Project Manager

About UsExcel InStore partners with retailers and brands to design, manufacture, and deliver impactful in-store visual merchandising displays, fixtures, signage, and custom retail solutions that enhance the customer experience.Our projects range from custom retail fixtures and merchandising displays to navigational signage and other branded solutions used in retail environments. We work closely with retailers, brands, designers, engineers, production teams, and installation partners to take projects from concept and development through manufacturing and final delivery.Because our work is highly customized, successful project management requires an understanding of retail environments, visual merchandising, custom fixtures and displays, manufacturing processes, materials, production timelines, and client expectations. Our team combines industry expertise, creative problem-solving, detailed project management, and manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-quality solutions that meet each client's unique needs.Role DescriptionThis full-time, on-site Project Manager role is based in Maple Grove, MN. The Project Manager is responsible for managing custom retail fixture, visual merchandising, display, signage, and related projects from project initiation through completion.The ideal candidate understands the unique demands of the retail fixture and visual merchandising industry and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where projects may involve custom design, engineering, fabrication, production, finishing, packaging, shipping, and installation.The essential functions include, but are not limited to:Perform all tasks in a safe and responsible manner.Manage projects from initial scope through production, delivery, installation, and project closeout.Partner with clients, designers, engineers, production teams, sales, and other internal stakeholders to clarify project scope, specifications, requirements, timelines, and deliverables.Develop and maintain project plans and schedules for custom retail fixtures, displays, signage, and related products.Lead project kick-off meetings and facilitate project updates, status meetings, and closeout meetings.Monitor project timelines, milestones, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure projects remain on track.Coordinate with internal departments to ensure projects move efficiently from design and development into production and delivery.Review project requirements and identify potential issues related to materials, design, production, quality, scheduling, shipping, or installation.Proactively identify project risks and develop solutions to address challenges before they impact the project schedule or client expectations.Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, schedules, specifications, change orders, meeting notes, and status updates.Communicate project status, risks, changes, and issues to clients and internal stakeholders.Manage changes to project scope, timelines, and requirements and communicate impacts appropriately.Measure and monitor project performance and take action early when projects are at risk.Develop creative and practical solutions to overcome project and business challenges.Report and escalate project issues to management as needed.Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to understand capabilities, constraints, and project requirements.Ensure client expectations are clearly communicated and aligned with internal project execution.Support continuous improvement of project management processes and workflows.Use best efforts and full capability daily to complete assigned responsibilities.Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.2+ years of project management experience within the visual merchandising, retail fixture, retail display, custom fabrication, signage, manufacturing, or a closely related industry preferred.Experience managing projects involving custom products, fixtures, displays, signage, or manufactured components strongly preferred.Understanding of retail environments, visual merchandising, fixture/display development, manufacturing, or related processes strongly preferred.Experience coordinating projects involving multiple departments, vendors, customers, or production teams.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.Strong Microsoft Office skills, including the ability to develop project status reports, schedules, and presentations.Ability to read, understand, and communicate project specifications, drawings, work orders, or other project documentation.Ability to work collaboratively with clients, designers, engineers, production personnel, and other internal teams.Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.Ability to identify potential project issues and proactively develop solutions.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.Willingness to learn company processes and systems and continuously identify opportunities for process improvement.Physical Demands & Work EnvirnmentAbility to lift up to 30 pounds safely when required.Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and movement throughout office and production areas.Ability to move or transfer materials using a hand cart when necessary.Regular interaction with manufacturing and production operations.Moderate to high noise levels in a manufacturing environment; hearing protection advised.Safety glasses required while on the production floor.Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.Why Work at ExcelCompetitive base compensation of $65,000–$80,000 annually depending on experience, plus an incentive opportunity. Total compensation has the potential to exceed $80,000 based on company performance. Incentive payments are not guaranteed.Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.Mental health resources, enhanced wellness support programs, and EAP.Paid time off and company holidays.Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.Inclusive workplace culture focused on belonging, teamwork, and diverse perspectives.Robust retirement benefits with a 401(k) plan and company matching contribution.Who We Are Looking ForWe're looking for an experienced Project Manager who understands the retail fixture, visual merchandising, display, or custom manufacturing environment and knows what it takes to move a complex project from concept to completion.If you have experience managing custom retail fixtures, displays, signage, visual merchandising programs, fabrication projects, or similar manufactured products, we want to hear from you.Excel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.