Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage - FASTSIGNS

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.

Essential Functions

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

Emerging Technology & R&D

• 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.

Equipment & Software Evaluation

• 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.

Digital Signage

• 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.

Specialty Applications, New Offerings & Vendor Engagement

• 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.

Knowledge Transfer & Network Support

• 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 duties as assigned.
• Provide network support via calls and email.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to walk, talk, see and hear. Must be able to lift up to must be able to lift up to 25 pounds., * High school diploma or GED required., * 5+ years in the signage and graphics industry, with hands-on experience in production equipment and workflows (wide-format print, cutting, laminating, finishing).

• Demonstrated experience evaluating, testing, and recommending equipment or software, including the ability to build objective comparisons and business cases.
• Working knowledge of digital signage systems and content management platforms.
• Practical experience applying AI tools to business workflows., * Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Express, Premiere Pro), Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Proficient in facilitating training in classes, webinars, and recorded content.
• Comfortable with exploratory work and objective in reporting results, including negative findings.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines without close supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,

Preferred

• FASTSIGNS Franchise or other multi-unit network experience.
• Experience with Corebridge Point of Sale software.
• Experience with production automation or workflow integration.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license is required for travel.

Required Core Competencies

• Classroom Facilitation
• Creative Writing
• Project Management
• Problem Solving
• Ethical Conduct
• Technical Capacity
• Technical Training

Pulled from the full job description

• Pet insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance, 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, This is a full-time, Exempt position of at least 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

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®.