Project Manager II

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13426708 Overview of the Role Our internal healthcare agency client is seeking a Project Manager II with strong agency and pharmaceutical marketing experience to independently manage high-volume print and digital project portfolios within a fast-paced in-house agency environment. In this role, you will own timelines, documentation, and day-to-day execution while partnering closely with Account Managers and creative teams to ensure work stays on strategy, on schedule, and compliant. This role operates with a high level of autonomy. There is no layered PM structure, so Project Managers at this level are expected to fully own their portfolios, proactively manage risk, anticipate dependencies, and navigate complex regulated review (MLR) processes with confidence. Successful PMs think ahead, keep the trains running, and stay deeply connected to the work even during peak volume periods.

The Basics Duration:

1 year

Hours:

40 hours/week, Monday through

Friday Location:

Lake County, IL (Mettawa area)

Schedule:

Hybrid; Onsite Tuesday through Thursday; remote Monday and Friday Top 3 Required Qualifications 4 to 6 years of project management experience within an advertising agency or in-house agency environment, with recent experience supporting pharmaceutical or healthcare clients strongly preferred. Proven experience independently managing large, high-volume project portfolios, including 40 to 60 concurrent projects with periodic surges during peak cycles. Highly proactive and solutions oriented, with strong risk identification, dependency mapping, and stakeholder communication skills in regulated environments such as MLR. Other Qualifications Bachelor degree required Pharmaceutical or healthcare marketing experience within the past 2 to 3 years strongly preferred Deep understanding of agency workflows across account, creative, studio, development, and review cycles Demonstrated ability to rebalance timelines and priorities when projects launch late or requirements shift Excellent documentation, meeting facilitation, and communication skills Digital project management and or print production experience required Proficiency with project management tools; the team uses Kantata (Mavenlink) and Microsoft 365, with Smartsheet or Workfront experience a plus Key Responsibilities Independently manage a high volume of concurrent print and digital projects from kickoff through delivery. Build, communicate, and maintain detailed project timelines, dependencies, and risk assessments across portfolios. Lead status meetings and ensure clear ownership and next steps for all project partners. Own routing of work through internal workflows, approvals, and MLR review processes. Partner closely with Account Managers, creative, studio, and development teams to manage priorities and resolve issues quickly. Proactively identify bottlenecks and recommend timeline or process adjustments. Rebalance portfolios when projects enter midstream or launch behind schedule. Maintain core project documentation including specs, estimates, folder structures, and review materials. Serve as a primary point of contact for third-party vendors as needed. Collaborate with Senior PMs during peak periods to align timelines and staffing needs. Track time daily, support estimates, and contribute to billing accuracy. Communicate clearly, calmly, and confidently across all levels of the organization. In this position, you may have access to client or customer systems, confidential and/or proprietary information or data, includ ng medical data. This position is onsite and requires you to work closely with other individuals in a collaborative team environment. Additionally, drug products may be present in the workplace. Benefits Creative Circle\'s Freelance Employee benefits package includes eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) medical plan, dental/vision/term life package, discount prescription program, critical illness, accident, tele-behavioral health, and 401(k) plan. Sick leave is provided to Candidates whose assignment work location {target="_blank" rel="noopener"}is in a state or city subject to sick leave laws. A Minimum Value (MV) PPO medical plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and paid holiday eligibility are based on length and dates of service.\ \ Looking forward to receiving your resume through our website and going over the position with you. Clicking app