Amsterdam, Netherlands
Project director
Downstream is seeking a project director to work with its team in Amsterdam.
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.
Downstream’s project management team are a driving force in the realisation of this work. We embody the knowhow of the company, and it’s employees to lead, grow and innovate.
Primary job description
The project manager guides projects from concept to delivery. Project managers are responsible for organising and managing projects as the central point of communication for both internal and external teams. This role specialises in the oversight and management of world-class branded environmental designs that include a comprehensive understanding of built projects.
Downstream manages a complex design and realization process related to environmental, interior, brand and AV systems design. The ideal candidate for this role will have architectural interior design knowledge, workspace knowledge and experience related to branded environments.
Budget, schedule and quality assurance are blended responsibilities. The project manager partners with account leads to ensure that a well-defined Statement of Work (SOW), project plan and working budgets and resources are place prior to work starting. Project managers are enthusiastic problem solvers and thrive on being engaged at all levels of the project.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- strategic thinking to create and implement project plan designed to meet project delivery
- ability to accurately budget and schedule projects to defined SOW
- create comprehensive project plans and provide a clear roadmap for workflow and resourcing
- balance project financial goals as it relates to budget; labor 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 pesponsibilities
- 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.
Proprietary and Confidential 2018
- 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 prioritisation. 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 utilise 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.
Work experience & education
- minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- a minimum of five years of relevant industry experience in architectural project management or in an agency environment specialising in at least one of the following areas; construction management, environmental, or interior design
- in-depth knowledge of environmental design and implementation and/or a proven experience producing digital media and interactive experiences
- international, EMEA knowledge and experience
- 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, Teamwork and Box
Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter that helps us get to know you better. We would like to know what accounts you have secured and their value, as well as any career goals you have achieved. We would also like to know how you see downstream and your role within it.








