Project Manager, Exterior Signage

Overview

Ideal Candidate will have previous experience in the Signage Industry

There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Job Summary: The Project Manager supports the Account Manager by developing and implementing comprehensive project plans for sign design, manufacturing, and installation, while meeting budget and gross margin targets. This role collaborates closely with internal departments—such as Art, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production Control—to ensure projects are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. Additionally, the Project Manager selects and manages subcontractors, negotiates pricing, oversees installation quality, and prepares final billing packages for approval.

Responsibilities

Project Development

• Attend initial customer meetings alongside sales and Account Management teams to clarify location requirements, product specifications, design considerations, and preliminary surveys.
• Collaborate with the Art and Engineering departments to produce initial artwork and develop production approaches.
• Incorporate project scope, pricing parameters, and relevant details into initial proposals or final bids for customer approval.
• Establish and update the initial ERP database with project information.

Project Planning

• Upon project award, finalize graphic and engineering drawings, product specifications, and project timelines.
• Work with Production Control to confirm production schedules and expand the ERP database as needed.
• Secure installation drawings from the Art Department and confirm billing and reporting procedures with the customer.
• Obtain necessary customer approvals and solicit competitive bids from subcontractors, negotiating installation pricing within budget and gross margin guidelines.

Project Execution

• Review preliminary and technical surveys to define specific sign locations and finalize installation plans.
• Obtain customer approvals and completion photos for billing, initiate Control Orders, and prepare comprehensive billing packages for Account Manager review.
• Monitor accounts receivable, coordinate with Accounting/Credit teams to address delinquencies, and maintain an up-to-date ERP database with all project information.

Additional Duties

• Perform other tasks as assigned by management to support overall company objectives and deliver high levels of customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required; additional language skills are advantageous.
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate complex technical documents, business reports, and industry regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to managers, customers, and the public.
• Solid mathematical skills, including geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and basic statistical concepts.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience using database and spreadsheet applications. Familiarity with computer-based project tracking tools is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a focus on detail, accuracy, and meeting deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience required, preferably in Business, Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, or Design.
• 1-3 years of project management experience in a multi-state or regional environment is required; experience in sign manufacturing, construction trades, or related industries is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (Project Management, Sales, Production, Finance/Accounting, MIS) and external subcontractors.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Primarily an office-based role with typical office duties (sitting, standing, walking, typing, filing).
• Ability to lift packages up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions

• The primary work environment is a general office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Some travel may be required to customer sites or installation locations, which may involve overnight stays and varying environmental conditions.

What We Offer

Culture & Growth

• Supportive, collaborative work environment
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Regular coaching, feedback, and mentorship to support growth

Health & Wellbeing

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Health Savings Accounts with employer contributions
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program

Financial Security

• Weekly pay schedule
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability coverage

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave

Pay Transparency

$55,000 - $70,000 Annually

This range reflects the anticipated compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, education, location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation based on the nature of the position, individual, department, and/or company performance.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel as an essential function of the role to support in-person interaction with customers, field partners, and business stakeholders. Travel may be conducted via automobile, air, or other modes of transportation and may include overnight stays as needed.

Work Environment

This role operates in a remote home office environment, with regular collaboration within and across teams. The position involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual communication and interaction. Physical requirements may include lifting up to 20 pounds and general movement within an office setting.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment with Stratus are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles, including those designated as safety-sensitive or regulated positions, employment may also be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and/or other regulatory requirements.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Stratus is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are proud provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [email protected] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.

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