Orchestrator of Big Ideas

Senior Project Manager – Central Oregon (Bend) or Portland

Watson is a research-based creative studio looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our account services team.

As a Senior Project Manager—think of it as a conductor, making sure every moving part is in sync—you’ll keep projects on track, on time, and on budget while ensuring the creative work shines. You’ll lead complex initiatives across multiple accounts, working closely with clients and every discipline inside Watson. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced agency environment, has deep experience managing creative and marketing projects, and can confidently navigate B2C, B2B, and government work. If you’ve worked with tourism or outdoor brands, that’s a big plus. In this role, you’ll report directly to our Director of Accounts and Growth, partnering to deliver exceptional results, strengthen client relationships, and keep our teams moving forward with clarity and purpose.

Essential Functions

You’ll be at the center of the action—turning big ideas into actionable plans and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Reporting to the Director of Accounts and Growth, you will:

• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources from kick-off to delivery

• Collaborate with account strategists, creative teams, and clients to align on goals and expectations

• Translate strategic and creative direction into clear action plans for internal teams

• Anticipate challenges and proactively solve problems before they impact delivery

• Facilitate regular check-ins with clients and teams, ensuring communication is clear, consistent, and productive

• Track and manage project profitability, identifying efficiencies and opportunities along the way

• Maintain accurate project documentation including briefs, schedules, status reports, and change orders

• Ensure final deliverables meet the highest quality standards and align with the client’s brand and objectives

• Support new business efforts by scoping projects, drafting schedules, and estimating resources

• Build trust with clients and teammates through responsiveness, reliability, and follow-through
  
  

Skills & Experience

• 7–15 years of project management experience in a creative or marketing agency (retail experience preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-channel projects in fast-paced environments

• Experience in B2C, B2B, and government sectors; tourism/outdoor brand experience preferred

• Strong understanding of how timeline and budget management impact agency profitability

• Expert organizational and time management skills

• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, and project management platforms

• Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable in changing environments

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• High integrity, strong work ethic, and a proactive mindset