Sign Shop Manager – Production & Install Lead
Company: Smartsignz
Location: Tredegar, South Wales
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £30,000 + performance incentives
About Us
Smartsignz is a fast-growing signage and graphics company specialising in high-quality print, fabrication, and installation for commercial, education, retail, and industrial clients. We produce everything in-house — from large-format prints and vehicle graphics to built-up lettering and site signage — and pride ourselves on quality, speed, and professionalism.
We're looking for a hands-on Sign Shop Manager to take ownership of workshop operations, lead production, and ensure jobs run smoothly from artwork to installation.
Role Overview
This is a leadership role for someone who can manage people, production workflow, machinery, and installations while maintaining high standards and deadlines. You will be responsible for keeping jobs on track, ensuring quality control, and supporting the team on the tools when required.
Key Responsibilities
Workshop & Production Management
* Oversee daily production schedule and workflow
* Operate and maintain printers, cutters, laminators, and fabrication equipment
* Ensure jobs are produced accurately and on time
* Monitor stock levels and materials ordering
* Maintain workshop organisation, safety, and efficiency
Team Leadership
* Manage and support production staff and fitters
* Allocate tasks and track progress of live jobs
* Train new team members on equipment and processes
* Conduct quality checks before dispatch or install
Sign Making & Fabrication
* Vinyl application and finishing
* Board preparation and mounting
* Cutting, trimming, laminating, and assembly
* Basic fabrication and sign construction
* Operating laser and CNC machinery
Installation
* Install signage, graphics, and vehicle livery on-site
* Ensure installs are safe, professional, and to spec
* Liaise with clients on site where required
Operational Responsibilities
* Coordinate with office/design team on job specs
* Troubleshoot production or install issues
* Maintain equipment and report faults
* Uphold health & safety standards
Requirements
Essential
* Experience in signage production or large-format print environment
* Strong knowledge of sign making processes and materials
* Experience operating wide-format printers and finishing equipment
* Installation experience (vehicle graphics, boards, panels, etc.)
* Leadership or supervisory experience
* Full UK driving licence
Desirable
* Experience managing a production team
* Knowledge of RIP software / print workflows
* IPAF, PASMA, or CSCS cards
* Vinyl wrapping experience
* Workshop scheduling or job tracking experience
Personal Qualities
* Highly organised and proactive
* Hands-on, practical problem solver
* Calm under pressure with strong time management
* Quality-driven with attention to detail
* Team-focused leader
What We Offer
* Stable, growing company with career progression
* Supportive team environment
* Opportunity to lead and shape production operations
* Training on new equipment and systems
* Performance-based bonuses/incentives
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person