WPP Production | Channel Project Manager, Japan

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What does a Project Manager do at WPP Production? 

The Project Manager (Print Retail) is one of the primary day-to-day contacts with our clients’ Marketing Communication team. Working closely with the clients, Print Production Managers, and Retail Sales Program Managers, the PM will support the implementation of campaigns with our client’s retail partners in Japan.

Role:

• Build strong client relationships which enable a clear understanding of our clients’ retail partner structure and print vendors. Be the ‘go-to’ person for Retail Marketing asset localization and production.
• Build strong internal relationships across the agency (Traffic, Content, Interactive, Studio, Print Production, Finance and Operations)
• Attend status meetings/VCs on a regular basis
• Update daily tracker during live project – shared with clients and Deployment
• Own the basics of client service including creating and updating agendas, timing plans, contact reports, and cost estimates
• Demonstrate expertise in the delivery of projects through management of client expectations, internal processes and department involvement
• Communicate the briefs to the studio and print production teams, and ensure that the correct creative direction is being taken
• Immerse yourself in the client’s brand and offering
• Set and manage client expectations ensuring they follow the agreed workflows
• Build strong, trusting relationships with all key stakeholders, function leads, cross functional producers, senior managers and 3rd party vendors that are directly involved with the work
• Manage the approval of quarterly budgets, flagging important budget fluctuations to the client and line manager
• The ability to write, prepare and present documents, presentations and reports
• Ensure that the line manager is aware of all client issues and proposed solutions (including potential delays) to ensure swift resolution and avoid further escalation
• Ensure your account consistently delivers against all contractual obligations including SLAs and KPIs
• Act as a brand QC/Guardian – always ensure brand guidelines, QC checklists and procedures are followed
• Ensure the best external talent is always used – freelancers, translators, proofreaders, copywriters, and planners where necessary (liaise with relevant department heads and ensure they pass relevant tests)
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Hogarth business model, services and technology
• Organise teamwork, create a balanced work schedule and ensure people are able to deliver results

Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years solid advertising agency experience preferred, gained working on global retail and/or shopper accounts, from creative development to final production
• Experience in financial management and understanding the importance of accurate financial management
• Excellent spreadsheet skills in both Excel and Numbers. Demonstration of past experience in managing complex spreadsheets
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, in Japanese. Fluency in English is advantageous.
• Attention to detail, analytical thinking ability and passion for the work are essential
• A hands-on, can-do approach to solving problems
• The ability to prioritise and work quickly and efficiently within very tight time frames.
  
  

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  What does a Project Manager do at WPP Production? 
  
  プロジェクトマネージャー（Print Retail）は、クライアントのマーケティングコミュニケーションチームとの日常的な連絡窓口の1つです。 PMは、クライアント、プリントプロダクションマネージャー、リテールセールスプログラムマネージャーと緊密に連携して、クライアントの日本のリテールパートナーとキャンペーンの実施をサポートします。
  
  Role:
  
  • クライアントと深い関係性を構築し、クライアントのリテールパートナー構造と印刷業社を明確に理解できる。
  • リテールマーケティングアセットのローカリゼーションと制作に関してクライアントから信頼される人物。
  • 社内関係者としっかりした信頼関係を構築する（トラフィック、コンテンツ、インタラクティブ、スタジオ、印刷物制作、ファイナンス、オペレーション）。
  • ステータスミーティング/ VCに定期的に参加する。
  • プロジェクト実施中は毎日のトラッカーを更新しそれをクライアントにも正確に共有する。
  • 問題提起、適切なスケジュール立案、関係者への適切な報告、コスト見積もりの作成と更新など、クライアントサービスの基本について理解し、それを実行する。
  • クライアントの期待、内部プロセス、管理を通じて、プロジェクト実行に関する専門知識を実証する
  • スタジオおよび印刷制作チームにブリーフィング内容を伝え、正しい創造的な方向性のもと実行されることを確認する。
  • クライアントのブランドとサービスのために尽力を尽くす。
  • クライアントの期待値を常に正しい方向に導き、合意されたワークフローに確実に従う。
  • 作業に直接関与するすべての主要な関係者、ファンクションリード、クロスファンクショナルプロデューサー、シニアマネージャー、サードパーティベンダーとの間に強力で信頼できる関係を構築する。
    
    Requirements:
    
    
    • クリエイティブ提案から最終的な制作物納品まで、グローバル環境での小売業またはShopper Account等を最低5年担当した代理店経験が望ましい。
    • 財務管理経験及び正確な財務管理の重要性に関する理解。
    • ExcelとNumbers、両方での優れたスプレッドシートスキル。 複雑なスプレッドシート管理経験。
    • 日本語による文書および口頭での優れたコミュニケーション能力。
    • 業務において英語使用経験があるとより望ましい。
    • 詳細に物事を管理できるだけの注意深さ、分析的思考能力、及び仕事への情熱。
    • 問題を解決するための実践的で実行可能なアプローチ方法の知識と経験。
    • 厳しいタイムスケジュールと高いプレッシャーの元で、迅速かつ効率的に優先順位を付けて作業できる能力。

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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