"Regional Manager - Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Southeast Texas"

Job Summary / Basic Function:

SUMMARY OF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Regional Manager for Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, leading the efforts in supporting local/regional small and medium-sized manufacturers through consulting and training services, strategic leadership, industry engagement, and operational oversight to ensure the center delivers high-impact services to regional manufacturers. This position will serve as the liaison between Lamar Institute of Technology and regional manufacturing industries to elevate the operational standards and profitability as guided by the program objectives of NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The regional director will report to the Provost/Vice President of Instruction, and they will work together to enhance the capabilities and capacity of the center in serving the needs of the manufacturing industry. This is an exempt position and will be grant funded.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and execute regional strategies to expand the center’s reach and impact.
  • Align center activities with university goals and regional economic development initiatives.
• Industry Engagement & Recruitment:
  • Identify and recruit manufacturing firms to become clients of the center.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, trade associations, and government agencies.
• Program Development & Delivery:
  • Oversee the design and delivery of consulting and training programs in supply chain management, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Ensure programs are responsive to industry needs and aligned with current technological trends.
• Team & Resource Management:
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of consultants, trainers, and support staff.
  • Manage budgets, resources, and reporting requirements.
• Partnerships & Outreach:
  • Represent the center at regional and national events.
  • Foster partnerships with other departments, research centers, and external organizations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Regional Director position is primarily office-based, requiring extended periods of computer use, frequent communication in person and virtually, and occasional travel to regional manufacturing sites, meetings, and events. The role may involve light physical activity such as carrying materials up to 20 pounds and navigating office or industrial environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or a related business discipline. Specific experience working with the manufacturing industry and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s MEP program can substitute educational qualifications.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in or with the manufacturing industry.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in business/project management.
• Experience in delivering training or consulting services to manufacturers.
• Experience with startup companies and venture capital.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, client engagement, or industry outreach.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across academic and industry environments.
• Knowledge of regional manufacturing ecosystems and economic development strategies.
• Training in Cyber Security Maturity Model Certification, and able to complete certification exam within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to write technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a STEM discipline, engineering management or a related Business Field. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, supply chain systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in an academic and/or research environment.
• Experience with entrepreneurship and consulting.

Salary:

Commensurate

EEO Statement:

Lamar Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including and as it pertains to pregnancy and wages), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, and/or retaliation.