Existing Industry Manager (Part-Time)

Full Job Description

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, while allowing people to live and work where they love.

As one of 22 cabinet agencies, S.C. Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency.

Its mission is to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, which it does by supporting new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging industries such as life sciences, headquarters, and advanced energy.

To drive the state’s advanced energy potential and global impact, S.C.

Commerce helped organize the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), designated as one of 31 federal Technology and Innovation Hubs in 2023.

A national leader in foreign direct investment, South Carolina extends its international reach with representation in Europe and Asia, ensuring the state remains a top, global business destination from launch to legacy.

Job Purpose:

Visits existing business and industry to determine needs, problems and concerns in a designated region of the state.

Consults with business executives, presenting information and resources to provide solutions to company needs. Coordinates and evaluates in-house and statewide resources for assistance.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct business engagements and site visits to South Carolina’s Existing Industries (at least 60 annually) within designated upstate region (Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, Greenwood, and McCormick counties).
• Coordinate site visit consultations utilizing all allied partners including in-house Commerce resources; completing all follow up & reporting.
• Communicate with local economic developers, particularly existing industry contacts, prior to site visit and with prescribed solutions.
• Assist businesses in the manufacturing, life science, and advanced energy sectors navigate available resources to increase productivity.
• Utilize S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership for technical assistance when needed.
• Establish and maintain effective business relationships with South Carolina's business and industry community, as well as assess business operations and opportunities within the assigned territory.
• Support other Existing Industry staff when needed with site visits and assistance in their territories.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the Existing Industry Program Manager and other program partners.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a related area and experience in marketing, economic development, sales, or customer service.

A valid driver's license is required. This position may require frequent travel, including overnight travel.

Qualifications

Ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships with South Carolina's business and industry community.

Ability to assess business operations, opportunity and related industry outlook. Experience in private sector business and industry, sales, service or marketing a plus.

Excellent communications skills (both written and oral). Ability to organize information, set priorities and manage multiple engagements and complex follow-up activities.

Must be proficient in Microsoft applications. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) databases a plus.