Position Summary
The Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing large-format graphics and visual communication projects from initial customer handoff through final installation and project closeout.
This position serves as the primary liaison between customers, sales, design, production, purchasing, shipping, installation teams, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
The Project Manager plays a critical role in driving customer satisfaction by proactively managing schedules, resolving issues, communicating project status, and ensuring all project deliverables meet client expectations. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Project Management
- Manage multiple customer projects from award through completion, including design, production, shipping, installation, and project closeout.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
- Coordinate internal resources to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
- Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or resource constraints.
- Lead project meetings with internal departments and customers as necessary.
- Ensure all customer specifications, artwork approvals, engineering requirements, and production details are accurately communicated.
- Manage project documentation, change orders, purchase orders, and project files.
- Coordinate installation schedules with field teams and subcontractors.
- Verify project completion and customer satisfaction before closing projects.
Customer Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers throughout the project lifecycle.
- Build long-term customer relationships through outstanding communication and service.
- Respond promptly to customer inquiries and resolve project-related concerns.
- Provide regular status updates regarding production schedules, shipping, installation, and project milestones.
- Manage customer expectations while ensuring company objectives are met.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Collaborate closely with Sales to ensure a smooth transition from proposal to project execution.
- Work directly with Design, Production, Purchasing, Shipping, and Installation departments to coordinate project activities.
- Ensure production schedules align with customer delivery commitments.
- Coordinate logistics and transportation requirements for outbound shipments.
- Assist Accounting by confirming project completion, billing milestones, invoicing requirements, and change order documentation.
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain project budgets.
- Review project costs and monitor profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Process project documentation including purchase orders, work orders, and change orders.
- Assist in preparing project estimates when necessary.
- Ensure projects are invoiced accurately and timely.
- Maintain organized project records and documentation.
Problem Solving & Quality Assurance
- Identify project issues early and implement effective solutions.
- Coordinate corrective actions when schedule or quality concerns arise.
- Ensure all finished products meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
- Conduct project closeout reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, Construction Management, Graphic Communications, or a related field is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 5–8 years of project management experience.
- Experience within large-format graphics, signage, exhibits, printing, manufacturing, or visual communications preferred.
- Experience managing multiple simultaneous customer projects.
- Experience coordinating production schedules, logistics, and installations.
- Experience working within ERP or project management software is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong project planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent customer service and relationship management abilities.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read production schedules and technical specifications.
- Strong financial awareness, including budgeting and project cost management.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
- Professional, positive, and solution-oriented attitude.
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
- Project Management Software
- ERP Systems
- Adobe Acrobat
- Experience with large-format printing workflows is preferred.
Core Competencies
- Project Leadership
- Customer Service Excellence
- Communication
- Organization
- Time Management
- Decision Making
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptability
- Continuous Improvement
Core Values
At Exploring Graphics, our success is built on the following values:
Customer Focus
We are committed to delivering exceptional service and exceeding customer expectations.
Integrity
We conduct business honestly, ethically, and professionally.
Collaboration
We work together across departments to achieve successful project outcomes.
Innovation
We continually seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards of quality, execution, and customer satisfaction.
Accountability
We take ownership of our work, our commitments, and our results.
Working Conditions
- Office environment with frequent interaction on the production floor.
- Regular communication with customers, vendors, and installation teams.
- Occasional travel to customer sites or installation locations as needed.
- Ability to work extended hours when project deadlines require.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Success in This Role
A successful Project Manager at Exploring Graphics consistently delivers projects on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality. They anticipate challenges before they arise, communicate effectively with customers and internal teams, build lasting client relationships, and serve as the central coordinator who ensures every project is executed efficiently from concept through final installation.
Their ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism directly contributes to customer satisfaction, repeat business, and the continued success of Exploring Graphics.