National Director of Design

National Director of Design

ASI Corporate Network | Full-time | Exempt | Hybrid

Position Overview

The National Director of Design is a key strategic leader within ASI's Shared Services organization. This role is responsible for elevating design quality, developing consistent standards, and driving efficiency across ASI's nationwide design operations. The Director will lead the Corporate Design Department, build scalable processes, and partner cross-functionally to ensure that creative, technical, and production-ready designs support ASI's business goals, fabrication capabilities, and brand standards.

This leader will shape the future of design within the ASI network - developing people, processes, and best practices that enhance collaboration, reduce rework, and support profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage the ASI Corporate Design Department across creative, technical, and production-focused design functions.
• Set and maintain ASI Standard Design processes, including file structures, drawing standards, templates, and material callouts.
• Ensure design output aligns with client intent, budget constraints, and manufacturing capabilities across multiple fabrication centers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase design efficiency, quality, and inter-departmental collaboration.

Process Development & Standardization

• Develop and oversee standardized design documentation - layout templates, drawing sets, font libraries, and material/finish specifications.
• Implement scalable workflows for concept design, design intent packages, and production-ready drawing development.
• Collaborate closely with Estimating and Fabrication teams to streamline handoffs, minimize rework, and reduce production and lead times.
• Ensure all design practices comply with ASI brand standards and meet ADA, local code, and regulatory requirements.

Team Development & Oversight

• Recruit, lead, and mentor a distributed team of corporate and local designers across the ASI network.
• Create clear development pathways for designers ranging from Creative to Technical Design specializations.
• Manage resource allocation across locations, balancing skill sets, workloads, and deadlines to support project success.
• Foster a culture built on creativity, accuracy, accountability, and high professional standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Director of Project Management, Director of Design-Build Services, Estimating Leadership, and Sales teams to ensure seamless project workflows.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate-level design governance and support.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives focused on operational efficiency, profitability, design standardization, and innovation across all ASI locations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated design experience within the signage industry, including interior, exterior, ADA/wayfinding, and vinyl applications.
• Expertise working with a wide range of design and production technologies, including emerging tools such as AI-assisted design workflows.
• Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing remote and distributed design teams.
• Strong understanding of architectural signage systems, materials, fabrication methods, and ADA/regulatory standards.
• Ability to balance creative vision with technical accuracy, manufacturability, and project profitability.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills across departments and geographic regions.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Work from home