Freelance Design Studio Senior Project Manager

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories

We are a B Corp-certified creative studio in London and Amsterdam that believe in business as a force for good.

We create exciting experiences for some of the world's best known brands, telling stories that touch every corner of the globe. Luckily for us, we have a diverse team of conceptual thinkers, creative dreamers and inquisitive makers that help this happen.

They’re our core. They make us tick, inspire us, push us to be better.

Now we want to hear from you.

The Role:

Studio XAG is looking for a Freelance Senior Project Manager to manage projects across the design team from our London headquarters, ensuring the seamless delivery of all design projects whilst delivering a high level of customer service to our clients.

Reporting into our Lead Project Manager you’ll be joining a large-sized design team of 15 in a vibrant, exciting, and creative environment. You will have the opportunity to work with great brands on exciting projects; windows, permanent retail spaces, digital experiences and pop ups; driving planning and organisation across the design studio.

Requirements

We’re looking for a confident, highly organised Freelance Senior Project Manager who has a hunger for facilitating the creation of inspiring industry-leading work. You should have strong project and client management experience within our industry, implementing and streamlining processes across teams to drive consistency and a high level of organisation.

Ideal Experience: 

• 5+ ​years​ experience in a similar role, Project Managing design for windows, permanent retail spaces, digital experiences and pop ups
• Seasoned industry player with varied client-facing experience
• Excellent understanding of the world of retail and brand experience and the design and production process
• Strong IT skills - in particular Google Workspace (Sheets, Slides & Docs), HubSpot (or other similar Sales & Marketing tools), Synergist (or other similar quoting & scheduling software)
• Experienced and highly competent in financial management of projects. Set up, tracking and billing
• Organisational master who is efficient and takes pride in their attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• A strong background in client servicing
• Great problem solving skills
• Leadership qualities and a hunger to deliver the best results

Skills & Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Traffic Manager: in the overall scheduling and management of the design team with a view to maximise efficiency and capacity whilst delivering world-class creative 

• Project Planning: for multiple projects of varying size, you will develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, budgets and resource allocation, in collaboration with design team leadership and our clients

• Resource Allocation: supporting the Traffic Manager in allocating design resources efficiently, including directors, designers, freelancers, and other team members, to ensure optimal project performance

• Client Communication: maintain regular and transparent communication with clients, keeping them informed about project progress, changes, and addressing any concerns or feedback in a professional and proactive manner. Ensuring both the client and the design team have what they need in regards to information & files in good time to deliver the projects. Booking, organising, facilitating and leading on client calls and meetings when required 

• Internal communication: within the design team and across the business ensuring the clients needs are met and the project is delivered to our standards. Ensuring clean and accurate handover of projects between departments and stakeholders

• Budget Management: manage project budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring that projects are delivered within the allocated budget. Build & provide cost estimates and client-facing quotes. Provide financial status and forecasts to clients and internally as necessary. Ensure all design projects are delivered on time and within budget managing the scope and timelines throughout and bringing key stakeholders together to solve timing and budgeting issues

• Timeline Management: create and manage multiple project schedules, ensuring deadlines are met and critical milestones are achieved. Identify potential roadblocks and implement solutions to keep projects on track

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: identify project risks and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. Ensure that contingency plans are in place to handle unforeseen issues

• Documentation: maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project reports, status updates, and client correspondence

• Client Servicing: through brilliant project management ensure that the client is appropriately onboarded, happy and satisfied with our service. Conduct or instigate regular client feedback through Satisfaction surveys, identify potential growth opportunities and escalate any client issues or opportunities 

Benefits

Location: 

We currently work a hybrid model; 3 days a week from our East London studio in E10 and 2 flexible days. Our normal working hours are 9am - 6pm but flexible working hours and days are available.

Day rate: £300-£400 per day, please state your day rate upon application. 

Inclusion & Diversity

StudioXAG is committed to a policy of equal opportunities, we strongly believe diversity helps us create better design. We embrace diversity in all areas of activity and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people of all ethnicities.