INDUSTRY MANAGER, MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRY MANAGER, MANUFACTURING
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Economic Development Partnership Overview
One of the wealthiest and most beautiful states in America, the Commonwealth of Virginia is fortunate to have exceptional talent, as well as distinctive geographic and infrastructure assets, including the Port of Virginia. Widely viewed as an attractive state for business, Virginia is home to a diverse array of leading private-sector firms, national labs, important military installations, and one of the most educated populations in the country.
For more than two decades, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has served as Virginia’s state economic development authority and is regarded as among the best economic development organizations in the country. As a quasi-independent state authority governed by a board of directors that spans gubernatorial administrations, VEDP is a nonpartisan organization with stable leadership and nimble, creative, mission-focused operations. VEDP aspires to become America’s most effective and impactful state economic development organization (EDO).
VEDP is designing and implementing an innovative framework to deliver nation-leading economic growth by building an economic development enterprise that positions Virginia as an unparalleled location to do business. To take our impact to the next level, our vision involves accelerating change along three key dimensions: developing deeper sector-based expertise; putting a greater, coordinated focus on sector-focused ecosystem development; and building a new “whole-of-government” approach more fully integrating our work with colleagues across state government, as well as with local and regional partners.
VEDP offers a dynamic, collaborative, high-profile, fast-paced professional environment where a strategic, integrated, action-oriented approach is the standard.
Position Overview
VEDP is seeking an experienced economic development or industry professional to manage industry growth with an emphasis on ecosystem-building, sector expertise, and coordinating whole-of-government processes within targeted high-growth sectors on the Manufacturing team. This team is responsible for the Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing and Manufacturing, and Biopharmaceuticals industries. These industries represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.
- Ecosystem Building: Support efforts to build a thriving ecosystem capable of attracting new talent and spurring business growth
- Developing Sector Expertise: Inform sector strategy and deals with the latest market insights and analysis and engagement with business leaders
- Coordinating whole-of-government approach: Lead coordination and response efforts by managing a diverse set of state, regional, and local stakeholders to drive sector growth
Working with the Vice President, Manufacturing, the Industry Manager position offers the ability to take a key role in VEDP’s Innovative Framework for Economic Growth by designing and executing sector strategies to take Virginia’s economic development efforts to the next level and foster greater economic growth. The Industry Manager will engage with business decision makers and influencers in one or more assigned industries to understand key drivers for growth to inform Virginia’s sector growth strategy. The position provides the opportunity to manage initiatives that develop industry ecosystems while providing frequent and in-depth thought partnership and engagement with leaders across state government, regional and local EDOs, and the private sector. The Industry Manager will work in partnership with the Manufacturing team and stakeholders to strengthen regional ecosystems, enhance statewide competitiveness, increase start-up formation, develop homegrown companies into anchors, and realize organic growth. Frequent travel is required for this position.
Context
Responsibilities
The Industry Manager, Manufacturing has three (3) core responsibility areas. These are listed below with approximate time distributions.
Ecosystem Building 40%
- Coordinate efforts to build a thriving ecosystem capable of attracting new talent and spurring business growth
- Cultivate long-term relationships with appropriate stakeholders to gain buy-in for, and execution of, ecosystem and sector strategies
- Routinely convene key stakeholders, partners, and business leaders across the industry network to align priorities and drive strategic efforts forward in sector focus areas
- Manage strategic initiatives, working closely with stakeholders across all of government
Sector Expertise 30%
- Develop deep sector insights to enhance economic development activities and anticipate trends to inform project response
- Lead research and intelligence gathering efforts across industry sector, engaging in routine briefings to relevant internal stakeholders
- Continuously solicit perspectives from business leaders, experts, consultants, and advisory groups, among others, on Virginia’s business climate and initiative effectiveness
- Coordinate with other VEDP divisions to support policy and programmatic decisions that impact sector ecosystems
- Share sector insights with partners to help inform priority initiatives and other efforts to develop regional ecosystems
Coordinate Whole-of-Government Approach 30%
- Cultivate relationships with government stakeholders and routinely check-in and share relevant information
- Serve as lead coordinator for government stakeholders for sector-related projects, managing communications and feedback throughout the deal process life cycle, in partnership with the project management team, and other internal functions
The Person
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in social science (economics, public policy, or political science), mathematics, data analytics, business, or a related field;
- Advanced degree in business (MBA), public policy (MPP), and/or other relevant fields preferred.
Experience required
- At least five years of relevant experience, in positions of progressive responsibility
- Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners, among others
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills
- Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development
- Support of organization-wide efforts
- Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
- Ability to work under time pressure
- A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required
Experience desired
- At least seven years of experience at a global firm that operates in the manufacturing sector (e.g. Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing and Manufacturing, and Biopharmaceuticals) or in a manufacturing sector practice at a top-tier professional services firm (e.g., site selection, strategy consulting), including in-depth understanding of location decision factors for manufacturing sector companies
- Participation and experience with government agencies, industry organizations, and manufacturing-related research and development partnerships
- Experience in manufacturing innovation centers and/or developing university and industry partnerships
Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.
All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Salary minimum: $105,000. Application deadline: June 9, 2023.
VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.