Manager of Client Services

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Closing Date:

03/30/2026

Type of Position:

Business DevelopmentNo

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Arkansas World Trade Center

Summary of Job Duties:

The Manager of Client Services is a high-impact consultant role within Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), a national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center under Arkansas Workforce Connections. This dynamic position is responsible for driving transformative change for manufacturing clients by delivering strategic, operational, and technology-driven solutions that enhance competitiveness.

With significant autonomy, the Manager of Client Services collaborates with client leadership to improve operations, stimulate competitive growth, and shape the future of manufacturing in Arkansas. Key focus areas include operational excellence, leadership development, supply chain optimization, and smart manufacturing.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives with the agility of a top-tier consulting firm, while operating within the established framework of state and federal laws and agency policies.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1. Evaluate client manufacturing operations to pinpoint competitive strengths and uncover transformative growth opportunities.

2. Spearhead customized projects in areas like lean manufacturing, leadership development, supply chain optimization, or smart manufacturing, aligning with client strategic goals.

3. Deliver high-impact consulting services directly or orchestrate third-party resources to achieve client objectives efficiently.

4. Lead projects with precision, adhering to timelines, budgets, and reporting standards while driving measurable, transformative results.

5. Champion innovative solutions, such as smart manufacturing or digital transformation, to position clients at the forefront of industry trends.

6. Identify and pursue new client opportunities to expand AMS’s market presence and drive business growth.

7. Serve as a trusted advisor to client executives, empowering leadership and fostering sustainable growth through strategic guidance.

8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Business Processes

1. Conduct in-depth client needs assessments to identify strategic and operational improvement opportunities.

2. Develop and execute tailored consulting projects in areas such as lean manufacturing, leadership development, supply chain management, or technology adoption.

3. Deliver or oversee high-value consulting services to achieve outstanding client outcomes.

4. Manage projects and complete reporting in accordance with AMS procedures and MEP standards.

5. Enter and maintain accurate client and project information in Salesforce and/or other designated databases to ensure effective tracking and reporting.

6. Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships to ensure sustained engagement and repeat business.

7. Represent AMS at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to promote services and build the center’s reputation.

8. Foster collaborative relationships with AMS colleagues and third-party service providers to deliver seamless solutions.

9. Engage in continuous professional development to stay current on manufacturing trends, technologies, and best practices.

10. Contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of AMS service offerings to meet evolving industry demands.

11. Participate actively in staff meetings, industry conferences, and other relevant forums to advance AMS objectives.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, manufacturing, or a related field

• At least eight years of progressive experience in manufacturing leadership, consulting, or related areas

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with plant management or higher-level leadership roles

• Experience with emerging technologies (e.g., automation, Industry 4.0)

• Advanced certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or PMP

• Proven track record of leading transformative projects across diverse manufacturing sectors

• Business acumen and experience with C-suite engagement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to drive innovation in manufacturing through expertise in lean principles, continuous improvement, supply chain optimization, strategic planning, and technology adoption

• Strong project management skills to orchestrate complex, multi-faceted initiatives under tight deadlines

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, to inspire executive leadership and deliver compelling presentations to diverse audiences

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose challenges and craft high-impact solutions

• Proficiency in leveraging data-driven insights and digital tools to enhance client outcomes

• Expertise in building trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and third-party providers while thriving in diverse manufacturing environments

Additional Information:

This position is renewable annually based on continued need for the position, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance.

$99,000Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeProof of Veteran StatusCrystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes