Job Description
SALES MANAGER
Location : Fort Mill, SC (100% on-site)
On behalf of our client, STUDIO DISPLAYS , we are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to lead their production, project management and logistics teams ensuring seamless delivery of high-quality projects that meet the clients’ expectations and uphold the Studio Displays standard. The ideal candidate has experience leading operations in a customized / turnkey-solution equipment manufacturing setting, and is someone who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and is passionate about delivering exceptional results. This is a 100% onsite position at the company’s facility in Fort Mill, SC.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Studio Displays (SDI) is a family-owned company that specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of custom trade show exhibits, museum displays, branded environments, and corporate interiors. With over 45 years of industry expertise, the talented team brings creativity and craftsmanship together to tell powerful brand stories in physical spaces.
Company website
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the business, including project management, fabrication, logistics, installation, warehousing, and vendor coordination. Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest level of quality. You will work closely with internal departments—from design to account management—to optimize workflows, allocate resources, and ensure Studio Displays maintains its reputation for reliability, innovation, and excellence. There is a strong focus on implementing and driving lean programs and methods to continuously improve efficiency
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations Leadership
- Lead daily operations across production, warehouse, logistics, and installation teams.
- Develop and implement operational systems, policies, and procedures that support scale, efficiency, and quality.
- Push lean hard throughout the entire process, kill dead time, and shrink material waste. Run kaizen huddles, audit 5S daily, use ERP for real-time tracking, and organize the warehouse and keep it clean. Hit KPIs. Lead crews through crunch weeks.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-first culture across all departments.
- Responsible for managing and approving the custom and trade show production schedule.
- Work closely with account executives and business development staff to retain clients.
- Maintain knowledge of current design and trade show trends, as well as new industry-related techniques, materials, and suppliers.
Project Management
Oversee the execution of multiple simultaneous trade show, museum, and corporate environment projects.Ensure resource planning, scheduling, and timelines are effectively managed from kickoff to final install.Resolve operational issues and bottlenecks to keep projects on track and clients satisfied.Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Work closely with Design, Sales, and Account Managers to understand client goals, timelines, and budgets.Translate design intent into feasible production strategies and schedules.Provide real-time status updates and ensure transparency across teams .Vendor and Resource Management
Manage vendor relationships and sourcing for materials, fabrication partners, transportation, and subcontracted labor.Negotiate contracts and monitor vendor performance and compliance.Quality & Compliance
Maintain and enforce standards for quality control, safety, and regulatory compliance, including OSHA.Conduct post-project reviews and drive continuous improvement across operational functions.Team Development
Recruit, train, and retain skilled operational staff, including production managers, installers, warehouse coordinators, and logistics leads.Provide mentorship and professional development for operations team members.Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.CANDIDATE PROFILE
Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Design, Construction Management, or a related field (MBA a plus).7–10 years of operations leadership experience in the trade show, experiential marketing, museum, or custom fabrication industries.Minimum of 5 years’ experience with lean principles in a custom production environment.Deep understanding of materials, production processes, and logistics in a custom build environment.Strong leadership and communication skills; proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Proficiency with project management tools and operational software.Experience managing budgets, P&L, and resource forecasting.Ability to travel for site visits or client meetings as needed (10-20%)