Senior Business Development Advisor, College of Engineering & Mines

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The position exists to serve as a business project manager of the North Dakota Manufacturing Ecosystem, conduct assessments and technical assistance, manage client engagements, and drive business development to support client growth and organizational goals. These services help ND manufacturers stay competitive in energy, agriculture, aerospace, and heavy equipment sectors.

Requirements

Project management and client account management skills.
Ability to conduct company assessments and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Strong business acumen with the ability to identify client needs and propose appropriate services
Demonstrated ability to quantify benefits and impacts of services delivered to clients.
Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting organizational goals.
Skill in maintaining accurate records in CRM systems.
Flexibility and adaptability in a multi-client, multi-project environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with decision-makers and prepare professional reports and proposals.
Demonstrated track record of achievement in positions requiring significant accountability and independent judgment.
Business, engineering, finance, human resources, marketing, management, or appropriate business-related field.
10 years of relevant work experience leading the development and provision of services to businesses (manufacturing and non-manufacturing).
Project management experience, including planning, execution, and performance measurement of complex client engagements.
Proficiency with personal computers and standard business software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and database/CRM systems).
Experienced presenting training, workshops, and executive-level presentation
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel overnight throughout North Dakota as needed.
Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with manufacturers, economic developers, state/local government agencies, suppliers, and other external partners.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Significant leadership and work experience supporting manufacturing organizations.
Extensive experience collaborating with partner organizations for mutual benefit.
Continuous improvement certification (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
Experience leading or implementing continuous improvement projects.
Experience implementing and auditing ISO 9001 or similar industry standards.
Experience helping organizations with innovation, automation/Industry 4.0, enterprise transformation, strategic growth, and/or technology solutions.
Direct work experience in a manufacturing organization.
Experience working with a variety of different manufacturers.
Background in manufacturing-related industries (construction, distribution, energy).
Non-profit and public-sector experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the North Dakota Manufacturing Ecosystem as Project Manager by developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with manufacturers, economic developers, government agencies, and external partners
Identify and pursue new client opportunities and service offerings
Build partnerships through meetings and events
Conduct sales calls and business development
Research industry trends
Conduct company assessments of North Dakota manufacturers by maintaining accurate client data in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, including capabilities, capacities, needs, and solutions.
Perform on-site assessments by analyzing business challenges; input and updating CRM records.
Provide measurable assistance to manufacturers and other industries
Facilitate planning sessions
Design improvement projects
Deliver technical assistance, training, and planning projects that produce measurable improvements for clients, including strategic planning, succession planning, and implementation of quantifiable solutions.
Serve as principal account manager for third-party client training and consulting engagements
Assist clients with quantifying benefits and impacts from services and guide them in completing NIST MEP surveys
Collect and analyze metrics
Coach clients on impact reporting
Cross-sell services. Identify additional client needs and recommend appropriate Impact Dakota services.
Participate in staff meetings, strategic planning sessions, and organizational events, and maintain current knowledge of industry trends to support continuous improvement of client service offerings.