Graphics Project Manager

Design and Production Incorporated; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Design and Production Incorporated, located in Virginia, is seeking a Graphics Project Manager. This role requires a blend of project management and knowledge of large-format production to translate creative designs into buildable solutions.

The ideal candidate will manage production schedules, ensure quality standards, and maintain communication with teams. Candidates should have experience in graphics production, prepress standards, and managing projects under pressure.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years in large-format graphics production, exhibit fabrication, or environmental graphics.
• Strong knowledge of prepress and file preparation.
• Ability to read architectural and fabrication drawings.
• Experience estimating graphic packages.
• Experience managing concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Review design files for production feasibility.
• Manage budgets and timelines in challenging environments.
• Ensure compliance with preservation and performance standards.

Skills

Project management

Large-format production knowledge

Communication

Problem-solving

Excel skills

Tools

Procore

Job description

Design and Production Inc. is a nationally recognized museum fabrication firm delivering complex, large-scale exhibit environments. Our projects are multidisciplinary, technically demanding, and executed in collaboration with leading design agencies and cultural institutions. Our design partners create the vision. Our role is to bring that vision to life — accurately, efficiently, and with technical precision. We operate at the intersection of architecture, fabrication, graphic production, and installation.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a Graphics Project Manager who combines strong project management fundamentals with a working knowledge of large-format and signage production, installation, and prepress. This is not a design position. The role requires someone who can translate creative intent into buildable, printable, and installable solutions — while communicating clearly and diplomatically with design teams, vendors, and internal fabrication partners. The ideal candidate values creative problem‑solving in execution, understands production realities, and takes ownership of delivering technically sound outcomes in complex environments.

What You'll Be Doing

Translate Design into Production Reality

• Review renderings, drawings, and design files for production feasibility
• Identify technical risks (scale, resolution, curved surfaces, substrates, lighting integration)
• Communicate issues diplomatically and propose buildable solutions
• Support value engineering while preserving design intent

Prepress & File Readiness Oversight

• Maintain strong working knowledge of prepress standards (resolution, color space, bleed, scaling)
• Review production files for technical readiness
• Manage proofing workflows and color approvals
• Communicate effectively with print vendors and fabrication partners
• Provide file adjustments or prepress assistance when necessary

Project & Production Management

• Prepare detailed square‑footage and material‑based estimates
• Track graphic components from submittal through installation
• Coordinate internal and external production schedulesManage budgets and timelines in technically challenging environments

Quality & Installation Support

• Maintain quality standards from submittal through final installation
• Participate in site coordination when required
• Ensure compliance with preservation and performance standards

What We're Looking For In Your Resume

• Technically literate in large-format or signage production
• Comfortable reviewing and discussing production file preparation standards
• Organized and disciplined in tracking complex workflows
• Resourceful in solving production challenges
• Calm under schedule pressure
• Skilled at communicating technical concerns constructively and diplomatically

You understand that protecting design intent requires both technical clarity and professional tact. You are comfortable balancing competing deadlines while maintaining high standards of execution.

Required Experience

• 5–7+ years in large-format graphics production, exhibit fabrication, or environmental graphics
• Strong working knowledge of prepress and file preparation
• Ability to read architectural and fabrication drawings
• Experience estimating graphic packages (materials, finishes, square footage)
• Strong Excel skills
• Experience managing concurrent projects with competing deadlines

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with Procore or similar project management platforms
• Experience coordinating installation teams
• Working knowledge of large-format print systems and related production software

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

This position operates within a fast‑paced fabrication environment supporting high-profile museum and cultural clients. Projects often involve custom fabrication, unique substrates, large-scale installations, and strict preservation requirements. The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments including engineering, fabrication, detailing, and installation. Occasional site visits may be required to support installation coordination and ensure quality standards are maintained.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Design and Production Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class status.