Project Manager – Retail Design & Manufacturing in Cincinnati, Ohio at CIP Retail

CIP Retail specializes in the creative design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of interior décor, signage, and millwork for commercial retail environments. From concept to completion, we deliver value-focused, high-impact solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with expert craftsmanship — for clients locally, nationally, and internationally.

Department: Project Management

Title: Project Manager – Retail Design & Manufacturing

Reports To: Program Manager

Location: Fairfield, OH (Cincinnati area)

Travel: Up to 10%

Position Summary

We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our team in a high-visibility role supporting one of CIP Retail’s largest and most strategic client accounts. You’ll be part of a dedicated client team — reporting to the Program Manager and working alongside fellow team members — with shared responsibility for delivering custom retail décor, millwork, and signage programs from initial scope through final installation.

In this role, you’ll coordinate across CIP’s internal teams, vendor network, and client contacts to keep projects on track, on budget, and aligned with client expectations. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, can juggle multiple complex projects at once, and know how to keep internal teams and clients moving in the same direction — this role is built for you.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end delivery of custom retail décor and millwork projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget completion
• Work with the Program Manager, client contacts, designers, sales, supply chain, and production to define project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines
• Develop detailed project plans and budgets; monitor costs, forecast risks, and adjust as needed
• Support client communication alongside the Program Manager — providing updates, coordinating feedback, and helping manage expectations
• Coordinate with internal teams (design, production, QA, procurement, logistics, accounts receivable) and external vendors to ensure smooth workflow
• Participate in internal and client-facing project status meetings
• Manage invoices, purchase orders, and vendor agreements
• Confirm full scope of work for each project and obtain all required documentation, including drawings and BOMs
• Release resource requirements to the Logistics Manager and Production Supervisor; maintain ongoing schedule updates
• Review overhead and elevation schematics; check installation photos daily to verify accuracy against the plan
• Oversee initial installations, returns, and special projects
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement
• Support the team in maintaining project goals and milestones

Additional Responsibilities

• Willingness to support broader company functions as needed in a collaborative, small-office environment
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and business ethics standards
• 100% in office work
• Travel up to 10% as required

• 3+ years of project management experience, preferably in manufacturing, retail décor, millwork, signage, or a related industry
• PMP certification and/or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with ERP (Epicor) systems a plus
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt quickly
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics preferred
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail
• Data focused, operations minded.
• Knowledge of décor materials and manufacturing processes a plus

About the Opportunity

This is a chance to join a 50+ year-old company with deep expertise in retail design — working on complex, high-profile programs for national and international retail brands. You’ll step into a role with real visibility and impact, as part of a focused team dedicated to one of our most important client relationships.