Sign Production and Design Manager

fastsigns-careers; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Direct Primary Care membership (Sentin

el Health)

Job summary

FASTSIGNS of Missoula is seeking a full-time Sign Production & Design Manager to lead day-to-day shop production, elevate quality, and foster a consistent, accountable team culture. This hands-on leadership role will manage people and process while stepping in on technical production and design when needed.

You’ll optimize workflows, mentor staff, ensure safety and efficiency, and collaborate with sales to confirm specs, materials, and timelines for client projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in sign/print production (or similar manufacturing).
• 1+ year leadership experience (or strong readiness to step into it).
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator required).
• Strong understanding of print/finish/vinyl workflows and troubleshooting.
• RIP/workflow experience (Onyx preferred).
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Plan the daily schedule, set priorities, and assign work to hit deadlines.
• Maintain quality standards with clear QC checkpoints (preflight, in-process, final).
• Reduce rework by improving workflows, training, and accountability.
• Coach and develop team members; set expectations and follow through.
• Oversee printers, Graphtec cutters, laminators, and laser equipment.
• Manage RIP/output workflows and production settings.
• Track inventory/reorder points; coordinate purchasing to prevent delays.
• Troubleshoot issues and coordinate service/repairs when required.
• Support layout, color control and shop drawings; ensure production readiness.
• Coordinate with sales/clients to clarify specs and timelines.

Skills

Sign/print production

Leadership

Adobe Illustrator

Print workflows

Onyx RIP

Physical stamina

Tools

Onyx RIP

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Flexible schedule
• Training & development

FASTSIGNS of Missoula is hiring a full‑time Sign Production & Design Manager to lead day‑to‑day shop production, strengthen quality and throughput, and help build a consistent, accountable team culture. This is a hands‑on leadership role—you’ll manage people and process, and you’ll step in on technical production/design when needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay (DOE) + performance bonus potential
• Paid vacation + paid holidays
• Ongoing training and growth opportunities
• 401(k) with employer match
• Direct Primary Care membership (Sentinel Health)

What You’ll Own

Production Leadership

• Plan the daily schedule, set priorities, and assign work to hit deadlines
• Maintain quality standards with clear QC checkpoints (preflight, in-process, final)
• Reduce rework by improving workflows, training, and accountability
• Coach and develop team members; set expectations and follow through
• Maintain a safe, clean, efficient shop environment

Equipment, Materials & Systems

• Oversee printers, Graphtec cutters, laminators, and laser equipment
• Manage RIP/output workflows (including Onyx RIP Queue) and production settings
• Track inventory/reorder points; coordinate purchasing to prevent delays
• Troubleshoot issues and coordinate service/repairs when required

Design + Prepress Oversight

• Ensure files are production-ready, organized, and scalable
• Support layout, color control (practical Pantone matching), and shop drawings
• Standardize file structure/naming for efficient reprints and handoffs
• Assist with complex projects when needed (CAD/REVIT/SketchUp a plus)

Client + Project Coordination

• Partner with sales/clients to clarify specs, confirm materials, and prevent scope drift
• Provide realistic timelines and capacity guidance
• Use POS/project tools to document job details and keep work moving

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• Clear daily priorities, smoother handoffs, fewer production surprises
• Rework down, QC consistent, equipment uptime improved
• Team aligned, coached, and meeting standards

Ideal Qualifications

• 3+ years in sign/print production (or similar manufacturing environment)
• 1+ year leadership experience (or strong readiness to step into it)
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Illustrator required)
• Strong understanding of print/finish/vinyl workflows and troubleshooting
• RIP/workflow experience (Onyx preferred)
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs

Hiring Process

Includes a practical working interview and a 90-day introductory period.