Kate Smith
Detroit,MI
Summary
Seasoned project management specialist with comprehensive experience in leading projects from inception to completion. Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing processes for efficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges. Proven ability to deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality. Demonstrated success in enhancing operational workflows and significantly improving project outcomes through strategic planning and effective communication.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Project Management - Retail Accounts
Doner
Southfield, MI
04.2022 - 05.2025
- Expanded account portfolio and increased direct reports while enhancing Associate Director responsibilities.
- Developed comprehensive scopes and budgets for new business RFPs.
- Managed creation of innovative presentations for new business pitches, coordinating with senior leadership throughout all phases.
- Ensured effective staff planning and timeline management during the pitch process.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Associate Director of Project Management - Retail Accounts
Doner
Southfield , MI
04.2022 - 07.2024
- Oversaw program and project management for multiple accounts, including Consumers Energy, Saucony, Serta, The UPS Store, and Valley Bank.
- Supervised four project managers, providing weekly training on best practices and risk mitigation strategies.
- Successfully coached two team members into promotions through targeted mentorship initiatives.
- Managed multiple campaigns for The UPS Store, achieving a 7% shipping increase through a comprehensive promotion.
- Led Saucony Marathumb Challenge, resulting in a 20% traffic increase to Saucony.com and over 1 million media mentions.
- Coordinated app development, promotional materials, and influencer logistics for Saucony's campaign, earning multiple prestigious awards.
- Facilitated onboarding of new clients at Doner by coordinating process alignment and best practice training.
- Developed essential documentation for managing new accounts, ensuring smooth transitions and operational efficiency.
Senior Project Manager - Ford Pro
VMLY&R
Detroit, MI
11.2021 - 04.2022
- Spearheaded launch of FordPro, focusing on electric and hybrid commercial vehicles.
- Managed end-to-end production for photography, print, video, and paid media.
- Directed final phase of Ford Pro site development and deployment in December.
Program Manager - Global
CommonWealth/McCann
Detroit, MI
03.2018 - 11.2021
- Led global Chevy.com content and AEM updates, coordinating with markets including Canada, South America, Middle East, Europe, and Australia.
- Streamlined development process by managing creation of web page templates for multiple markets.
- Oversaw creative design team, contributing to authoring, quality assurance, and publishing milestones.
- Consulted with market clients to migrate Chevy.com sites to new AEM platform within six months for timely vehicle launches.
- Developed organized process documentation through concise visual presentations.
- Compiled complex information from diverse team members into streamlined presentations for senior-level stakeholders.
- Aligned reporting and timelines for global photography, CGI assets, and website projects to enhance planning and risk mitigation.
Supervisor & Program Manager
GTB (formerly Team Detroit)
Dearborn, MI
10.2011 - 03.2018
- Led and mentored three project managers overseeing global digital assets and CGI data.
- Trained teams, assigned projects, and resolved issues through weekly status meetings.
- Managed $15 million annual budget for digital assets creation and CGI data for Ford Motor Company.
- Oversaw yearly budget creation and reviews with digital asset client and Ford finance team.
Senior Project Manager - Digital Assets
GTB (formerly Team Detroit)
Dearborn, MI
10.2011 - 06.2014
- Created and maintained 40 MS Project schedules for digital asset development across projects.
- Developed a client-facing tracking sheet for over 300 assets, enhancing visibility.
- Assisted asset producers and vendors in photography and CGI during production phases.
- Attended client meetings to initiate projects, develop asset lists, and scope resources.
- Facilitated routing of materials for reviews, updates, and proper archiving post-production.
- Identified efficiencies in Ford digital asset productions, generating significant cost savings.
- Leveraged CGI footage across multiple videos, saving $200,000 in production costs.
- Merged two still photo shoots into one session, resulting in $500,000 savings.
Project Manager
BI
Troy, MI
06.2002 - 10.2011
- Managed $2 million annual account for Ford Motor Company’s dealership training team.
Oversaw deliverables including website, web-based training, videos, and printed materials.
Developed project schedules, monitored workflows, and enforced deadlines.
Coordinated client reviews to ensure alignment on project expectations.
Managed vendor relationships to guarantee timely delivery of materials.
Ensured all materials reached field locations within specified timelines.
Education
B.A. - Communications, Art
Wayne State University
Skills
- Windows and Macintosh OS
- Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite
- AEM publishing workflow
- Project management tools (Smartsheet, Airtable, Asana, JIRA, Confluence, UHUB)
- Project management and organization
- Presentation development
- Budget and risk management
- Employee training and development
- Process documentation and optimization
- Timeline management
- Forecasting techniques
Timeline
Director of Project Management - Retail Accounts
Doner
04.2022 - 05.2025
Associate Director of Project Management - Retail Accounts
Doner
04.2022 - 07.2024
Senior Project Manager - Ford Pro
VMLY&R
11.2021 - 04.2022
Program Manager - Global
CommonWealth/McCann
03.2018 - 11.2021
Supervisor & Program Manager
GTB (formerly Team Detroit)
10.2011 - 03.2018
Senior Project Manager - Digital Assets
GTB (formerly Team Detroit)
10.2011 - 06.2014
Project Manager
BI
06.2002 - 10.2011
B.A. - Communications, Art
Wayne State University
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