"(Remote) Business & Strategy Manager (Industrial Extension Engineer) - Mining and Industrial"

Job Details

The West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Mining and Industrial Extension Department is seeking applications for the position of Industrial Extension Engineer/Business and Strategy Manager. This position will be responsible for supporting manufacturers statewide in identifying business improvement opportunities and promoting the services of the Industrial Extension Service and the department's center, the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WVMEP). The Industrial Extension Service /WVMEP is the recipient of a cooperative agreement affiliated with the NIST-MEP national network of organizations which provide services to small and medium manufacturers. Additional information regarding NIST-MEP may be found at www.nist.gov/mep.

The Business and Strategy Practice Manager will support the center engaging with existing and new manufacturers state-wide to promote the services of the Industrial Extension / West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership. This includes identification of opportunities to generate revenue-based projects that support the manufacturing ecosystem in West Virginia in increasing sales, reducing costs, and developing workforce.

Specific duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Conduct business evaluations with clients to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement including but not limited to profitability analysis, capacity and capability studies, and potential market expansion.
• Conduct business risk assessments to identify solutions for building stronger business continuity plans and employee succession planning to support workforce retention.
• Develop content for and lead client projects with a specific focus facilitating strategic planning, conducting SWOT or similar business analysis and support client development of short- and long-term business planning.
• Identify opportunities to integrate business and strategy services for the center into other service offerings to build a more comprehensive service package for transformational clients.
• Regularly review educational content and client tools to integrate new methodologies, advancing technologies, and improved delivery of training material.
• Maintain strong channels of communication with clients and the internal team to deliver proposals, projects, and follow up timely and efficiently.
• Provide the highest levels of customer satisfaction to all stakeholders including clients, funding sources, the advisory board, and leadership within the University.
• Maintain current records of client firms, proposals, project status, and timesheets using a PC/Cloud-based customer relationship management system.
• Participate in meetings, conferences and events to support the manufacturing industry.
• Travel up to 50% may be required but limited to the state of WV.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Engineering or related degree.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience working in a manufacturing or consultant environment.
• Must be a highly motivated self-starter who is highly capable of working in an independent and remote setting.
• Must be willing to develop professionally learning new skills that apply to client needs.
• Excellent time management, project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and written skills.
• Must possess strong presentation skills including the development and delivery of presentations to both small and large audiences.
• Ability to travel in the state up to 50% with a valid driver's license.

Application Process

To apply for this position, visit jobs.wvu.edu. Applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting their qualifications for the position, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin March 23, 2026. Only candidates who submit complete documentation will be considered in the review process. For further information, please contact Staci Miller, staci.miller@mail.wvu.edu or visit the MIE website at https://mindext.statler.wvu.edu/.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.