Job Overview The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers' Coalition (AOMC) is seeking a highly motivated, relationship-driven individual to serve as a Manufacturer Engagement & Business Development Contractor. This individual will serve as a direct connection between AOMC and the region's manufacturers, helping businesses understand the resources, services, training, and workforce solutions available through AOMC. This is a field-based business development role. The successful candidate will spend significant time visiting manufacturers, developing relationships with decision-makers, learning about their challenges, and identifying opportunities where AOMC and partners can provide value. The goal is not simply to "sell" AOMC. The goal is to understand what manufacturers need and connect them with the right AOMC resource or solution. These opportunities may include AOMC membership, workforce training, equipment rental, internship development, workforce solutions, technical resources, events, and other AOMC or partner services. Duties Manufacturer Outreach & Relationship Development Proactively identify and engage manufacturers throughout Southeast Ohio. Conduct in-person visits with manufacturers, including cold outreach and scheduled meetings. Build relationships with owners, plant managers, HR leaders, operations managers, and other key decision-makers. Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable representative of AOMC within the manufacturing community. Maintain consistent communication and follow-up with prospective and existing manufacturer partners. Develop a strong understanding of each manufacturer's business, workforce challenges, and operational needs. Business Development Introduce manufacturers to AOMC and clearly communicate the organization's mission, services, and value. Identify opportunities for manufacturers to engage with AOMC. Promote and generate participation in AOMC offerings, including: AOMC Membership, Workforce and technical training, Equipment rental and technical resources, Internship and student work-based learning opportunities, Workforce development programs, CareerHub and talent recruitment resources, Manufacturer events and networking opportunities, and Customized workforce solutions. Identify opportunities for AOMC to develop new programs or services based on manufacturer needs. Move prospective manufacturers from initial contact to meaningful engagement with AOMC. Track leads, conversations, opportunities, and outcomes. Needs Assessment & Manufacturer Advocacy Ask the right questions to uncover challenges manufacturers are experiencing. Identify common workforce, training, recruiting, retention, and operational needs across the region. Communicate manufacturer feedback to AOMC leadership and staff. Help AOMC identify gaps in existing services and opportunities to better serve its members. Become a trusted resource manufacturers can contact when they have a workforce or training challenge. Follow-Up & Coordination Coordinate with AOMC staff to connect manufacturers with the appropriate resources or team members. Follow up after meetings, training programs, events, and other engagements to identify additional opportunities. Maintain accurate records of manufacturer interactions and opportunities. Provide regular updates to AOMC leadership regarding outreach activity, manufacturer feedback, and potential partnerships. What Success Looks Like Success in this role is measured by meaningful manufacturer engagement, not simply the number of doors knocked on. Build a strong network of manufacturer relationships throughout Southeast Ohio. Increase awareness of AOMC and the resources available to manufacturers. Bring new manufacturers into the AOMC network. Generate participation in AOMC programs and services. Identify new opportunities for AOMC to serve manufacturers. Develop long-term relationships with manufacturers rather than one-time transactions. Help AOMC better understand and respond to the needs of the regional manufacturing community. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a natural relationship builder who is comfortable walking into a manufacturing facility, introducing themselves, asking questions, and starting a conversation with a business leader.

The candidate should be:

Confident and comfortable with face-to-face business development. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Comfortable with cold outreach and prospecting. Professional and personable. A strong communicator and active listener. Able to understand business challenges and identify potential solutions. Organized and disciplined with follow-up. Comfortable speaking with everyone from a plant-floor employee to a company owner. Passionate about supporting manufacturing and workforce development in Southeast Ohio. Willing and able to travel regularly throughout the region. Preferred Qualifications Experience in sales, business development, account management, workforce development, economic development, manufacturing, or a related field. Existing relationships within the Southeast Ohio manufacturing community are a plus. Familiarity with manufacturing operations and workforce challenges. Experience working with business owners, executives, HR professionals, or plant leadership. Strong networking and relationship-building skills. Experience using CRM or customer relationship management systems. Compensation & Contract Structure This is a contract position with compensation structured around the scope of work and mutually agreed-upon performance expectations.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person