Manufacturing Industry Strategic Advisor

Position Title:

Manufacturing Industry Strategic Advisor

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, business management or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience within the manufacturing industry.
• 5+ years of experience in a management role.
• Experience assessing, developing, and implementing change within manufacturers.
• Experience with manufacturing industry best practices.
• Experience building relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience communicating complex ideas and insights effectively.

Job Description:

Summary

The Manufacturing Industry Strategic Advisor at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), Iowa State University, will develop relationships to help manufacturers in southeast Iowa achieve their goals. This role offers a balanced work/life schedule and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of manufacturers throughout Iowa.

This southeast Iowa-based position focuses on developing relationships with manufacturing company executives, providing strategic advice, and managing projects. As such, the position requires regular daily and weekly travel within the regional territory, including occasional overnight stays for business purposes and staff meetings. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in manufacturing, a broad understanding of manufacturing processes, and a passion for advancing Iowa's manufacturing sector.

About CIRAS

CIRAS, part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University, has been supporting Iowa’s businesses and communities since 1963. CIRAS works to improve the profitability of companies through applied research, proven services, and long-term support, aiming to drive sustainable growth in Iowa.

Center For Industrial Research and Service

Example of Duties

• Provide strategic and technical guidance to Iowa manufacturers.

• Engage manufacturing owners, CEOs, and presidents to demonstrate the return on investment of improving their businesses.

• Assess complex, multi-disciplinary strategic, managerial, operational, and technical problems.

• Educate clients on the research and best practices in the manufacturing industry.

• Manage fee-for-service projects and grants.

• Provide statewide leadership in the manufacturing sector.

• Develop and maintain ongoing professional relationships with businesses, business groups, and trade and professional associations.

• Act as an expert resource for state, local, and regional economic development partners.

• Create a strategy to improve the performance of manufacturing across the state.

• Weekly/daily travel within the territory to meet with clients.

• Work with internal and external teams and experts in integrating solutions to provide transformational solutions to businesses.

• Continuously study the current state of Iowa and worldwide trends in manufacturing.

Level Guidelines
• Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision
• Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISU’s mission and meeting division, department or work unit goals
• Solves complex issues using highly-developed problem resolution skills
• Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance, recommendations, and set standards related to strategy, policy, and mission
• Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact
• May provide supervision to other department staff (i.e., leads a small work team)

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.  This is a fixed term position, with expectation for renewal based on availability of funding.  

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade: