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.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead complex, large‑scale, multi‑site exterior signage programs valued at $3M–$10M+ annually, often involving accelerated timelines or heightened client visibility.
- Serve as the primary customer-facing lead, ensuring clarity of expectations, proactive communication, and alignment of project outcomes with strategic objectives.
- Translate customer goals into actionable project plans, ensuring cross‑functional teams (design, permitting, manufacturing, installation, logistics) operate in coordination.
- Develop and manage comprehensive project schedules, scopes, budgets, and risk mitigation plans with minimal oversight.
- Anticipate operational challenges and implement solutions that drive efficiency, reduce cost, and maintain high quality standards.
- Ensure adherence to technical specifications, permitting requirements, safety standards, and installation best practices common to exterior signage projects.
- Influence internal and external partners—including operations, procurement, field services, and third‑party vendors—to maintain momentum and resolve obstacles.
- Provide high‑level updates and strategic insights to the VP of Exterior Signage and customer leadership, ensuring transparency on risks, opportunities, and milestones.
- Facilitate executive business reviews and customer-facing presentations as the program lead.
- Monitor project financial performance, ensuring profitability through scope control, cost management, and accurate forecasting.
- Identify risks early and implement mitigation plans that protect schedule, budget, and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain strict quality control throughout all project phases including design approval, production, shipment, and installation.
- Build long-term, trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders, positioning the organization as a strategic partner.
- Manage escalations calmly and professionally, resolving issues in a manner that reinforces confidence in the team’s capabilities.
- Ensure customer acceptance of deliverables and oversee a smooth transition into ongoing maintenance or closeout.
- Lead project post‑mortems and produce insights to prevent future failures and improve delivery efficiencies.
- Mentor junior project managers by providing guidance, best practices, and support without formal direct reports.
- Contribute to departmental process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President, Exterior Signage.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- PMP (Project Management Professional) strongly preferred; CAPM acceptable with significant senior-level experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Industry knowledge of exterior signage manufacturing, permitting, and installation processes preferred.
- 7+ years project management experience, preferably in exterior signage, construction, or multi-site deployments.
- Proven track record managing large-scale or national programs with complex execution requirements.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to customer executives and internal senior leadership.
- Strong understanding of formal project management frameworks with the ability to adapt them to real‑world environments.
- Ability to make strategic decisions with incomplete information in fast‑moving environments.
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
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Job Tags
Temporary work, For subcontractor, Flexible hours