Program Manager en Aardvark Studios

Description

Are you ready to join an innovative team that pushes the boundaries of creativity and delivers exceptional results?

At Aardvark Studios, we thrive in complex, fast-moving creative environments. Simply calling us a “Creative Fabrication Company” or an “Experiential Marketing Company” doesn’t capture the full scope of what we do. We are a dynamic design, build, and technology studio serving the experiential marketing, location-based entertainment, and museum industries — constantly evolving with every unique project we take on.

That evolution requires strong leadership.

• When the Run of Show changes 90 minutes before doors open, what do you do?
• When multiple stakeholders are giving direction and clarity is needed, do you hesitate — or step in?
• When a live environment shifts unexpectedly, are you the person others look to for calm, decisive leadership?
• If that kind of responsibility excites you, this may be the right role.

Aardvark Studios is seeking a Program Manager to serve as the accountable owner of complex mobile tours and brand activations. This is a highly visible role with real responsibility, meaningful client partnership, and the autonomy to lead.

You won’t be handed a script. You will be trusted to run the program.

What This Role Really is: 

• You are the operational leader of your assigned program.
• You align production, tech, logistics, drivers, field staff, and agency stakeholders to deliver a seamless brand experience. 
• You anticipate issues before they surface. And when plans evolve — because in live programs they often do — you create clarity, protect the team, and guide the solution.
• You establish structure.
• You protect scope and budget.
• You communicate directly and professionally.
• You build trust with clients and internal teams.
• You don’t just manage tasks. You own outcomes.

Your Core Responsibilities: 

Full ownership of assigned programs — execution, timeline, compliance, and profitability.

• Managing six-figure budgets with discipline and transparency.
• Serving as the primary client point of contact from kickoff through recap.
• Leading cross-functional internal teams to launch and operate tours successfully.
• Hiring, training, and remotely managing drivers and field staff.
• Maintaining DOT and safety compliance.
• Tracking KPIs, reporting performance, and delivering thoughtful post-program analysis.
• Navigating real-time challenges with composure and sound judgment.

This role offers the opportunity to lead complex, high-visibility programs where your decision-making truly matters.

The Kind of Leader Who Thrives Here:

• Have 5+ years of project or program management experience — ideally in experiential marketing, live events, tours, or agency environments
• Have managed six-figure budgets and understand margin responsibility
• Are comfortable guiding clients through evolving situations
• Influence without formal authority
• Bring calm structure to fast-moving environments
• Balance confidence with emotional intelligence
• Enjoy being trusted to make decisions
• You take pride in ownership.
• You value autonomy.
• You like building strong programs and strong relationships.

Preferred:

• PMP Certification a plus
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 

How we’ll measure success: 

• Client satisfaction and renewal
• Budget performance and margin management
• Operational excellence and compliance
• Strong cross-functional alignment 

What we offer: 

• Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience 
• Paid time off
• Medical / Dental / Vision benefits
• Life insurance, short & long-term disability options
• Retirement matching after 1 year
• On-site private-use gym
• Dog-friendly workspace

Check us out on social here and here

If you’re looking for a role where you can lead, solve complex challenges, and see the direct impact of your work on high-profile programs, we’d love to meet you.

Apply now!