Project Manager, Business Development, Operations Manager

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world.

Project management scope involves all aspects of architectural design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. This individual is responsible for ensuring the successful completion of various projects in terms of quality, accuracy, timeliness, and budget adherence.

This position supports the Operations team and is eligible to work an on site schedule based out of one of the following locations:

• St. Paul, MN
• Philadelphia, PA
• Fort Wayne, IN

• Interact and communicate effectively with customers through various forms of communication regarding the details of their events and exhibit requirements
• Interact, communicate, and work effectively with various internal departments, from operations to sales to accomplish goals
• Interact and communicate effectively with vendors through various forms of communication regarding the details of events and exhibit requirements and to accomplish goals
• Collaborate closely with the internal sales team such as Account Executives and Account Management Team
• Author various types of project management paperwork to complete projects such as estimates, labor projections, show services estimations, shop labor schedules, research 3rd party vendors, show site I&D packets etc.
• Follow each job through proposal, design, contract, production, graphics, service requirements, transportation and invoicing and updating all departments involved with the projects of updates/status
• Manage vendor payment including submitting invoices for payment
• Manage inventory for assigned clients
• Manage cost to revenue ratios to achieve financial goals
• Input data into company databases for the purpose of tracking all job detail for proposed and sold jobs
• Communicate schedule conflicts with appropriate parties effectively and timely
• Research and provide detailed information on 3rd party vendors
• Possess and maintain knowledge of the market for new materials, suppliers and techniques
• Interact effectively with show site Installation and dismantle labor teams
• Possess and maintain working knowledge of various building materials such as wood, plastics, fabric, electrical, metal, Octanorm, and lighting
• Create shipping manifest inbound documents for assigned projects
• Schedule and lead various production-related meetings
• Travel to show site for supervision of assets and customer onsite

• Bachelor’s degree or similar equivalent experience
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing custom fabrication from idea inception to completion and implementation – industry open not specific to our industry
• Extensive experience in the tradeshow and exhibit industry
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning systems, scheduling techniques, process management, workflow and team coordination/negotiation/conflict management
• Proficient in project pricing, purchasing and vendor negotiations
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse personalities in sales, design, engineering, production, distribution and construction while managing costs, time requirements, and customer expectations
• Ability to read blueprints and a working knowledge of architectural millwork
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects with varying deadlines
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with clients, vendors and colleagues
• Highly skilled in critical thinking and problem solving
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite

Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident and Disability
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off

At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics,…