Director of Project Management

Role OverviewThe Director of Project Management leads the planning and delivery of complex client engagements, ensuring work is executed on time, within scope, and aligned to defined business objectives. This role is responsible for translating strategy into structured plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, and maintaining clarity across all phases of delivery.They work closely with Account Directors, Strategy, and delivery teams to align on priorities, define scopes, and guide execution. This role serves as a key client-facing partner, providing transparency into progress, navigating tradeoffs, and ensuring expectations are consistently met.This role balances operational rigor with adaptability-bringing structure to complex work while maintaining flexibility as priorities evolve.The ideal candidate comes from a technology services background, ideally within ecommerce or content management. Adobe or Shopify services experience preferred. Candidates must have experience delivering multiple implementations to successful completion.A hybrid role of individual contribution and leadership, The Director of Project Management helps establish and improve Standard Operating Procedures, PMO methodologies, change management and successful delivery or client engagements.Areas of OwnershipProject Management SOPs: Observe, improve and implement methodologies that improve productivity and throughput via delivery teams. Project Planning and Execution: Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and dependencies are clearly defined and maintained throughout the lifecycle of the work. Scope and Change Management: Define, monitor, and manage scope across engagements, proactively addressing changes and ensuring alignment on impact to timelines, budget, and resources. Financial Management: Oversee project financials, including budget tracking, forecasting, utilization, and overall delivery health, ensuring work is executed within agreed parameters. Risk Identification and Mitigation: Anticipate risks, dependencies, and potential blockers early, and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track. Client Communication and Delivery Alignment: Serve as a primary point of contact for delivery-related communication, providing regular updates, facilitating status meetings, and ensuring alignment between client expectations and team execution. Partners to Collaborate With and SupportAccount Director: Partner to align delivery with account strategy, ensuring work supports broader client goals and commercial objectives. Strategy: Collaborate to ensure strategic direction is clearly translated into actionable plans and deliverables. Delivery Teams: Work closely with design, development, and other disciplines to coordinate efforts, manage dependencies, and maintain momentum. Clients and Stakeholders: Provide clear, consistent communication on project status, timelines, and risks, supporting informed decision-making throughout engagements. Team OversightThis role leads cross-functional project teams assembled around client engagements. The Director of Project Management provides structure, direction, and coordination across all contributors, ensuring work progresses efficiently and aligns to agreed plans.Measures of SuccessConsistent on-time and on-budget delivery across projects Clear alignment between scope, timelines, and delivered outcomes Proactive identification and resolution of risks and issues High levels of client confidence in delivery process and communication Accurate forecasting and strong financial management across engagements Core CompetenciesOperational Leadership: Bring structure and clarity to complex projects, ensuring work is well-organized and consistently progressing. Risk and Problem Solving: Identify challenges early and approach them with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. Cross-Functional Coordination: Effectively manage dependencies and collaboration across multiple teams and disciplines. Client Communication: Communicate clearly and confidently with clients, translating progress, risks, and decisions into actionable insights. Attention to Detail and Organization: Maintain a high level of precision across plans, documentation, and execution. Continuous Improvement Minded: Always looking for ways to improve delivery processes and change management Professional Experience5+ years experience managing complex digital, technology, or commerce projects within an agency, consultancy, or professional services environment Proven ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously Experience working with cross-functional teams and coordinating delivery across disciplines Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices Experience working with mid-market and/or enterprise clients and navigating complex stakeholder environments Candidates with Implementation experience on Adobe or Shopify technologies preferred. Expectations for the RoleAbide by Said Differently's 10 "We" Principles Communicate effectively in person, over video, and in writing Operate a computer and standard office tools for extended periods Travel as needed to support client engagements (> 10%) Manage multiple priorities in a remote or distributed work environment