Director of Signage Design & Project Management

Overview

Sign Expo is seeking an experienced Director of Signage Design & Project Management to lead our design/PM function and oversee creative signage initiatives and large-scale project execution. This is a senior, dual-role position combining hands-on signage design and project management expertise with team leadership and high-level client relationship management. You will oversee a team of Environmental Graphic Designer/Project Managers, ensure consistent quality and execution across all active projects, and serve as the primary point of contact for our most important clients and complex accounts.

The ideal candidate brings deep signage industry experience, proven leadership ability, and the polish and judgment to represent Sign Expo directly to senior client stakeholders — while remaining comfortable staying hands-on with design, production, and project execution when needed.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Environmental Graphic Designers/Project Managers, providing day-to-day guidance, feedback, and professional development
• Oversee workload distribution and prioritization across the design/PM team to ensure balanced capacity and on-time delivery
• Set and uphold quality standards for design work, production files, and project execution across the team
• Serve as the escalation point for complex design, production, or installation challenges the team cannot resolve independently
• Establish, document, and refine internal workflows, templates, and best practices to improve consistency and efficiency

High-Level Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary client-facing contact for major, complex, or strategic accounts, including executive and senior-stakeholder relationships
• Lead client-facing presentations of concepts, strategy, and project plans, translating design intent into business value
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships that support account growth and repeat business
• Support business development efforts, including scoping new projects, contributing to proposals and estimates, and participating in new client pitches

Design & Project Management (Hands-On)

• Design and/or oversee the design of a wide range of signage and environmental graphics, including storefront signage, vinyl graphics, illuminated signs, and more
• Review and approve production-ready artwork files with precise specifications for fabrication and installation
• Manage — and oversee others managing — projects from initial client brief through design, production, and final installation
• Conduct or oversee site visits to assess project requirements, take measurements, and develop design concepts
• Review and approve mockups, renderings, and presentation materials prepared for client approval
• Develop and maintain project timelines and budgets across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met
• Collaborate closely with fabrication and installation teams to ensure design intent is executed accurately
• Communicate clearly and proactively with clients, vendors, and internal teams throughout all project phases
• Review proofs, materials, and final outputs to ensure quality and accuracy
• Maintain organized project documentation, including design files, approvals, and production notes
• Problem-solve creatively and efficiently when challenges arise during any phase of a project

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 7 years of experience in graphic design and/or project management within the signage or environmental graphics industry, including experience leading projects and people
• Prior experience managing, mentoring, or leading a team preferred
• Demonstrated success managing high-level client relationships, including presenting to senior stakeholders and handling sensitive or complex accounts
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, and large-format design principles
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and create scaled layouts
• Deep working knowledge of sign production processes, materials, and fabrication/installation methods
• Experience managing multiple projects, timelines, and budgets simultaneously — including overseeing others’ projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, w…