Project Manager - AdFarm

You don’t make it 40 years in this business without good people behind you. At AdFarm, we are driving the evolution of agriculture, and it starts with hiring the right individuals.  

We are the bridge between farmers and the brands that serve them. Companies come to us for strategic planning, creative services, public relations, media planning, marketing science, content creation and research. If you’re ready to be a part of a team that does these things, and does them well, we should chat.  

We partner with everyone from crop protection, nutrition and seed companies to technology, sustainability, food and animal health brands. If you’re in that space, or want to head that direction, this role will be a great fit.  

You will love it here if you follow these GUIDEPOSTS:  

Are you being agile? Change is inevitable, whether it’s from the client, or the industry as a whole. Are you ready to get the job done well, on time and on budget? We’re all about developing and following processes that keep our teams effective and our clients happy.  

Are you being smart? Knowing what to ask, how to start and what resources you have to solve problems are essential. Invest in yourself and keep up with the ever-evolving world of our clients and the wider communications industry.  

Are you being helpful? If you know the ad and ag industries, you know it gets hectic sometimes. Are you ready to pitch in when it counts and do whatever it takes to deliver amazing work for our client partners? Be ready to have direct conversations when needed and set clear expectations for you, your supervisor and your team.  

As the Project Manager, you are responsible for supporting work as it moves through all phases of projects through the internal process of the agency and within the delivery of communications and advertising campaigns and projects to the client.

Accountabilities include:

• Estimates/Statements of work
• Build and monitor key project parameters (budget, scope, resources, risk, schedule)
• Manage jobs and tasks in Workfront

Responsibilities/Deliverables:

• Work with Account Managers to build and nurture relationships with clients: Understand the client: Learn about the client’s business and its needs. When invited by the AM, interact with client on project execution matters.
• Develop, maintain and execute project plans throughout the defined project lifecycle. Accounting for defined activities, sequence, dependencies, work effort and duration.
• Ensure campaigns are completed on time, on budget and on target.
• Review creative brief and reference materials, verifies information is complete and ready for project start.
• Work with the Creative Lead to determine creative team assignments (or freelance is needed) and maintain the resource forecast.
• Project Manager creates and enters estimate in Workfront  for approval of the Account Manager, this is to be completed in a timely fashion agreed upon by both AM and PM.
• Develops SOW specifications for approval by Account Manager.
• Schedules input/kick-off meeting with Creative, Account Manager, Public Relations and Media (if appropriate). Identify agency time and materials required to complete project.
• Assign teams, tasks and work orders in Workfront
• If photography applicable, coordinate with Art Director on action steps required for final images.
• Support Creative team on needs for photos, illustrations, models, talent for broadcast production services.
• Update work orders as required. If necessary, communicates job specifications changes to any effected resources.
• Schedule internal creative review with Creative Team and Account Managers. Advises individuals when their hours have exceeded the number of hours estimated for the project.
• Verifies with vendor that information is complete including specs and POs.
• Provides necessary updates and direction for all resource groups to prepare and release files.
• Quality control on requested changes to be sure that they are complete and accurate.
• Other ad-hoc duties as required.

In consultation with Senior Project Management:

• Provide performance measurements (Marketing Science Data) against campaign objectives to strategy team in order to assess necessary adjustments and changes in communications tactics.
• Monitor and control key parameters (budget, scope, resources, risk, schedule) while maintaining quality standards on all deliverables.
• Generate request for quotation to outside vendors for approval.
• Book meeting with Account Manager after completion of project to review financial tracking against billings.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management in a creative agency environment.
• BS in Project Management or related education is required.
• Shown experience creating estimates, statements of work and an understanding of the resourcing processes.
• Shown experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with project management software. (Company is currently utilizing Workfront.)
• Proficient in project management methodologies and the creative asset development project lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and deliver results on time.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to influence, motivate, and ensure collaboration of cross-functional teams.
• Proactively sees opportunities to increase knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as problem-solve and improve processes.
• Design, production, or web development experience is an asset.