Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage - FASTSIGNS

Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage - FASTSIGNS About Propelled Brands Franchising, LLC

Propelled Brands® is the multi-brand platform company under which service industry franchise brands operate and grow. We are excited to propel brands forward. We know franchising, we love franchisees, and we have a supportive, motivating culture. Our current brands are FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite®, and Camp Bow Wow®.

At Propelled Brands, our total rewards package is a direct reflection of our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. Our benefits are built on the foundation of our core values:
Make it Happen, Expertise and Mastery, Positive Attitude, Growth Mindset, and being Considerate. As a member of our team, you will find a supportive environment with rewards designed to help you thrive.

• Employer sponsored medical and dental plans
• Voluntary benefits such as vision, critical illness, accident, and pet insurance
• 100% Employer sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-term Disability, and Basic Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings employer match up to 3% and 100% vested
• Generous paid time off policies
• Paid Parental Leave for mothers and fathers

The Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage leads the exploration, evaluation, and implementation of innovative technologies and specialty applications, with a particular focus on digital signage systems and solutions. The role sources vendors, conducts research and development, manages equipment evaluations, provides technical support, facilitates training, and advises on best practices to support the evolving technology needs of the FASTSIGNS network.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Research, identify, and evaluate emerging technologies, including new equipment, software, revenue generating programs, AI applications and automation for their potential to enhance design, output, production, and product offerings across the FASTSIGNS network.
• Design and execute pilot programs to validate new technologies before network-wide recommendation.
• Monitor signage, graphics, and adjacent industries for emerging trends and disruptive technologies. Attend major trade shows and stay current with industry publications.
• Maintain a forward-looking technology roadmap and deliver go/no-go recommendations to leadership.

• Responsible for the evaluation of all production equipment for the network, including printers, plotters, laminators, and large-format digital cutters, as well as supporting software and services.
• Conduct hands-on testing using consistent evaluation criteria and protocols. Produce reports, comparison matrices, and purchasing recommendations to guide franchisee capital investment.
• Maintain an evaluation lab environment and manage demo, loaner, and test equipment.

• Serve as the network's subject matter expert on digital signage, evaluating and recommending displays, media players, supporting hardware, and content management system (CMS) platforms based on functionality, scalability, integration, and total cost of ownership.
• Maintain best practice standards and reference materials that support franchisees in selling, installing, and supporting digital signage solutions.

• Oversee the development and support of specialty applications and new product offerings that expand network capabilities and profitability.
• Identify and collaborate with vendors and manufacturers on new equipment, applications, custom media, and software. Assist in negotiating favorable pricing, discounts, and licensing terms for the network.

• Translate research and evaluation findings into training and enablement assets including live and recorded webinars, e-learning for University of FASTSIGNS, and supporting documentation. Facilitate training classes and host peer group calls as assigned.
• Contribute to FASTSIGNS publications, participate in the Annual Convention and Outside Sales Summit, and undertake other projects and…