What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager position at HARDMAN SIGNS LP?
Job Title: Project Manager
Location: Houston, Texas (77086)
Type: Full-time, Onsite, Manufacturing Facility
Hardman Signs is a national leader in architectural signage and graphics. We design, manufacture, install, and service high-impact signage solutions for commercial properties, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and more. We partner with leading construction companies and architectural design firms to bring signage visions to life—from concept to installation.
Job Summary
We are seeking an exceptional Project Manager to join our team in the Houston area and drive the successful execution of complex custom signage projects from concept to final installation. This role is critical for coordinating timelines, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality results by effectively managing internal resources and external sub-contractors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Manager will lead all phases of the project lifecycle, including:
- Project Lifecycle Management: Own and coordinate all phases of assigned projects, including initial design/engineering hand-off, manufacturing scheduling, logistics, delivery, and final installation activities.
- Budget & Financial Control: Maintain acceptable profit margins on all jobs through rigorous cost management. Issue and track Purchase Orders (POs) and manage the project to contract requirements and financial goals.
- Client & Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for clients and maintain clear, daily communication across all internal departments.
- Permitting & Compliance: Perform thorough sign code analysis for various jurisdictions. Qualify, negotiate with, and select subcontractors for permitting, installation, and preliminary estimates.
- Risk & Expectation Management: Proactively understand and manage project risks and constraints. Ensure reasonable lead times are established and proper expectations are set with clients.
- Documentation & Workflow: Establish accessible, organized, and complete digital job files. Accurately manage work order entry for production and maintain project information within the designated internal systems.
- Technical Support: Support the project by utilizing and reviewing drawings, engineering specifications, previous estimates, and contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
- Vendor Management: Obtain competitive product pricing and coordinate complex multi-site installations with external agents and vendors.
Education & Experience
- Education: High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field is strongly preferred.
- Experience: 3-5 years of substantial and successful Project Management experience, preferably within the Sign Manufacturing, Fabrication, Construction, or a highly customized Service/Manufacturing environment.
- Core Skills: Proven experience in sourcing, selecting, and negotiating with sub-contractors. Substantial experience in maintaining project budgetary parameters and managing the PO process.
- Technical Skills: Advanced literacy in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel). Ability to read and interpret technical documents, including CAD drawings. Familiarity with Paycom or similar modern ERP/ATS systems is a plus.
- Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication, outstanding attention to detail, demonstrated leadership ability, and proven decision-making skills in a deadline-driven environment.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Working Conditions: Primarily a professional office environment with a moderate noise level.
- Physical Demands: Regularly required to sit, talk, or hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk, or lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus for prolonged computer work.