Project Manager, Exterior Signage

Stratus; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k with Employer Contribution

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

Stratus, a market leader in brand implementation, is seeking a Project Manager to develop and implement comprehensive plans for sign design, manufacturing and installation, while meeting budget and gross margin targets. You will collaborate with internal teams—Art, Engineering, Manufacturing and Production Control—to ensure projects are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

You will select and manage subcontractors, negotiate pricing within budget, oversee installation quality, and

Qualifications

• 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 (PM, Sales, Production, Finance/Accounting, MIS) and external subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans for sign design, manufacturing and installation.
• Collaborate with Art, Engineering, Manufacturing and Production Control to keep projects on schedule.
• Select and manage subcontractors, negotiate pricing within budget and gross margin guidelines.
• Prepare final billing packages for Account Manager review.

Skills

English proficiency

Technical reading

Communication skills

Math skills

MS Office

Project tracking tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP/database tools

Project tracking software

Job description

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.

Why Work With Us

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors

Pay Range

$55,000- $70,000 annually - Pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.

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