About this role
Project Manager – Trade Show Exhibits & Displays
Location: Proximity to Islandia, NY (On-Site: Monday – Friday)
Industry: Custom Exhibit Manufacturing & Experiential Marketing
Position Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Base Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 / year (commensurate with experience)
About the Company
Our client is an established, full-service custom exhibit house and display manufacturer based on Long Island. For decades, they have designed, engineered, fabricated, and managed large-scale custom trade show booths, corporate environments, and branded pop-up displays for clients nationwide.
Operating from a expansive fabrication, graphics, and warehouse facility, they handle every stage of the trade show lifecycle—from initial 3D design through custom woodworking, printing, shipping, and on-site show floor installation.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Trade Show Project Manager to take end-to-end ownership of custom exhibit projects. Acting as the central bridge between Account Executives, CAD Detailers, Carpentry/Fabrication, Graphics, and On-Site Show Logistics teams, you will ensure high-impact corporate trade show displays are delivered on time, within budget, and to exact client specifications.
Key Responsibilities
Project Execution & Workflow: Direct trade show exhibit projects from initial kickoff through shop fabrication, preview staging, shipping, and show-floor installation.
Cross-Departmental Coordination: Collaborate closely with Sales/Account Executives, Estimators, CAD Detailers, Purchasing, and Shop Supervisors (woodworking, metalwork, paint, and graphics) to keep production schedules aligned.
Show Services & Logistics: Manage show site logistics, including labor coordination (I&D), freight/shipping, drayage, electrical/utility orders, and general contractor paperwork.
Budget & Scope Management: Review project estimates, track material and labor costs against budgets, issue change orders, and protect project profit margins.
Quality Assurance & Staging: Oversee mock-up setups/staging on the shop floor prior to pack-out, verifying engineering specifications, graphic fitments, structural integrity, and finish quality.
Client & Vendor Communication: Maintain regular communication with clients and external show vendors to manage expectations, deadlines, and on-site needs.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience: 3+ years of Project Management experience specifically within the trade show exhibit, custom display, or architectural millwork/fabrication industries.
Technical Knowledge: Understanding of custom fabrication processes, materials (laminates, woods, metals, extrusion systems, tension fabric), CAD construction drawings, and graphic production.
Show Site Logistics: Knowledge of union rules, convention center operations, show service kits, and nationwide logistics/freight coordination.
Software Skills: Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word), project management/ERP systems, and the ability to interpret 3D renderings and detail drawings.
Work Style: Exceptional organizational skills, high stress tolerance, ability to juggle multiple simultaneous build schedules, and a deadline-driven mindset.
Work Arrangement: Willingness to work on-site Monday through Friday at the Long Island facility. (Occasional travel to major national trade shows for on-site installation support may be required based on project scope) .
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive Base Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 per year (commensurate with industry experience)
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match
Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
Environment: Stable, collaborative, team-oriented shop culture with steady year-round project pipeline
Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $90,000.00 - $130,000.00