Program Manager - Temporary Worker

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 system

• Experience with a global CRM rollout and leading clients through the detailed steps and execution of the UAT process

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (Jira a MUST, Zephyr a plus)

• Familiarity with marketing technology stacks including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, data management and eCommerce tools

• Specific Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience a huge plus

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing large, diverse teams in matrixed environments

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executives

• Proven ability to influence and drive consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities

• Cultural sensitivity and experience working across international markets

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge marketing programs for world-class brands while developing your career at one of the industry's leading marketing agencies. The position requires someone who thrives in a dynamic, client-focused environment and can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution excellence.

Additional Information:

The hourly pay range for this position is $55.01-$85.00. The hourly pay rate for the successful candidate is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Temporary employees are eligible for paid holidays in accordance with dentsu policy, as well as safe and sick time. This position is not eligible for any other benefits or other compensation.

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.

#LI-SG1 #LI-REMOTE #LI-HYBRID

Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications or related field; 5+ years program management in marketing/advertising/consulting; experience with global CRM rollout and UAT; advanced Jira proficiency; must be US based and work EST.

Key Responsibilities

• developing program strategies
• managing client relationships
• leading cross-functional teams

Skills & Tools

Jira, Zephyr, Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Job Details

• Category: Project and Program Management
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time, Contract
• Workplace: Remote — Maryland, United States
• Salary: USD 114,420 – 176,800 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• Generous paid time off

About Merkle

An integrated experience consultancy that drives growth, engagement, and loyalty through data science and business performance. — Industry: Consulting Services