At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.
The Delivery team are at the epicentre of all projects, ensuring they’re delivered to the highest quality, on time, and that clients receive the greatest possible value from their investment. AKQA’s process and governance standards are industry leading; providing the tools, training and team support to make this possible.
This is a critical contractor role for a seasoned Program Director to steer the development and delivery of a flagship consumer mobile app for a global Italian Luxury Brand.
This is a freelance role based in Milan. It's a hybrid position requiring significant onsite presence, available for an immediate start until October 2026, with potential for extension.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Assume full, end-to-end responsibility for the multi-stream roadmap of the consumer mobile app, encompassing both Design and Technology workstreams. Ensure strategic alignment and successful execution for our global Luxury client.
- Provide direct management and guidance to dedicated Project Managers (one for Design, one for Tech), fostering a collaborative and high-performing program team.
- Act as the primary interface and central bridge between client Product Owners (across Ecommerce, Client Service, and Content teams) and Digital/IT leads. Ensure crystal-clear communication, alignment, and shared understanding at all levels of the client organization.
- Establish and own the overall program plan, leading weekly progress meetings to proactively identify and resolve dependencies, open points, and develop effective mitigation strategies. Prepare and submit comprehensive Project Status Reports weekly, adhering to AKQA's delivery status report processes.
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Solid and extensive background in Program Management, specifically within complex enterprise environments and managing large-scale, custom-designed, full life-cycle projects.
- At least one Project Management Certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Six Sigma, etc.).
- Italian mother tongue and fluent English.
- Exceptional professional standing and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to senior stakeholders, manage pressure, and maintain alignment in brand-sensitive contexts.
- Strong experience in leading and mentoring project teams, excellent attention to detail.
- Proven experience in mobile app lifecycles, including a deep understanding of coordinating between UX/UI design and technical development workstreams.
- Familiarity with SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is preferred.
- Previous experience within the Luxury or Fashion industry is a strong advantage.
- Must be based in Milan or willing to be on-site several days per week to facilitate effective collaboration and client engagement.
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
Skills Required
- Fluent English
- Based in Milan or willing to be on-site several days per week (hybrid)
- Solid and extensive background in Program Management within complex enterprise environments, managing large-scale full life-cycle projects
- Proven experience in mobile app lifecycles and coordinating between UX/UI design and technical development workstreams
- Strong experience leading and mentoring project teams and attention to detail
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to articulate complex information to senior stakeholders
- Previous experience in the Luxury or Fashion industry
- Available for immediate start and able to commit to contract through October 2026 (with potential extension)
AKQA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AKQA and has not been reviewed or approved by AKQA.
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Parental & Family Support — Policies include fully paid parental leave for all parents, adoption support, and family leave for caregiving needs. Additional supports such as subsidized backup childcare and regional enhancements reinforce family care.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple plan options with full preventive care, mental‑health resources, and dental and vision coverage. Some regions provide 24/7 virtual doctor access and supplementary healthcare budgets for services not covered by insurance.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time‑away provisions include generous paid holidays with increases over tenure and a companywide year‑end closure. Special, study, and event‑based leave (e.g., weddings, moving) broaden the range of available time off.
AKQA Insights
What We Do
The imaginative application of art and science. AKQA is a design and communications company that employs 2,200 professionals in 29 studios across five continents. Awarded two Cannes Lion Grand Prix’s in 2019, and recently named by Gartner and Forrester as one of the world’s leading experience design and innovation agencies.
