Design Manager

SouthWood Corporation is a 55-year-old, turn-key sign company known for its exceptional quality and innovation as an industry leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of architectural signage throughout the country. Our core values of passion, curiosity, relentlessness, and a commitment to excellence are our blueprint to success every day and definitive of our community and culture. We are always seeking highly skilled and motivated performers to join our team. As a sign professional, you will play a vital role in driving results to meet challenging company goals and client expectations with signs of the highest quality.

SouthWood Corporation is seeking an experienced Design Manager. This role is responsible for managing design workflow, ensuring accuracy and production readiness of design files, and maintaining design schedules to meet project deadlines. The Design Manager works closely with Project Managers, Sales, Production, and Installation teams to ensure designs move efficiently from concept through fabrication and installation. This role balances creative design leadership with strong operational discipline to ensure all designs are technically accurate, manufacturable and delivered on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily workflow and scheduling for the design team to meet project deadlines.
• Review and approve design work for accuracy, brand standards, and production readiness.
• Ensure designs are developed with fabrication, materials, and installation requirements in mind.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Managers, Sales, Production, and Installation teams.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, and documentation to support efficiency and consistency.
• Identify workflow improvements to increase accuracy and production alignment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop team of graphic designers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of design experience in environmental graphics, signage, or large-format production.
• Leadership or team coordination experience preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of sign fabrication, materials, and production processes.

Success in This Role Requires

• Self-starter who takes ownership of work and team performance
• Methodical and organized in managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Patient leader who supports team development and problem-solving
• Accurate and detail-oriented with strong quality standards
• Careful and dutiful approach to production-ready design work

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Opportunities for growth and skill development.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision and 401k.