Project Manager - Downstream

About Downstream:

Downstream is a community of visionary designers, technologists, graphic and content designers, developers, account directors, and project managers.  Collectively, we are a company on the forefront of brand communications, reaching around the globe, building compelling brand experiences for some of the largest and most dynamic companies in the world.

Job Description:

The role of the Project Manager is to oversee assigned projects from concept to delivery. Project managers are responsible for organizing and managing projects as the central point of communication for both internal team and clients. Budget, schedule and quality assurance are blended responsibilities. Project managers partner with accounts to ensure that a well-defined Statement of Work (SOW) is in place prior to work start with an associated budget and timeline. Project managers distill project needs into a comprehensive project plan with key milestones and deliverables throughout. Collaboration with directors and project leads is essential to ensure project is tracked according to plan. Project managers assess weekly task schedule and assign resources as needed to meet project requirements. Budget management is essential; Project managers consistently monitor project progress based on percentage complete as it relates to the budget. Project managers are enthusiastic problem solvers and thrive on being engaged at all levels of the project.

Essential Duties

• Strategic thinking to create and implement project plans designed to meet project delivery
• Ability to accurately budget and schedule projects to a defined SOW
• Create comprehensive project plans and provide a clear roadmap for workflow and resourcing
• Balance project financial goals as it relates to budget; labour hours, costs and expenses along with delivering innovative and high-quality work
• Drive projects and be seen as a leader and go-to resource at the project level
• Participate in sales and proposals as needed; representing Downstream’s team and culture, providing input on scope, budget, schedule, assumptions and dependencies

Project Responsibilities

• Schedule – Create work plan/project schedules and manage internal team and clients on deliverables. Clearly communicate changes that will affect schedule to clients.
• Budget – Build project budgets with resource tasks and outside expenses. Regularly review project budgets and costs. Use DS Project Management/Accounting software to build and manage budgets and billing.
• Meetings – Plan and facilitate appropriate meetings for projects throughout all phases: planning, reviews, status. Include appropriate team members, schedule in advance.
• Resource Planning – Use resource planning tool to reserve resources each week. Communicate changing resource needs to Production Director and other group leads for prioritization. Set client expectations of deliveries according to resource time available. Map resource plans to budget.
• Project Team Communication – Communicate project plan details, client direction, and DS commitments clearly and without delay to the team. Consistently utilize DS collaboration tools setting standards of best practices.
• Vendors – Negotiate and execute vendor agreements – detailing scope of services and schedule expectations. Create fixed fee purchase order agreements using competitive market value rates.
• Client Communication – Responsible for maintaining relationship within projects. Communicate directly with client on schedule, budget, and project specifics.
• ASR/Change Orders – Actively monitor project risks and scope creep to foresee/identify potential problems and proactively identify solutions in advance. Notify clients of additional budget needed as soon as scope has changed and before work commences. Collaborate with account lead to negotiate ASR specifics with clients.
• Periodic client travel

Work Experience & Education Requirements 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Master's Degree preferred)
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant industry experience in architectural project management or in an agency environment specializing in at least one of the following areas; construction management, environmental/interior design, content production or software development.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental design and implementation and/or a proven experience producing digital media and interactive experiences.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communications skills
• Ability to be a quick thinker and effective problem solver.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and support cross-functional project teams.
• Competencies in MS Office, Adobe Suite and other industry project management and communications tools such as Advantage, Smartsheets and Box