Lead Project Manager

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for a Lead Project Manager to join our Advertising team for a 12 month fixed term contract.

The Lead Project Manager will take responsibility for the costing, planning and delivery of the commercial elements of key strategic editorial projects, primarily consisting of audio and video content.

About the role

Manage campaigns from initial ideas to post campaign analysis, working closely alongside the advertising project management team and Guardian Studios teams to ensure timelines and budgets are adhered to.

Support the pre-sales and pitch process for multichannel campaigns, with a focus on audio and video, working closely with sales, project management and Guardian studio leads.

Produce cost estimates and delivery schedules to ensure appropriate margin and accurate forecasting, working closely with key internal stakeholders to manage the campaign budgets. This will involve close coordination with the advertising project management teams.

Responsible for working closely with the team's planning and delivering video-first, personality-led journalism projects, delivering commercial elements and client campaigns, ensuring brand integration is authentic and considered throughout.

About you

Extensive hands-on, end-to-end multimedia or project management experience, preferably within a publisher, broadcaster, production company or agency environment.

Experience supporting commercial pre-sales processes and building project budgets for multimedia campaigns.

Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder groups across editorial and commercial teams.

Working knowledge of video production workflows, rights and licensing considerations.

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV. We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. Thank you for bearing with us during the screening process.

The closing date for applications is 6pm, Tuesday 4th August 2026.

Guardian News and Media is proud to be a London Living wage employer. The minimum salary for any full-time role within the organisation is £30,000 per annum. Salary ranges are dependent on skills and experience.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Karen Walter on karen.walter@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and Pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

We value honesty in your application.

AI generated content must not be presented as your own work.

Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.

We value honesty in your application.

AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.

Job Number

1279

Location

London, United Kingdom

Business Area

Advertising

Employment Type

Full time

Benefits

Holiday

30 days’ annual leave per annum with a holiday purchase scheme (for permanent or fixed-term contract employees based in the UK).

People policies

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees with IVF, menopause, baby loss and trans equality policies.

Learn hub

We invest in the growth and development of our colleagues. Our offering includes programmes, workshops, online resources and specialist training. There are dedicated areas for different departments giving you the resources you need, whatever your role.

Healthcare

We offer private healthcare for you and your family, as well as dental insurance.

Pension

Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5%, we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). You are also entitled to life cover and income protection.