Program Manager

Company: VML
Location: Dearborn
Posted on: January 26, 2026

Job Description:

About VML VML 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 human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendys. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55 markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. VML is looking for an experienced Program Manager who can quickly understand our client’s needs and objectives with the ability to effectively manage variety sized teams in their effort to deliver services. The program manager is expected to deploy and manage against defined processes throughout a client engagement. This individual is also responsible for building, coaching and leading teams against said process to ensure successful deliveries. VML needs individuals who are proactive problem solvers that can manage team dynamics, manage project financial performance, clearly communicate status, and drive progression towards dates. Responsibilities Business & Technical Analysis May act as a client proxy for agile teams; may also coach and support Product Owner(s) Manage multiple activities/projects under one or more clients with the Ford Accessories business group Lead cross Opco project delivery Support/provide strategic direction related to processes and resolution paths Provide well researched POV documents on a variety of solutions related to project work Analyze processes continuously for refinement; execute measures for optimization Project Management Continuously monitor project health via resourcing, profitability and burn rates. Works with clients to define KPI’s and meaningful metrics to report project health Works closely with Client Engagement and delivery teams to architect solutions that best meet client requirements Leadership & Team Management Help create/draft scopes of work and staff plans Manages internal teams and client relationships in alignment with Client Engagement team Maintain direct client relationships with Product Owners and client management leadership Manage the creation of business analysis tools/techniques and business requirements (i.e. user story mapping, process maps, rules matrices, mockups, textual requirements, user stories etc.) Serve as a key point of contact and liaison for cross-divisional teams, agency peers and management Support scoping and estimation exercises with Client Engagement teams Required Skills and Experience Required College degree or equivalent Project Management and/or Business Systems Analyst experience 7 years of analyst, project management, technical, and/or business experience Master of agile software development methodologies, amongst other methodologies Understanding of business requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria Ability to provide proactive and assertive leadership in problem solving, managing financial success of projects, maintaining timelines, and reducing waste Strong interpersonal skills and able to resolve conflict with productive outcomes Ability to effectively work across departments with diplomacy and a firm understanding of other’s roles and perspectives Ability to manage multiple work-streams (projects) effectively and efficiently. Ability to view problems in context at the system level and align solutions with the strategic direction of our clients and company Experience with multiple application lifecycle management solutions Proactive, adaptable, and flexible Life-long learner, demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement Strong attention to detail Demonstrable ability to operate under tight deadline with complex business/technical solutions Ability to manage workload with minimal supervision Excellent written and verbal communication skills Automotive product experience Preferred Certification for or extensive experience of JIRA and Confluence The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package. $60,000—$140,000 USD We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats 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.

Keywords: VML, Strongsville , Program Manager, IT / Software / Systems , Dearborn, Ohio