collaboration & Execution:**

* Work in close partnership with Creative Directors, Art Directors, Designers, Copywriters, and Studio teams.

* Provide comprehensive and nuanced briefs to creative teams for packaging projects, ensuring extreme attention to detail.

* Facilitate stakeholder review meetings, confidently present creative work, and accurately capture and relay feedback to creative teams.

* Ensure all creative assets receive proper approval before advancing to final review stages.

* Oversee packaging production processes, working directly with print vendors to finalize proofs and ensure quality.

* **Stakeholder Management:**

* Present to senior-level stakeholders with confidence, credibility, and clarity.

* Develop compelling presentations, facilitate engaging meetings, and provide thorough follow-through on all action items.

* Act as the voice of the customer and business throughout the entire creative development process.

* Demonstrate the ability to take direction effectively and independently, minimizing the need for constant follow-up.

**Qualifications:**

**Must-Have:**

* 6+ years of dedicated project management experience within a creative agency environment.

* Demonstrated experience with Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).

* Strong expertise in packaging and print production, including understanding dielines, managing print vendors, and meticulous proofing of packaging details.

* Proficiency with leading project management software for project conversion, resource allocation, and timeline management.

* Proven ability to multitask effectively and thrive in fast-paced, high-volume creative environments.

* Exceptional organizational skills, adept at maintaining comprehensive project statuses and documentation.

* Strong communication skills for briefing creative teams and expertly managing stakeholder expectations.

* Experience with file and asset management systems.

* Ability to perform under pressure and adapt quickly to last-minute changes or shifting priorities.

* Detail-oriented, with a keen eye for nuances in packaging design and execution.

**Nice-to-Have:**

* eCommerce and/or retail account management experience.

* Multi-channel marketing knowledge, with an emphasis on digital and product packaging.

* Familiarity with collaborative workflow and design tools.

* Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

* A passion for consumer brands and the industry's offerings.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $43.30/hour.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.