Project Manager-Branded Retail Environments

Company Overview

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovation teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

Job Summary:

The Project Manager – Branded Retail Environments serves as the primary liaison and design-informed partner between retail corporate clients, interior design teams, and internal production, sourcing, and installation partners to deliver branded environmental décor for retail remodels and brand refresh programs. This role ensures seamless execution across printed interior graphics, fixtures, signage systems, and décor elements — from design consultation, scope definition, and value engineering through production, installation, and closeout.

The ideal candidate combines strong account and project management capabilities with a working understanding of retail design, environmental graphics, and production processes. They are equally comfortable advising clients on creative direction and material trade-offs as they are managing timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams. This role operates at the intersection of client service, design consultation, and production execution — delivering both trusted creative partnership and operational excellence.

Job Description:

• Act as the day-to-day point of contact and trusted advisor for assigned retail clients, owning both the relationship and the quality of creative and production outcomes.
• Provide consultative guidance on visual design direction, materials, substrates, fixture finishes, signage systems, and environmental graphics in support of store renovation and brand refresh programs.
• Interpret design concepts, construction documents, and brand standards into clear, production-ready specifications — bridging the gap between creative intent and manufacturing reality.
• Participate in and lead design review sessions and working meetings with clients, facilitating creative discussion, presenting options, and guiding decisions with well-reasoned design and value rationale.
• Develop comprehensive project scopes, ensuring clarity of requirements, assumptions, and constraints.
• Establish project plans to control scope, schedule, timelines, budget, and other success criteria throughout the life of the project with company stakeholders (Account Executives, Customers, Leadership, etc.).
• Monitor and regularly report project progress and manage roadblocks and risks
• Enter project plans and team member allocation into company project management tools
• Proactively identify opportunities to introduce new materials, formats, or design approaches that enhance the client's in-store experience.
• Partner with the in-house design team to initiate design concepts
• Lead value engineering efforts on renovation and décor programs — evaluating existing design specifications and identifying alternative materials, substrates, construction methods, or production approaches that reduce cost while preserving brand integrity.
• Translate client briefs and renovation goals into actionable design concepts and production-ready solutions in collaboration with Imagine's Studio, Engineering, and Sourcing teams.
• Develop and present décor solution recommendations for store renovation projects, including fixture finishes, signage systems, environmental graphics, and branded environmental elements.
• Oversee client-facing estimates, budgets, approvals, and scope changes throughout the program lifecycle, collaborating closely with Account Managers who manage internal purchase orders, change orders, and project documentation.
• Track milestones and proactively communicate progress, risks, and changes to all internal and client stakeholders.
• Manage client feedback cycles and revision processes, balancing creative integrity with client objectives, budget parameters, and production feasibility.
• Support new concept development and ideation, contributing to pitch materials, mockups, and design presentations as required.
• Support installation planning, including site-specific constraints, phasing, and remodel schedules.
• Conduct post-installation reviews and manage punch list and closeout activities.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiencies, and value engineering when appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No Direct Reports

Minimum Qualifications of Position:

• 3-5 years of experience in account management, project management, or client services within retail environments, environmental graphics, commercial interiors, print production, or branded décor.
• 2+ years of experience in a role that includes client engagement, design review, or brand QA responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications of Position:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Certification from an accredited institution in Project Management (e.g., PMP from PMI)
• Experience working with national retail brands or multi-location rollouts strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of print production methods and specifications, including large-format, signage, fixtures, and dimensional elements.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders, concurrent deliverables, and tight timelines.
• Experience using project management and production platforms such as Iquote, Monarch, Monday.com, Smartsheet, REVit, CAD, or similar.
• Highly proficient verbal and written communication capabilities as well as executive presentation abilities
• Ability to manage at both a broad and tactical level

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong client communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale, cost trade-offs, and production recommendations to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.
• Ability to translate creative design intent and brand standards into production-ready specifications with high attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of value engineering principles as applied to retail design — including material substitution, production simplification, and design-for-manufacturability.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or familiarity sufficient to review and QA design deliverables.
• Collaborative working style with a solutions-oriented mindset; equally comfortable providing creative direction and managing operational execution.
• Team building, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
• Highly organized
• Confident, curious, and thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated to consistently deliver projects results on time and hold oneself, and others, accountable for deadlines.
• Ability to handle change effectively with a positive attitude

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Occasional walking
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work
• Frequent Sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Travel: 20-30% to customer locations
• Chemicals: N/A
• Ability to lift, push and pull: N/A

EEO Statement:

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

PAY STATEMENT

The national pay range for this role is listed below. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary based upon, but not limited to: education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. Imagine offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.