Description

Employment Status:

Full time (29-40 Hrs)

Type of Employment:

Staff

# of openings:

1

Location:

ASU-Jonesboro

Proposed Salary Range:

Commensurate with Experience

Closing:

6/3/26

Please note: All postings close at 12 A.M. CST on the closing date. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Position Summary:

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) is seeking a hands-on manufacturing improvement leader to help Arkansas manufacturers improve operations, strengthen workforce effectiveness, and increase competitiveness.

The Manager of Client Services works directly with manufacturers across the state to lead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts, facilitate operational problem solving, and support practical implementation of improvement initiatives. This role is heavily focused on plant-floor engagement and execution while also helping manufacturers evaluate and adopt appropriate technology and automation solutions.

The ideal candidate combines operational credibility, leadership coaching, project management, and relationship-building skills with a passion for helping manufacturers achieve measurable results.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Operational Improvement & Continuous Improvement Delivery

• Assess manufacturing operations to identify opportunities related to productivity, quality, flow, workforce engagement, and operational performance.
• Lead and facilitate lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives including:
  
  • Value stream mapping
  • Kaizen events
  • Standard work
  • 5S and visual management
  • Root cause problem solving
  • Toyota Kata and leader standard work
• Coach plant leadership and frontline teams in sustaining continuous improvement practices.
• Deliver practical, implementation-focused support directly on the plant floor.

Client Engagement & Consulting

• Build trusted relationships with manufacturing clients across Arkansas.
• Conduct assessments and develop improvement plans aligned with client goals.
• Develop project scopes, proposals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage multiple client projects and maintain accurate project reporting.
• Coordinate third-party resources and subject matter experts when appropriate.

Technology & Smart Manufacturing Support

• Help manufacturers identify practical opportunities related to automation, smart manufacturing, and operational technology.
• Support technology adoption that complements lean systems and workforce effectiveness.
• Maintain awareness of emerging manufacturing technologies and industry trends.

Outreach & Organizational Support

• Support AMS outreach and business development activities.
• Represent AMS at industry meetings, conferences, and manufacturing events.
• Participate in internal collaboration, staff development, and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong practical experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement implementation.
• Ability to lead operational improvement efforts in real manufacturing environments.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, from executives to frontline team members.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client engagements.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing technologies, automation systems, or smart manufacturing concepts.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, virtual collaboration tools, CRM systems, and data reporting platforms.

General Days/Hours:

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Additional hours as requested and/or needed
Regular and reliable attendance

Other:

Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date

Work Environment & Travel:
• Frequent travel to manufacturing facilities throughout Arkansas.
• Significant time spent in active manufacturing environments.
• Occasional overnight travel for conferences, client engagements, and professional development.
• Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, with additional hours as needed based on client and project demands.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, business, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in manufacturing operations, operational leadership, continuous improvement, engineering, plant leadership, or manufacturing consulting.
• Demonstrated experience leading lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience working directly in manufacturing environments.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered in accordance with applicable policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in plant management, operations leadership, or multi-site manufacturing support.
• Lean certification, Six Sigma certification, Toyota Kata experience, or related continuous improvement credentials.
• Experience facilitating kaizen events and leadership development activities.
• Familiarity with automation, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, or manufacturing technology integration.
• Experience in consulting, client relationship management, or project-based service delivery.
• PMP or other project management certification is a plus.

E-Verify Participation Notice:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf

E-Verify Right to Work:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf