Custom Sign Production Manager

Phillips Sign & Lighting is a premier sign fabrication and design company in Metro Detroit. We offer our employees outstanding benefits, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities to lead challenging, rewarding projects. If you're passionate about operational excellence, team leadership, and pushing the boundaries of modern sign manufacturing, Phillips Sign & Lighting is the place for you. We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, deep production knowledge, and the ability to balance scheduling, workforce management, and fabrication timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. A background in the sign industry is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

Manage and oversee all day-to-day production operations for custom sign fabrication projects, ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met. Develop and maintain production schedules based on incoming workload, labor availability, fabrication capacity, and installation timelines. Forecast production capacity and proactively identify bottlenecks, labor needs, equipment requirements, and workflow improvements. Lead, mentor, and support production employees across fabrication, welding, painting, electrical, assembly, and finishing departments. Coordinate closely with sales, project management, design, permitting, and installation teams to ensure seamless project execution. Utilize CRM and project management systems to track production progress, timelines, client updates, and workflow status. Review engineering drawings, fabrication specifications, and project details to ensure manufacturability and production accuracy. Oversee the engineering and fabrication of complex custom signage, including illuminated signs, architectural signage, wayfinding systems, and specialty projects. Ensure projects comply with UL listing requirements, electrical standards, permitting requirements, and applicable industry regulations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, workflow optimization, safety, quality control, and lean manufacturing practices. Promote a positive, accountable, and team-oriented production culture with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and professional growth. Stay current on industry trends, fabrication technologies, LED systems, sustainable materials, and modern sign design practices.

Qualifications:

5 years of production management experience, preferably within the custom sign, fabrication, manufacturing, or architectural products industry. Strong understanding of custom sign fabrication processes, including metal fabrication, electrical components, LED illumination, vinyl application, painting, and assembly. Experience engineering and managing production for complex custom signage projects. Working knowledge of UL listing standards, permitting requirements, and sign industry compliance standards. Experience using CRM systems, ERP software, production scheduling platforms, or project management tools. Proven ability to forecast production timelines, manage labor resources, and prioritize multiple concurrent projects. Strong leadership, communication, and employee development skills. Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, engineering drawings, and fabrication specifications. Highly organized with exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and process improvement methodologies is a plus. Passion for modern sign design, fabrication innovation, and continuous operational improvement. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.

Benefits:

Paid Time Off Bereavement leave Health Insurance Dental and vision coverage available at group rates $10,000 Life Insurance with the option to purchase more without a physical Employee Assistance Program Flex Spending Program 401K with up to 4% match of 5% employee contribution Tuition re-imbursement for continuing education

Pre-Employment Drug Screen:

To protect the health, safety, and welfare of all employees and the property of Phillips Sign & Lighting, we require a pre-employment drug screen. Phillips Sign & Lighting is a drug-free workplace.