Sign Designer/Project Manager

Benderson Development is one of America’s largest privately held real estate companies, with a portfolio that includes more than 1,000 properties totaling over 50 million square feet in 40 states. The diverse Benderson portfolio includes retail, office, industrial, hotel, residential, and landholdings. With over 75 years of experience, Benderson Development has engineered impressive growth through innovation, insight, and determination.

Summary

The Sign Designer develops and manages signage programs that support Benderson’s nationwide portfolio. This role designs tenant storefront, pylon/monument, wayfinding, and project signage; produces scaled color elevations and print-ready files in CorelDRAW or Adobe; and prepares submittals, variances, and permitting packages for municipalities. It also includes coordinating with external vendors on pricing, production, and installation, and ensuring signage meets property standards and municipal requirements. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role that blends environmental graphic design with project management to deliver effective, brand-consistent signage across multiple properties.

This is a fully in-office role based in Sarasota, FL (no remote or hybrid option).

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical

• Design tenant storefront signs, pylon/ground signs, project signage, directional signage, and banners.
• Develop signage plans using site plans, elevation drawings, and architectural renderings.
• Create color building elevations and tenant signage mockups for leasing and marketing.
• Select and apply building and signage color schemes in coordination with construction and marketing teams.
• Produce scalable, print-ready design files using CorelDraw and/or Adobe Creative Suite.

Coordination & Documentation

• Establish signage criteria for each property and maintain compliance with municipal codes.
• Review and coordinate tenant signage submittals and compatibility with lease language and property standards.
• Prepare variance packages and signage approval submissions for municipalities and franchises (e.g., hotels).
• Place signage on scaled construction drawings for accurate visualization and approval.
• Maintain department design databases and records of tenant signage layouts, submittals, and approvals.

Municipality & Vendor Communication

• Prepare purchase orders and documentation for sign projects.
• Communicate directly with municipalities, building inspectors, and zoning departments.
• Submit signage packages for municipal approvals and track status through permit processes.
• Research sign vendors, obtain bids, prepare bid packages, and manage vendor relationships.
• Assist with scheduling fabrication and installation of signage and follow up on vendor deliverables. 

Support & Administrative

• Assist management in organizing signage packages for new developments or rebranding efforts.
• Respond to service calls for damaged or non-functioning signage.
• Support the leasing team with visual mockups and signage plans for tenant proposals. Review tenant submittals to create lease exhibits.
• Create and maintain tracking systems and files for ongoing signage projects.
• Generate ESS (Exterior Signage Specifications) and lease exhibits.

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in sign design, environmental graphic design, or commercial real estate signage coordination.
• Proficient in CorelDraw (preferred) or Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Familiarity with signage materials, fabrication methods, and municipal permitting processes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and construction drawings.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple signage projects at once.
• Knowledge of local zoning codes and ADA signage requirements a plus.
• Experience with hotel, retail, or mixed-use signage projects a strong plus.

Preferred Software Skills

• CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Familiarity with architectural software or CAD a plus
• Familiarity with SketchUp or other rendering software a plus

***Please include a portfolio of relevant work samples (signage, environmental graphics, or similar design work) with your application.