Role Overview

We are looking for an organized, proactive, and relationship-focused Project Manager with a strong governance mindset to lead day-to-day client communication and campaign delivery for a major FMCG account at VML Lisbon on an initial 6-month freelance contract

A central priority for this 6-month engagement will be driving seamless execution for high-profile integrated campaigns, product launches, brand activations, and ongoing brand management across the Portuguese market.

The ideal candidate is confident managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced FMCG environment, possesses exceptional process discipline and governance, builds trusted client relationships, and maintains tight control over timelines, budgets, scope, and quality deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the main day-to-day liaison for the client and key local/international stakeholders.
• Foster trusted client relationships, lead regular status meetings (WIPs), and manage expectations around timelines, scope, and deliverables.
• Translate client briefs into clear, actionable direction for internal creative and strategy teams.

Cross-Functional Project Management & Operational Governance

• Lead multidisciplinary teams (creative, strategy, production, media) through every phase of project execution.
• Develop and monitor project plans, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks, timing conflicts, and approval dependencies.
• Maintain high standards of process control and governance within the WPP framework.

Creative Campaign Delivery

• Oversee 360° integrated campaigns, local activations, and product launches across Portugal from concept to post-launch review.
• Consolidate client feedback and oversee thorough QA to ensure all assets comply with client brand guidelines, legal standards, and creative quality benchmarks.

Commercial and Operational Management

• Manage campaign budgets, estimates, purchase orders (POs), invoicing, and job reconciliation.
• Identify out-of-scope requests and manage the formal change-approval process alongside the Business Partner.
• Maintain project documentation and lead post-campaign debriefs to refine ways of working.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 3–5 years of account management or project management experience within an integrated advertising or marketing agency.
•  Immediate or short-notice availability for a 6-month freelance contract (with potential for extension depending on business needs).
• FMCG Experience: Demonstrated experience working for top-tier fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) accounts is strongly preferred.
• Native or fluent in Portuguese with full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) for international and network coordination.
• Integrated Campaign Knowledge: Proven track record delivering multi-channel campaigns (ATL, BTL, Digital, Social, Shopper, Experiential/Sampling, and Video).
• Governance & Process: Exceptional organizational skills, high attention to detail, and a disciplined approach to process, timeline, and scope management.
• Briefing & Communication: Ability to write sharp creative briefs, detailed status reports, clear meeting notes, and professional client communications.
• Fast-Paced Capability: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira, Trello, Teams, or similar agency tools).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience delivering major brand campaigns and new product launches (NPD) in the Portuguese beverage or retail market.
• Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.