Program Manager | Account Management | Ogilvy Africa

Role Summary:

The Program Manager is responsible for the efficient management and delivery of multiple creative projects within the Creative Services Pool. This involves evaluating project needs, assigning resources, tracking progress, and ensuring timely completion of high-quality work. The Program Manager collaborates with Project Managers to prioritize tasks, facilitates communication across departments, and ensures all stakeholders are informed of project status.

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Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning & Resource Allocation:

• Evaluate project requirements and assign appropriate resources (internal and freelance).
• Collaborate with the Client Services team to plan resource allocation, ensuring briefs are initiated on time.
• Work with Project Managers to set priorities and manage workflow against deadlines.
• Manage and grow the pool of freelance resources.

2. Communication & Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communication.
• Effectively communicate project expectations through daily status calls and email with various teams.
• Provide timely communication between relevant departments, including digital, client service, and creative.
• Attend Creative Kick-Off Calls.
• Keep all interested parties informed of task status, progress, and potential problems.

3. Quality Control & Process Improvement:

• Monitor and promote the quality of work flowing through the Creative Services team.
• Monitor current traffic processes and input ideas on how to improve current practices.

4. Reporting & Financial Oversight:

• Report on project status, workloads, and accounts.
• Ensure the agency responds to any financial queries within 48 hours.

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Role Requirements:

• Previous experience working within a creative agency.
• Proven ability to negotiate and partner effectively with a cross-section of departments within the agency.
• Proven experience working to tight deadlines and related pressures.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to quickly assess skills required for a particular job and match skills to that job.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to influence and inspire the Creative Department.
• Ability to take tough decisions and effectively resolve conflict.
• Good crisis management skills to handle pressure from project challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, exhibiting fairness and inclusivity.
• Ability to motivate team members and foster a positive work environment.
• Must possess integrity, energy, and creativity.
• Ability to maintain focus on company objectives and goals.

 Company Overview – Ogilvy Africa

Ogilvy Africa is the largest network agency on the continent, operating in 40 countries with ~900 professionals. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we manage over 100 global and regional brands, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, Airtel, and UNICEF.

We offer a full spectrum of marketing services, including advertising, digital transformation, PR, and influencer marketing. Our proprietary tools and platforms enable seamless omni-channel experiences for consumers. With over 20 years of experience in Africa, Ogilvy has won numerous prestigious awards, including Cannes Lions and Clio Awards.

As part of WPP, Ogilvy continues its legacy as a leading global creative network founded by David Ogilvy over 70 years ago.

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Beliefs at Ogilvy

1. Continuous Growth: Talent must evolve constantly to stay relevant.
2. Practitioners First: We contribute before we comment.
3. Creativity Redefined: Creativity now includes Data, Content, and Technology.
4. Diversity Strengthens Us: New skills and leadership styles make us better.
5. Collaboration Over Competition: Partnering with experts helps us scale faster.
6. Team Success: Teams succeed; individuals don’t.
7. Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Experiment, learn, and innovate quickly.