Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage - FASTSIGNS

About Propelled Brands

Propelled Brands® is the multi-brand platform company under which service industry franchise brands operate and grow. Current brands include FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite®, and Camp Bow Wow®. The company fosters a supportive, motivating culture with deep expertise in franchising and a commitment to helping franchisees succeed.

Benefits

• 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% (100% vested)
• Generous paid time off policies
• Paid Parental Leave for mothers and fathers

About the Role

The Manager of Emerging Technologies & Digital Signage leads the exploration, evaluation, and implementation of innovative technologies and specialty applications, with a focus on digital signage systems and solutions. This 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.

Responsibilities

• Emerging Technology & R&D
  • Research, identify, and evaluate emerging technologies (equipment, software, AI applications, automation) for potential enhancement of 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
  • Evaluate production equipment (printers, plotters, laminators, large-format digital cutters) and supporting software/services for the network.
  • 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, hardware, and content management system (CMS) platforms based on functionality, scalability, integration, and total cost of ownership.
  • Maintain best practice standards and reference materials to 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/recorded webinars, e-learning for University of FASTSIGNS, and supporting documentation.
  • Facilitate training classes and host peer group calls.
  • Contribute to FASTSIGNS publications, participate in the Annual Convention and Outside Sales Summit, and undertake other projects as assigned.
  • Provide network support via calls and email.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience:
  • 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 building objective comparisons and business cases.
  • Working knowledge of digital signage systems and content management platforms.
  • Practical experience applying AI tools to business workflows.
• Skills:
  • 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 reporting, including negative findings.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines without close supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • FASTSIGNS Franchise or other multi-unit network experience.
  • Experience with Corebridge Point of Sale software.
  • Experience with production automation or workflow integration.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Valid driver’s license for travel.
• Core Competencies:
  • Classroom Facilitation
  • Creative Writing
  • Project Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Technical Capacity
  • Technical Training

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring at least 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Up to 30% travel may be required, primarily local during business days for in-office meetings, with occasional out-of-area and overnight travel. Travel is primarily domestic.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment.
• Routine use of standard office equipment (computers, smartphones, video conferencing, phones, photocopiers, printers, filing cabinets, shredders, fax machines).

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk, talk, see, and hear.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.