Do you love the thrill of closing deals and driving measurable results? Are you a natural at building relationships, uncovering opportunities, and turning conversations into signed contracts? Do you enjoy being in the field, engaging with manufacturers, and delivering solutions that improve performance and profitability? If you're motivated by hitting targets and making a real impact, we want YOU to be our next Business Solutions Specialist.

About Us:

Since our founding in 1985, The Right Place, Inc. (RPI) has been dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids region. Our positive impact on the region's economy and our tangible results in the community are only possible because of a talented, flexible, and mission-driven team. Our team members help shape a workplace culture that values, nurtures, and leverages diversity and inclusiveness in all we do. Anchored in our core values of Caring Teammates , Courageous Leaders , Can-do Attitudes , and Collaborative Doers , we're excited to welcome a new member to our team. Every role at RPI matters—and as our Business Solutions Specialist for MMTC-West , you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact and see the results of your work firsthand.

Position Summary:

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center - West (MMTC-West) serves as the manufacturing services group within RPI along with being the West Regional office of the statewide MMTC. As a trusted manufacturing extension partner, we help small and mid-sized manufacturers improve productivity, competitiveness, and profitability through fee-for-service consulting, workforce development, training, and advanced manufacturing technology solutions. The Business Solutions Specialist for MMTC-West is a sales-driven role responsible for generating earned revenue through proactive manufacturer engagement, opportunity identification, and contract execution. The position emphasizes discovery, solution design, and conversion.

Key Responsibilities:

Revenue Generation, Market Development & Opportunity Capture:

Drive revenue growth by identifying, qualifying, and closing new opportunities with manufacturers—leading the full client lifecycle from discovery through proposal development and contract execution.

Relationship Building & Partner Engagement:

Build trusted relationships with manufacturing leaders and collaborate with regional partners, subcontractors, and educational institutions to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Technology & Process Improvement Opportunity Development:

Identify and develop opportunities related to continuous improvement, automation, and advanced manufacturing, translating technical solutions into clear business value.

• Tracking & Reporting - Maintain accurate pipeline and client data within CRM systems and support reporting on key performance metrics, including revenue, engagement activity, and client impact.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in manufacturing or selling professional, technical, or industrial services to manufacturers. Background in operations, engineering, continuous improvement, technical sales, or consulting are preferred.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, systems, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Proven ability to prospect, qualify, and close new business opportunities. Results-oriented and drive to achieve revenue targets.
• Familiarity with automation and modern manufacturing technologies.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior manufacturing leaders.

Benefits:

• Two medical plan options, plus stand-alone FSA medical and dependent care plans.
• Free dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and parental leave.
• 401k retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Employee assistance program, wellness reimbursement stipend, and paid parking.
• Culture Team activities, professional development opportunities, and vibrant organizational culture.

This field-based role requires regional travel as part of the essential duties. Overnight travel may be required on occasion. The salary range for this role is $70k - $80k, with exact compensation varying based on skills and experience.

Join Our Team:

We welcome you to apply for this position so that you can join us in making a positive impact on the economic health of Greater Grand Rapids and to collaborate with the best and brightest business minds. Please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Cell phone reimbursement Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person