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In partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the Center for Advanced Design, Research and Exploration (CADRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is seeking qualified candidates for the Visiting IMEC Business Development Specialist positions.

These are visiting positions, with an annual renewable appointment (in accordance with university policy), subject to performance and continued availability of IMEC funding.
IMEC, a non-profit economic development organization, was established in 1996 to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois' small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. Experienced staff based at office locations throughout Illinois provide hands-on technical assistance and consulting services to help manufacturers innovate, contain manufacturing costs, streamline processes, and increase profits. They roll up their sleeves and get to know all facets of the business, providing solutions in areas ranging from process optimization to product innovation, quality improvement to technology integration. For more information on IMEC, please visit www.imec.org.
The primary function of the Business Development Specialist position is to initiate and maintain relationships with manufacturers, assess their challenges and opportunities, and sell IMEC's continuous improvement consulting and training solutions.

Analyzing customer needs and identifying potential IMEC resources, leading sales calls and delivering sales presentations, building the sales pipeline, networking to generate sales leads, and deliver sales presentations. Coordinating sales efforts with IMEC’s technical experts, prepare proposals, and provide direct consultation to manufacturers within their own area of expertise. Manage project engagements, and develop and manage subcontractors. Participate on IMEC’s service development and process improvement teams.

Bachelor's Degree with emphasis in manufacturing, engineering, technology, consulting and/or business management required. Master's Degree preferred. Three to five years or more in consultative sales and/or business-to-business sales experience including a career progression detailing increased responsibility preferred. The successful candidates must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, have a proven ability to lead companies down a path of continuous improvement, with the demonstrated capacity to diagnose company needs and effectively communicate value to all levels of the company, as well as to other constituents, have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills and have a passion for consultative selling. Position requires travel to remote manufacturing facilities across the state. Driving is an essential function of the job. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. This position has a lifting requirement of up to 60 pounds. Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible.

Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references.
For fullest consideration please apply by October 10, 2018. Applicants will be accepted until these positions are filled.
IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.