Job Description:
**TEMP W2 on Dentsu Payroll, Hourly Non-Exempt
**Approximately 40 Hours/Week
**ASAP – 5/31/2027
**Remote or Hybrid Depending on location
**Must work EST
**Travel Possible
**Must be US based
Company Description:
Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle's expertise has earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Temporary Program Manager to lead and coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary marketing initiatives for our diverse portfolio of US and global clients. This role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of large-scale marketing programs while ensuring seamless execution across multiple teams, geographies, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing high-visibility programs in a fast-paced agency environment. Experience with a global CRM rollout and leading clients through the detailed steps and execution of the UAT process is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Program Strategy & Planning
Develop comprehensive program strategies and roadmaps for complex, multi-channel marketing initiatives spanning digital, traditional, and experiential touchpoints
Lead cross-functional planning sessions with creative, strategy, data analytics, technology, and media teams to ensure integrated program delivery
Create and maintain detailed program charters, scope documents, and success metrics aligned with client business objectives
Client Relationship Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client stakeholders, building trust and maintaining strategic relationships across multiple markets
Facilitate regular client communications, including client stakeholder presentations, program reviews, and weekly status sessions
Help the working team navigate complex client organizational structures and cultural considerations for global programs
Proactively identify opportunities for program optimization based on client needs and team outcomes
Team Leadership & Coordination
Lead matrixed teams of 15-30 professionals across multiple disciplines, including creative directors, strategists, data scientists, developers, and media planners
Coordinate resources across regional offices and time zones to ensure consistent program delivery
Mentor junior project managers, providing guidance on best practices and career development
Foster collaboration between internal teams and external partners, including vendors, production companies, and technology providers
Program Execution & Delivery
Oversee program execution, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines across all workstreams
Manage program budgets ranging from $1M-$3M+, including forecasting, tracking, and optimization recommendations
Implement risk management strategies and contingency planning for complex, multi-phase programs
Lead post-program retrospectives and capture best practices for future initiatives
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field
5+ years of program management experience in marketing, advertising, or consulting environments
Proven track record with programs where the agency acts as our clients’ “PMO” and is an integral part of their multi-vendor delivery…