Senior Project Manager, Exhibits & Fabrication

Tectonics Industries LLC; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tectonics Industries LLC in Auburn Hills, MI, seeks a Senior Project Manager for Exhibits & Fabrication to lead trade show projects from design through fabrication, shipping, installation, and returns. You will manage budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery and quality.

The role evolves to oversee Fabrication, Lighting, and Logistics teams, with a strong emphasis on safety and continuous improvements. 5+ years PM in exhibits required; PMP a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• PMP certification a plus.
• 5+ years of project management in exhibits/trade show environments.
• 3+ years supervising or managing people across departments.
• Experience with metal fabrication, custom lighting, and trade show logistics.

Responsibilities

• Own exhibit projects end to end, including scope, schedule, budget, production, and shipping.
• Translate renderings, drawings, and client requirements into production plans, BOMs, and work orders.
• Build and manage schedules around fixed show dates, advance warehouse deadlines, and venue move-in windows.
• Track project costs against estimates and flag overruns or scope changes early.
• Oversee metal fabrication scheduling, capacity, and quality, and drive improvements in shop efficiency and SOPs.
• Manage custom lighting design coordination, sourcing, testing, and vendors, ensuring compliance with venue electrical and safety requirements.
• Coordinate freight, crating, shipping, warehouse storage, and returns with carriers, show contractors, and I&D labor.
• Serve as the operational point of contact for account managers, designers, clients, and show contractors.
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff across fabrication, lighting, and logistics while championing safety and on-time delivery.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Leadership

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

PMP certification a plus

Job description

Description

Position Overview

The Senior Project Manager, Exhibits & Fabrication leads trade show and exhibit projects from approved design through fabrication, shipping, installation, and return, overseeing metal fabrication, custom lighting, and logistics. The role starts as a hands-on senior project manager and is designed to grow into the senior manager of this group, including direct leadership of the Fabrication Manager and the lighting and logistics teams.

Essential Job Functions

• Own exhibit projects end to end, including scope, schedule, budget, production, and shipping.
• Translate renderings, drawings, and client requirements into production plans, bills of materials, and work orders.
• Build and manage schedules around fixed show dates, advance warehouse deadlines, and venue move-in windows.
• Track project costs against estimates and flag overruns or scope changes early.
• Oversee metal fabrication scheduling, capacity, and quality, and drive improvements in shop efficiency and SOPs.
• Manage custom lighting design coordination, sourcing, testing, and vendors, ensuring compliance with venue electrical and safety requirements.
• Coordinate freight, crating, shipping, warehouse storage, and returns with carriers, show contractors, and I&D labor.
• Serve as the operational point of contact for account managers, designers, clients, and show contractors.
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff across fabrication, lighting, and logistics while championing safety and on-time delivery.
• Qualifications
• Ability to manage multiple projects against fixed show deadlines with a high level of detail.
• Strong budgeting, estimating, and cost-control skills.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, renderings, and specifications.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills; flexible when priorities shift.
• PC proficiency at an intermediate level, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary: $90,000-$110,000

Education and Experience

• 5+ years of project management experience, including 5+ years in the trade show or exhibit industry.
• 3+ years supervising or managing people across departments or trades.
• Working knowledge of metal fabrication, custom lighting, and trade show logistics.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an associate degree with equivalent experience. PMP certification a plus.
• Exhibit or trade show experience is required

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, crouch, and stoop for extended periods in the shop, warehouse, and show floor.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Conditions

• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to meet show deadlines.