Category Marketing Project Manager

Role overview
 

The Category Marketing Project  Manager is responsible for supporting the development of the category E2E(end to end) plans (including Innovation projects which comprise of E2E plans) within the AOU(Africa Operating Unit) Experience Loop process. They are a key component of the Category Teams, ensuring that the calendar is being followed, and the plan's key outputs are delivered on time. The Category PMO coordinates the interaction between different functional areas related to the E2E plan development and key outputs, as well as helps remove barriers and provides visibility to the E2E PMO on risks and mitigations regarding the plan's development.

What you will Do:

• Plan, lead and support the implementation of the Experience Loop process, within the framework of Brave & Boundless model, for all End to End plans for the respective categories
• Ensures that Projects are being delivered on time and in full and according to the objectives and the tracking system in place
• Plan, coordinate and lead Category Extended team meetings, all the year, from planning to full execution of End to End plans
• Plan for all the Fusion point meetings, Decision point meetings with the Senior End to End PMO and work collaboratively with CETs to make the plans land as per the dates agreed
• Load End to End plans into WF(Work front) as per the Experience Loop
• Coordinate the Innovation launches as part of the E2E plans where applicable (eg SAC)
• Work as a PMO community of practice, to share best practices, learn from the PMO network and come up with new and agile ways of working as PMOs for their respective categories.
• Leverage Workfront for all the E2E plans [loading all plans in WF with launch dates, brief types, Direct Marketing Expenses; repository of documentation in WF for each E2E plan; monitor and manage the risks via WF with regards to timelines, resources etc]

Project Leadership & Execution

• Provide cross functional project team leadership across key initiatives – setting the agenda, be empowered

• Communicate clear project vision and engage CETS( Category Extended teams )to deliver against this.
• Ensure that key project stakeholders are aligned with plans and goals and embrace change.
• Anticipate challenges and communicate and collaborate in an efficient manner in meetings with CETs including with WPP network

Relationship Management

• Managing and collaborate with the business across all facets to apply resources to brand portfolio
• Inspiring internal and external partners to deliver clear competitive advantage and maintain alignment with projects & plans (Global network, WPP network)
• Develop feedback loops to build in information for process change and improvements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct guidance to a group of many project managers across the Region, including:
  • Explanation of roles and responsibilities as project managers and expected outcomes
  • Periodic coaching
  • Coordination of necessary training (i.e. innovation, project management skills) 
• Direct guidance with the commercialization team in Technical function as they contribute to the Innovation Process
• Direct guidance with the marketing and commercial team as they contribute to the End-to-End stage gate process (Xp loop)

Role Requirement

• 5years of experience in Marketing/Business Development
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing or Social Sciences. MBA preferred
• Experience in Marketing projects is highly desirable
• Project Management skills
• Ability to collaborate with different stakeholders
• FMCG experience is an added advantage