About this role
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.
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
- Fluent English (Mandatory).
- Solid and extensive background in Program Management, specifically within complex enterprise environments and managing large-scale, custom-designed, full life-cycle projects.
- Previous experience within the Luxury or Fashion industry is a strong advantage.
- Proven experience in mobile app lifecycles, including a deep understanding of coordinating between UX/UI design and technical development workstreams.
- Strong experience in leading and mentoring project teams, excellent attention to detail.
- 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.
- Must be based in Milan or willing to be on-site several days per week to facilitate effective collaboration and client engagement.
We are proactively engaging with talent for a prospective role in preparation for future business needs.
Explore our extensive range of benefits here
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.
About AKQA
CORE VALUES Our founding values guide our work and the philosophy of our firm: Innovation – pioneering ideas combined with the application of technology, to achieve lasting improvements in performance for our clients. Service – outstanding service to our clients and colleagues, so we retain exceptional people and create trust-based relationships with clients. Quality – adhere to the highest professional standards and superior quality. Thought – recommending the best solutions through the most rigorous thinking process. TEAMWORK AKQA provides the highest quality ideas and innovation services to clients around the world. Our consistent track-record of results achieved for clients have set our firm apart. Through our focus on our core values, thought-leadership, rigorous delivery, and industry initiatives, AKQA is today one of the world’s most influential companies. Our goal is to become a high-performance environment where the most talented people flourish. With our perfectionist approach, people join AKQA for the opportunity to do the best work of their careers. We create digital products, services and immersive experiences that are useful, usable, delightful and enjoyed by milli...
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