Project Director

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

Contract: Freelance / Contract – Initial 6 months

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 .
• 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.