Project Management Director

Agency:

McCann

Job Function:

Projects and Performance Improvement

Job Subfunction:

Project and Program Management

Job Description:

Project Management DirectorReporting into: SVP, Director of Project ManagementLocation: New York, NYThe Role:As Project Management Director at McCann New York, you will play a critical role in facilitating the agency’s bestwork, ensuring that world-class ideas are delivered with operational excellence, commercial discipline, andseamless cross-team collaboration. You will oversee a diverse portfolio of client accounts, working closely withCreative, Strategy, Production, and Business Leadership, while leading and developing a team of ProjectManagers across all levels.In this role, you will implement and refine operational systems, processes, and best practices that drive efficiencyand consistency throughout the project lifecycle from briefing and scoping, to execution, delivery, and projectclosure. You will be accountable for drafting and owning Statements of Work (SOWs) in partnership with otherleads, managing scope and schedules, and serving as a client-facing partner who ensures transparency andalignment at every stage.A key responsibility will be helping to drive profitability across clients, including burn management, whileproactively identifying resourcing needs. You will work hand-in-hand with Resource Management to ensure theright talent is allocated to the right projects, enabling both efficiency and creative excellence.This position requires extensive hands-on project management expertise combined with the vision of a leaderpassionate about the creative process and emerging technologies (including AI). You will be relied upon toremove obstacles, define solutions, and champion operational rigor that not only delivers best-in-class clientwork, but also strengthens relationships, improves efficiency, and supports the agency’s growth.What You Do:

• Under the leadership of the SVP, Director of Project Management, support the evolution of ProjectManagement at McCann New York, helping build a scalable, best-in-class PMO that enables outstandingcreative work and efficient delivery.
• Act as a client-facing partner, managing scope, schedules, and budgets while ensuring internal alignmentwith Business Leadership and Department Leads.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Managers through regular check-ins, performance feedback,and career growth support.
• Collaborate with Resource Management to define staffing needs, secure the right talent for projects, andoptimize utilization across clients and the portfolio.
• Draft, own, and manage Statements of Work (SOWs) and change orders in partnership with business andfinance leads, ensuring commercial rigor and profitability.
• Monitor project burn rates, oversee budget tracking dashboards, and mitigate overburn risk acrossclients.
• Establish and refine operational systems, workflows, and client-specific processes that enhanceefficiency, consistency, and delivery quality.
• Champion industry and agency best practices in project management, ensuring teams apply structuredapproaches to estimation, scheduling, and execution.
• Drive adoption of tools, reporting, and collaboration platforms that improve cross-team coordination andclient transparency.
• Integrate AI tools to automate routine tasks, streamline operations, and free teams to focus on higher-value strategic and creative thinking.
• Foster an inclusive, connected team culture by identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration,communication, and DEI-driven leadership.
• Help lead any client change management initiatives, guiding teams through evolving processes, tools,and ways of working with clarity and confidence.Commented [KB1]: missing bullet(s) about facilitating greatwork, need something about the work in here - feels too operational:)
• Anticipate and assess risks across projects and accounts, developing mitigation strategies that safeguarddelivery, profitability, and client trust.
• Collaborate seamlessly with partner agencies and external vendors to ensure unified workflows and thesuccessful, integrated delivery of work.
• Support new business efforts by partnering with leadership on organic growth opportunities withinexisting client relationships and contributing to net-new pitches as needed.What You Bring:
• Proven expertise in project management, production, and/or operations within an advertising orintegrated marketing environment.
• Deep knowledge of integrated campaign delivery across all mediums, including digital, social, andemerging technologies (such as AI).
• Advanced experience in scope management, staff planning, and leading strategic conversations withsenior leadership on resourcing and delivery models.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing, coaching, and onboarding projectmanagement talent at multiple levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships directly, including facilitating process conversationsand ensuring operational health.
• Effective negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict management skills, with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication skills, able to influence and lead in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to inclusive leadership and applying DEI principles in team and client interactions.At McCann New York, each team member plays a significant role in our success. We recognize that our teammembers' contributions may extend beyond this job description. The job description is designed to outlineprimary responsibilities, qualifications, and role scope. It does not restrict team members or the organization toonly those specified duties.Location:McCann New York team members must reside in or be willing to relocate to the New York Tristate area unlessotherwise agreed upon by their manager and McCann New York’s Human Resources team. McCann New York isa hybrid workplace with three days in-office per week.Salary Range:Salary: $175,000 - $200,000. Salary ranges depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/formeremployees in the subject position; the associated discipline market considerations; budgetary considerations;tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’sbackground, pertinent experience, and qualifications.How We Uphold McCann Values:
• Bravery: We embrace innovation and take thoughtful risks to drive bold ideas forward.o We approach challenges with courage, resilience, and an openness to new ideas. We encouragerespectfully pushing boundaries, thinking outside the box, and proposing bold, innovativesolutions, even if they come with some risk. Being brave also means standing up for what webelieve in, respectfully challenging the status quo when necessary, and speaking up for others.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and hold ourselves accountable in all that we do.o We consistently follow through on commitments, speak up when something feels off, andcommunicate openly, even when it’s challenging. We take responsibility for our actions anddecisions, are willing to admit mistakes, and are always aiming to do the right thing. Byexemplifying integrity, we build trust within our teams and with our Clients, laying a foundation ofreliability and respect across all our interactions.
• Generosity: We create a collaborative, inclusive environment by supporting, celebrating, and upliftingeach other with kindness, compassion, and empathy.o We go above and beyond for others, showing kindness and giving time and resources to help ourcolleagues succeed. This includes sharing knowledge, mentoring, and being a resource forothers, as well as celebrating others’ accomplishments and contributions. We believe in creatinga collaborative and supportive environment where we lift each other up. Generosity also meansbeing inclusive, welcoming diverse perspectives, and showing empathy for others’ experiencesand challenges.How We Care for McCanners:
• Competitive insurance coverage, inclusive of medical, dental, and vision
• Time Well Taken: paid time off to take personal/vacation time off away from work as you deem consistentwith your duties, the Company’s needs and its obligations
• 80 hours of Paid Sick Time per calendar year
• 21 paid Company Holidays
• Access to Spark, a learning and skill platform for your growth and development
• 401k Retirement with 6% employer matching
• Maternity, Adoption and Parental Leave ranging from 12 to 16 weeks
• Wellness resources, including free access to HeadspaceCommitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:The strength of our creative capability and innovative thinking has led to some of the world's most celebrated,effective, game-changing work for top brands. Maximizing that strength means bringing together an extensivemix of socially, culturally, and cognitively diverse talent — and creating conditions where they feel empowered toboldly share the fullest expression of their unique worldview. We fiercely believe in the power of creativity andinnovation to positively influence society and inspire greater equity and inclusion within the communities weserve. So, every day we deliberately and intentionally choose to embody our global philosophy of ConsciousInclusion and, in turn, fuel our mission to help brands earn a meaningful role in people's lives. $150-200,000

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