JULIA PARRY
Cape Town
Summary
I am a highly motivated, operational individual with over 15 year’s experience in Advertising with a very strong background in project management. I have extensive experience in operations and process implementation and always looking at how to optimise and create efficiencies to ensure the best possible outcomes and bringing order to complex environments.
I am Strategic and results-oriented by executing business plans to maximize profitability, streamline operations.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Managing Director
VML
Johannesburg
08.2024 - Current
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Special Projects Director
VMLY&R
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Worked along side the CEO and COO to co ordinate and execute various strategic initiatives across the organization often dealing with confidential and sensitive data
- Undertook a change management project during a complex merger
- Onboarded a large new client in the Telco sector and embedded systems and processes for 110 staff in the new division
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify project requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Head of Operations
Draftline
08.2019 - Current
- Draftline is ABinBev’s brand new in-house agency that provides data driven creative services to some of their leading brands. (Stella, Corona, Budweiser, Castle Lite, Brutal Fruit, etc.)
- My role was to help the head of Draftline build it from scratch. We grew it from 19 Draftline staff members in August 2019 to a full team of 93 staff across multiple disciplines
- Using my deep understanding of agency processes and structures I have helped implement an effective operational structure that embeds key routines, tools and ways of working with our clients in order for the agency to run optimally and with maximum efficiency.
Business Director (Tribe Director)
VML
06.2016 - 08.2019
- The tribe has 7 key clients, Nike, Edgars, Ster-Kinekor, Colgate, Nestle, RCL Foods, Momentum.
- I am currently responsible and accountable for the success of the tribe as a whole. This manifests as the GM /MD of the tribe / business unit consisting of 46 people and an annual revenue of R43 Mil.
- Final escalation point for all clients in the tribe.
- Relationship management across client accounts.
- Working closely with the Client Engagement team in identifying areas that need addressing or particular issues raised by client.
- Management of the Traffic function and processes.
- Identifying gaps in process in the tribe and work with relevant parties to resolve.
- Building and maintaining the culture; ensuring that Tribe members are embedded in the Tribe’s way of doing things and deeply engaged with the signature practices.
- Responsible for the happiness and social cohesion in the tribe.
- Keep employees happy, motivated and focused.
- Responsible for the work output from a Creative and Strategic point of view.
- Working closely with the Creative Director to ensure the creative team are thriving and the creative workflow is successful.
- Responsible for the overall financial health of the tribe.
Group Project Director
Native Digital
12.2010 - 06.2016
- Key clients, General Motors South Africa, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, PepsiCo, DStv, Internet Solutions.
- Managed a team of 4 project managers.
- Delivery of projects within scope, budget and time.
- Manage all project related documentation, risk logs, change requests etc.
- Run large projects independently of management.
- Create cost estimates based on project requirements.
- Project manage various disciplines, teams and third party resources.
- Prepare and update project plans throughout the project lifecycle.
- Plan, track, control and report on projects based on defined process.
- Maintain strong internal and client relationships throughout the project.
Digital Project Manager
DRAFT FCB Mesh
04.2008 - 12.2010
- My role involved project managing multiple digital projects, each with its own project team of creative, technical and account handling professionals.
- I oversaw all project stages such as workflow for the creative team, planning, information architecture, development, CMS, applications, deployment, and post campaign analysis.
- I was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Toyota South Africa digital account, maintaining daily contact with Clients and other 3rd parties for all online initiatives and project workflow from the daily maintenance of the brand site www.toyota.co.za to campaign specific promo’s / microsites etc. across the 13 models.
- The allocation and scheduling of resources, including the estimation of time required for creative elements and development.
- Work closely with the Head of Digital, Client Service and production staff to ensure the smooth delivery of projects.
Digital Project Manager
Ogilvy Interactive
02.2008 - 04.2008
- Project managed the global site for Sun International.
Qualitative Account Manager
Millward Brown Firefly
04.2007 - 02.2008
- Company Overview: Millward Brown is one of the world’s top ten global research and brand consulting agencies.
- My role was within the Qualitative department. I handled a number of large projects both International (SAB Miller, and Discovery Channel conducted out of the UK, Jack Daniels conducted out of the USA), and local (M-Net, Telkom and Unilever, Tiger Brands, American Express).
