Program manager

Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since.

We started out in the world of packaging, but now we're worldwide; from three founders to more than 300 of us across the UK and USA. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience.

But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We're here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves.

To be brave.

Be tenacious.

And above all, be yourself.

Because we believe that's the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.

We're looking for a Program Manager to lead by example and deliver greater value to our clients.

Internally, you'll champion collaboration across teams to get to the best creative solutions, through meticulous planning, organisation, and coordination of every workstream.

Externally, you'll develop client trust and advocacy through effective planning and delivery across every brief, partnering closely with Client Services to provide a consistently excellent client experience.

What You'll Do

Creative Delivery

• Inspire client confidence through effective project delivery that harnesses the creative intent across a variety of channels
• Analyse client challenges and briefs, asking the right questions to get to the best outcomes
• Manage multiple project timelines across multiple clients within a Design Hub, ensuring all deadlines are met and tangibles delivered
• Partner with the team to ensure creative intent is preserved across mediums
• Act as a key partner to Client Services, proactively driving projects through the studio and enabling the team to manage client expectations effectively

Communication

• Collaborate closely with Creative Services to determine the most suitable internal and external expertise for each client opportunity
• Articulate design intent to Creative Services so they can source the right talent for specialisms
• Proactively and effectively manage internal and external communications across diverse teams, levels, and priorities
• Champion outstanding collaboration, internally and externally, in pursuit of great creative output
• Build strong relationships with partners, experts, and collaborators to develop advocacy and attract the best talent
• Adapt communication style to audience and situation, while always delivering a consistent message
• Listen actively and openly

Creativity and Brand Centricity

• Work with Design directors and Client Services to determine the right talent for projects, drawing on in-depth knowledge of capabilities, efficiency, costing, and desired outcomes
• Proactively offer ideas and solutions to client challenges, considering different approaches to the brief with a clear understanding of the client's brand and business
• Anticipate client needs and expectations, striving to deliver the best solutions and exceed expectations wherever possible.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to client needs

Commercial Awareness

• Use knowledge of how the business charges and resources projects to drive efficiency and profitability, while maintaining the highest level of creative output
• Work in tandem with Client Services to ensure project quotes accurately reflect the work, advising based on previous projects and experience to assist negotiations
• Work closely with Creative Services to ensure quotes are reflected in resourcing requirements
• Recognise, raise, and resolve individual project issues resulting in overburn with the Hub team and Finance as necessary

Leadership & Relationships

• Motivate, support, and inspire JKR internal teams effectively and responsibly, managing situations to positive outcomes
• Display integrity, honesty, reliability, responsiveness, and openness to instil trust with clients and internal teams
• Manage conflict, leaning into issues as they arise
• React quickly and proactively to change, instilling calm across internal and external stakeholders

• Proven experience in a Program/Project Management role, ideally within a branding, design, or creative agency environment or comparable in-house studio.
• Track record of managing multiple concurrent projects and client relationships, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
• Strong understanding of creative processes and the ability to preserve intent across different mediums and channels
• Experience partnering with Client Services teams to manage client expectations and deliver a consistent client experience
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt style to different audiences, teams, and seniority levels
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with meticulous attention to planning across multiple workstreams
• Commercial awareness, including experience with project quoting, resourcing, and budget/profitability management
• Comfortable managing conflict and navigating change calmly under pressure
• Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and with external partners, experts, and collaborators
• Genuine passion for branding and creativity, with curiosity about client businesses and industries

💰 Competitive salary

📍 Lively Shoreditch studio location

🏡 Hybrid working policy, minimum 2 days pw in the Shoreditch studio

🩺 Bupa Healthcare, including dental option

🛡️ Income protection & life insurance

🧘 Classpass credits

📈 Group personal pension

🌴 25 days holiday + time given at Christmas and New Year

☀️ Summer Fridays x 2

🎂 Birthday day off

After probation:

• 🚆 Season ticket loan
• 🚲 Cycle to work scheme
• 👶 Enhanced parental leave policies
• 🤝 Referral scheme for new hires
• 🌍 2 weeks work from anywhere, by agreement with line manager