Design Project Specialist

: Alliance Franchise Brands is seeking a Design Project Specialist. The primary purpose of this position is to offer creative and project management services to our network of franchise locations. This role will have two primary responsibilities: (1) to provide graphic design and project management coaching and support to Franchise Members, and (2) to assist with the growth of our Experiential Graphic Design (XGD) program. This role demands a critical thinker with project management experience, a comprehensive knowledge of the print / signage industry, and ability to foster strong relationships with Franchise Members and their clients. Essential functions

• Assist Franchise Members with support requests, such as wayfinding and sign schedules, sign design, vehicle graphics, trade show graphics and booth design, large or multi-location projects and RFP / RFQ responses, as well as project management services, including sourcing installation vendors and scheduling large and complicated projects.
• Help Franchise Members research and prepare solutions for client meetings to fine-tune their creative vision and goals.
• Develop project plans, including schedules, milestones, resources, and dependencies, and communicate them effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to design team, as needed, including ideation, production, and layout.
• Manage time and production process to agreed-upon deadlines.
• Assist with XGD program management, including project timelines, recruitment of new Members, presenting webinars and in-person training, driving value of the program and more.

• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in graphic design, signage, and project management through organizations like ISA and SEGD.

Competencies

• Strong design background with experience in print or signage production.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premier Pro.
• Ability to read and understand floor plans, elevations, and shop drawings.
• Excellent communication and customer service to work with Franchise Members and/or clients to present solutions and provide direction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use Excel spreadsheets and other project management software to manage and organize tasks.
• Critical-thinking, solutions-focused problem solver with a learning mindset.
• Organized, detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Education and experience

• 5+ years of experience in design, signage or print environment, agency experience a plus. Examples of work required.
• Bachelor's degree in design or related field.
• Knowledge of signage and project management a must.
• Preferred experience in franchising industry or multi-brand environment.
• Experience with SignAgent or other sign scheduling platform a plus.
• Experience with CoreBridge or other point of sale systems a plus.
• Cost estimating and budget management experience.
• Experience in managing, collaborating, and building rapport with multiple stakeholders.

Work environment.

• Professional corporate and team-oriented environment.
• Hybrid work schedule with at least 2 days each week in the office.

Travel required.

• Possible travel to Experiential Graphic Design training in MD.

Value of Joining our Team

• We offer flexible health and insurance options including medical, dental and vision, employee, spouse, and child life insurance, short-and long-term disability, Healthcare FSA and Dependent care FSA, critical illness, and accident insurance. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program to support the well-being of you and your family.
• We provide paid holidays and paid time away to spend with your family and friends.
• Plan for the near and long-term with our 401K retirements savings plan with matching company contributions.
• Bonus eligibility

About Us Alliance Franchise Brands LLC and its subsidiary, KK Printing Canada ULC, are the franchisors of more than 600 locations in North America operating the company's brands: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Image360, Signs Now, Signs By Tomorrow, KKP, Insty-Prints, American Speedy Printing Centers, and RSVP. Alliance Franchise Brands is proud that three of our brands were selected for the 2022 Entrepreneur 500 list. Independently owned and operated franchises provide national, regional, and local businesses and organizations with a one-stop resource for technologically advanced and strategically sound solutions for their graphics communications needs. In total, Alliance Franchise Brands serves more than 600 franchise members in the U.S., Canada, and England with system-wide sales of more than $380 million.

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