Business Advisor - Kalispell

For questions regarding this position, please contact: Kathleen Rich at 406-994-4507 or kathleen.rich@montana.edu.

About the Role

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center’s (MMEC’s) mission is to grow Montana’s economy by helping manufacturers succeed. We accomplish this goal by providing growth, innovation, efficiency, compliance, and managerial assistance to Montana manufacturers for a fee. MMEC is an outreach of the College of Engineering at Montana State University. Field Offices are located in Bozeman, Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula, serving the entire state.

This position is based in Kalispell, working independently from an office in one of our partner agencies. The territory will include the entire State of Montana.

Responsibilities

• Deliver growth, innovation, efficiency, compliance, and managerial consulting services to Montana manufacturers.
• Proactively develop relationships with prospective and existing clients, assess clients’ needs, determine strategies, and create action plans resulting in written proposals for contracted services with manufacturers.
• Write and review reports, track and report project progress, and develop and manage third-party delivery experts.
• Develop and present appropriate educational materials at public training workshops and seminars.
• Prepare end-of-project survey tools and effectively assist clients in completing post-project surveys that result in significant economic impact.
• Write articles for MMEC’s newsletter.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility in improving manufacturing operations.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business from an accredited University or College.
• Demonstrated success in persuading superiors, colleagues, subordinates, or customers of the value of a project and then leading and managing these projects to successful conclusions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten plus years of demonstrated experience improving manufacturing operations with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge in these areas: manufacturing systems design, analysis, and continuous improvement; manufacturing processes and equipment; lean manufacturing concepts; quality management systems; Six Sigma concepts; theory of constraints; waste reduction; plant management; and product design as it relates to manufacturing.
• Master’s degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering program or Master’s degree in Business from an accredited business school.
• Relevant licensing or industry-recognized certifications.
• Experience in implementing automation, Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, smart manufacturing, internet of things, big data, robotics, cobots, and visual controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in food manufacturing and/or food safety for manufacturing.

Skills

• Ability to showcase abilities and the abilities of team members to the owners and managers of manufacturing facilities throughout the State of Montana.
• Work as a productive member of a team of professionals that seeks to advance manufacturing in the State of Montana.
• Identify manufacturing, business, and engineering problems and then formulate multiple solutions for solving them.
• Self-starter who can work independently to identify, problem solve, plan, organize, manage, and execute projects.
• Excellent human relations skills, evidence of good judgment, flexibility, and innovativeness to respond to the needs of a wide variety of clients.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public presentations.

Position Special Requirements

• The successful candidate will be asked to provide proof of any relevant manufacturing certifications.
• Position will be based in Kalispell, Montana, and the location is not negotiable.
• Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.
• Position requires frequent travel by rental car or own vehicle throughout the State of Montana. Overnight stays are required for quarterly staff and board meetings, national conferences, and periodic trainings.
• Must possess currently, or be eligible to obtain, a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points) or have other reliable means of transportation.
• Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed) and have minimum vehicle liability insurance.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Pay

Salary range of $90,000 to $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.