Project Director

Project Director / Programme Director – Digital Commerce Transformation

📍 Location: Lyon, France (Ideally 5 days onsite, some flexibility possible)

📅 Contract: Freelance / Contract – Initial 6 months

💰 Rate: Market rate

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Project Director / Programme Director to lead a large-scale Headless Commerce transformation programme for a global multi-brand organisation.

This is a senior client-facing leadership role responsible for overall programme strategy, governance, and delivery across a complex digital platform covering Adobe Commerce SaaS, API middleware, and headless storefront technologies.

You will work closely with executive stakeholders, technology teams, and multiple vendors to ensure successful delivery of the programme and realisation of business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall programme strategy, governance, and delivery for the new Web & Commerce platform.
• Act as the primary client-facing leader, engaging with senior and executive stakeholders.
• Oversee delivery across multiple technology workstreams including Adobe Commerce SaaS, API middleware, and headless frontend platforms.
• Manage programme governance including steering committees, programme boards, and executive reviews.
• Coordinate delivery across multiple vendors and technology partners.
• Own programme financials, commercial performance, and contract management.
• Manage cross-workstream dependencies, risks, and escalation processes.
• Ensure successful launch readiness, go-live governance, and post-launch stabilisation.
• Communicate programme progress and outcomes to senior business stakeholders.

Required Experience

• 15+ years experience leading large-scale IT or digital transformation programmes.
• Strong experience delivering eCommerce or digital platform implementations.
• Proven track record managing senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
• Experience managing multi-vendor delivery environments.
• Strong understanding of Agile / SAFe programme delivery models.
• Experience managing programme budgets, commercial delivery, and governance.

Nice to Have

• Experience with headless commerce or composable digital architectures.
• Knowledge of platforms such as Adobe Commerce, headless CMS, or API platforms.
• Programme management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or MSP.
• French language skills are beneficial but not essential.