Program Director - Temporary Worker

** Hourly,
Non-Exempt on Dentsu Payroll, W2

** Remote
or Hybrid depending on Location

*
* Work in EST Time Zone with some flexibility

** Must be US Based

** Travel - Required on occasion

Company Description

Merkle, adentsucompany, powers theexperienceeconomy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle’sexpertisehas earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management.

With more than
16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced
Temporary
Program Director
to lead transformational digital/technical initiatives for our premier client portfolio while driving excellence across our program management practice. This senior leadership position requires a strategic and operationally sophisticated professional who can oversee one or more high-stakes programs, develop organizational capabilities, and serve as a trusted advisor to client executives.
The ideal candidate brings deep
digital/technical expertise, proven team leadership, and the ability to deliver exceptional results in fast-paced, complex agency environments serving both domestic and international markets.

Key Responsibilities

Direct a portfolio of enterprise-level programs for 1 or more Fortune 500 clients

Define program vision,objectives, and success criteria in collaboration with client executives and agency leadership

Establish comprehensive program roadmaps that integrate multiple work streams across digital transformation, customer experience, data analytics, and technology implementations

Ensure programs align with client business strategies and deliver measurable ROI and business impact

Lead program steering committees with senior client stakeholders,facilitatingstrategic decision-making and governance

Manage program interdependencies, risks, and resource conflicts across the portfolio

Delivery Excellence & Governance

Partner closely with Creative, Strategy, Data & Analytics, Technology, and CRM leadership to ensure integrated program delivery

Oversee end-to-end program execution ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budget parameters

Implement robust governance structures including escalation protocols, change management processes, and risk mitigation strategies

Monitor program health through comprehensive dashboards tracking scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction metrics

Conduct regular program health assessments and implement corrective actions to address challenges

Ensure compliance with agency standards, client requirements, and regulatory obligations across all markets

Lead crisis management and issue resolution for high-impact program challenges

Facilitate post-program retrospectives capturing lessons learned and best practices

Manage program budgets ensuring profitability targets are achieved

Oversee resource planning and allocation across programs,optimizingutilizationand capability deployment

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and program profitability

Operational & Process Excellence

Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery quality, team productivity, and client satisfaction

Establish and refine program management methodologies, tools, and templates aligned with industry best practices

Implement andoptimizetechnology platforms supporting program planning, execution, and reporting

Create standardized frameworks for risk management, change control, and quality assurance

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

12-15years of progressive program/project management experience at a digital/technicalagencyisaMUST

4-6 years of people management experience

Proven track record managing complex programs valued at $5M-$15M+ individually

Extensive experience with enterprise-level clients and multi-yeartechnicalinitiatives

History of delivering programs that drive significant business outcomes and client satisfaction

Exceptional leadership presence and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with senior executives

Outstanding communication…