- These projects involved pre and post-testing of advertising campaigns or concepts, generating brand attributes as well as strategic brand positioning.
- Responsibilities include managing the process of: Manage the day-to-day relationships with clients.
- Generate new projects within existing clients, as well as new clients.
- Project design, from writing the proposal to implementation.
- Conducting and moderating focus groups / interviews.
- Analysis of research data and project findings.
- Strategic interpretation and recommendations.
Digital Project Manager
Trigger Isobar
04.2006 - 04.2007
- Company Overview: Trigger is an award winning Digital Marketing agency.
- I was responsible for Kulula, Bell’s Whisky, FNB 2010 sponsorship and the global VisitBritain account (across 23 countries worldwide).
- I was primarily accountable for the planning, coordination and controlling of a project from inception to successful completion, meeting the project's requirements and ensuring completion on time, within cost and to the required standards and expectations.
- Demonstrated continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively with internal and external resources, to provide quality seamless implementation.
- Project managed multiple projects concurrently whilst maintaining a strong attention to detail.
Account Manager
Creativebrief UK Ltd
05.2004 - 03.2006
- Company Overview: Creativebrief is the first digital interactive search and procurement website for the marketing and creative services industry.
- I built and maintained strong relationships with senior members of top creative agencies (from smaller independents to larger networks).
- I developed excellent interpersonal skills due to my daily dealings with senior personnel.
- I effectively managed and consulted with agencies to create and optimize their web presence on our interactive site.
- I handled over 80 client briefs in the FMCG, Alcoholic Drinks, Travel, Automotive, Financial and Retail sectors, across a number of different agency disciplines; integrated, advertising, experiential / sales promotion, branding and design, digital and public relations - client budgets ranging from £250K - £2Mil.
Sales and Marketing Executive
G & D Limited
03.2002 - 05.2004
- Company Overview: Giesecke and Devrient is a global firm, which manufactures and markets smart cards, payment cards and e-solutions to the telecommunications, banking, gaming and government sectors.
- Set up, maintained and monitored client marketing activity including Tender proposals / corporate presentations, Press releases / quarterly newsletters, Direct e-mail campaigns, Preparation for telecoms and IT Security exhibitions, seminars and product launches.
- Conducted market research and produced regular competitor analyses.
- Managed market information to provide relevant insights to the business.
Client liaison consultant
04.2001 - 03.2002
Assistant to freelance photographers
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Assist in studio set ups, photo-shoots, secretarial and administrative duties.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Industrial Psychology, English
University of Witwaterstrand
01.1998 - 01.2001
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Kingsmead College for Girls
Rosebank, JohannesburgBrand Management, E-Marketing Campaigns
Chartered Institute for Marketing (CIM)
Skills
- Project Management
Operations management
Problem-solving abilities
Decision-making
Organizational structuring
Teamwork and collaboration
Excellent communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Multitasking
Self motivation
Process improvements
Interpersonal skills
Change management
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 03/19/80
- Nationality: South African
Timeline
Managing Director
VML
08.2024 - Current
Special Projects Director
VMLY&R
01.2021 - 08.2024
Head of Operations
Draftline
08.2019 - Current
Business Director (Tribe Director)
VML
06.2016 - 08.2019
Group Project Director
Native Digital
12.2010 - 06.2016
Digital Project Manager
DRAFT FCB Mesh
04.2008 - 12.2010
Digital Project Manager
Ogilvy Interactive
02.2008 - 04.2008
Qualitative Account Manager
Millward Brown Firefly
04.2007 - 02.2008
Digital Project Manager
Trigger Isobar
04.2006 - 04.2007
Account Manager
Creativebrief UK Ltd
05.2004 - 03.2006
Sales and Marketing Executive
G & D Limited
03.2002 - 05.2004
Client liaison consultant
04.2001 - 03.2002
Assistant to freelance photographers
01.1998 - 01.2001
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Industrial Psychology, English
University of Witwaterstrand
01.1998 - 01.2001
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Kingsmead College for Girls
Brand Management, E-Marketing Campaigns
Chartered Institute for Marketing (CIM)
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