Project Manager - Trade Shows

Derse; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401k Profit Sharing

3 weeks of vacation

Job summary

Derse, based in Waukegan, is seeking a Project Manager – Trade Shows to join our dynamic team. The role entails overseeing project statuses, managing budgets, and coordinating between production and logistics teams. Successful candidates should have strong financial acumen and relevant experience in project management.

The position offers a competitive salary range from $55,000 to $85,000 annually and comprehensive benefits. Join us in creating impactful marketing solutions!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related project management experience.
• Preferred experience in trade shows or experiential marketing.
• Ability to travel to oversee installations and dismantling.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control project budgets and deadlines.
• Coordinate the post-sale work order process.
• Review estimates for completeness and accuracy.
• Lead quality and final project meetings before shipment.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Financial acumen

Organizational skills

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Description

Derse is a complete face‑to‑face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward‑thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued
• 75+ years of financial stability

Derse employs nearly 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more.

Role Overview

As a Project Manager – Trade Shows (also known as Project Manager – Service), you will work with our production, logistics, and account teams to monitor and manage project statuses. The role focuses on creative solution implementation, budget allocation, and resource distribution on service projects, and is based in the Waukegan office.

Responsibilities

• Assume accountability for monitoring and controlling project budgets and deadlines.
• Coordinate the post‑sale work order process for all assigned accounts/Account Executives.
• Review estimates for completeness, hours, materials, and subcontract dollars.
• Determine scope for detail drawings or set‑up drawings and initiate all work with the Detailing department.
• Utilize technical skills, including proficiency in AutoCAD & Microsoft Office.
• Secure necessary information to process a work order.
• Monitor detail drawing production to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
• Assign labor and material by department codes to all quoted and T&M work orders.
• Have a good understanding of basic electrical requirements & woodworking techniques.
• Write purchase order requisitions for direct purchase materials.
• Lead quality & final project meetings prior to shipment.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree and / or 5+ years of related project management experience.
• Preferred experience working in trade shows or experiential marketing.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to juggle multiple projects of varying duration.
• Highly organized, flexible, and able to work necessary hours in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to travel to show‑site to oversee installation and dismantle efforts, as needed.

Salary & Benefits Information

• Salary Range: $55,000.00 to $85,000.00 Annually.
• Benefits include Medical (HRA & HSA), Dental & Vision Insurance, FSA, Employer‑paid Life Insurance, 401k Profit Sharing, 3 weeks of Vacation and more.