Manager/Director, Manufacturing Programs

Manufacturing Services Lead

WTC Utah is seeking a Manufacturing Services Lead to oversee and expand the organization's manufacturing services portfolio, including administration of Utah Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 30 and Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) programming.

This position is responsible for helping Utah manufacturers improve global competitiveness through supply chain optimization, international trade support, operational improvement, and targeted advisory services. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and has experience working with manufacturers, supply chains, international trade, or related business advisory services.

Depending on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and ability to independently manage complex programs and stakeholder relationships, this position may be classified as either Manager or Director.

The Manufacturing Services Lead reports to the Senior Director of Business Advisory Services and plays a key role in advancing WTC Utah's mission to help Utah companies think, act, and succeed globally.

The mission of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is to accelerate growth for Utah businesses through our global network, programs, and services to make Utah the crossroads of the world — one business at a time. The core components of this effort include Business Advisory Services, International Programs, Marketing and Partnerships, and Finance and Administration. All business areas work together to provide small businesses with international opportunities, develop international growth strategies, and help execute those strategies around the globe. WTC Utah works with companies in every industry across the state, identifying and delivering on opportunities to drive their global growth.

Program Leadership and Strategy

Lead WTC Utah's manufacturing services portfolio, including supply chain advisory, FTZ 30 administration and Utah MEP-related programming to support Utah manufacturers:

• Expand export opportunities and international market access
• Optimize supply chains through program implementation and targeted advisory projects
• Improve operational resilience and global competitiveness
• Translate organizational priorities into workplans, milestones, and measurable outcomes

Foreign Trade Zone Administration and Development

Oversee WTC Utah's role as Grantee of FTZ 30, ensuring administration, compliance, development, and user support are conducted professionally and in accordance with applicable U.S. FTZ Board and U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.

FTZ Responsibilities include:

• Build knowledgebase of FTZ regulations, reporting systems, and best practices
• Advise WTC Utah leadership on FTZ Grantee responsibilities
• Support annual and quarterly reporting requirements
• Manage the day-to-day support, coordination and account management of FTZ operators, applicants and other potential users with CBP and the FTZ Board
• Train WTC Utah personnel on FTZ fundamentals, Grantee obligations, OFIS, CBP protocols, and compliance expectations
• Educate companies and partners on FTZ benefits
• Support outreach to manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, economic development partners, and government agencies
• Assist prospective FTZ users with feasibility assessments, cost-benefit analyses, applications, Customs site surveys, activation documentation, filings, and agency coordination

Utah MEP and Manufacturing Advisory Services

Lead WTC Utah's Utah MEP-related programming, ensuring manufacturers receive practical support that improves competitiveness and global readiness.

Develop, scope, and manage advisory projects, which may include the following:

• Optimize supply chains based on business objectives
• Reduce import duties and manage trade costs
• Diversify suppliers and mitigate risk
• Improve operations and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness
• Develop reshoring, nearshoring, and international sourcing strategies

Coordinate quarterly and annual reporting on MEP-related projects, manufacturer outcomes, company success stories, and program impact.

Collaborate with internal teams, economic development organizations, state agencies, universities, industry associations, and technical partners to deliver high-quality Utah manufacturer support.

Partner Engagement and Stakeholder Management

Build strong relationships with Utah manufacturers, economic development partners, government agencies, industry associations, customs and trade professionals, and other stakeholders.

Represent WTC Utah in meetings, presentations, workshops, and public-facing engagements related to manufacturing, international trade, FTZ opportunities, and supply chain competitiveness.

Coordinate with the broader WTC Utah team to align manufacturing services with statewide trade, investment, and economic development priorities.

Project Management and Performance

• Create and manage workplans, timelines, budgets, deliverables, partner commitments, and reporting requirements.
• Track program activity, outcomes, and impact, including company engagements, advisory projects, FTZ prospects, FTZ users, cost savings opportunities, export growth opportunities, and other performance indicators.
• Prepare internal updates, external reports, grant documentation, board materials, partner communications, and executive briefings as needed.
• Continuously improve program delivery, documentation, workflows, and stakeholder experience.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, operations management, manufacturing, international business, public administration or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Significant experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, operations, logistics, international trade, or a related advisory field
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex programs involving multiple stakeholders
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain strategy, logistics, sourcing, or operational improvement
• Experience advising companies, managing client relationships, or delivering business support services
• Ability to lead and coordinate a team primarily through influence
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management, organizational, analytical, and follow-through skills
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively across teams and partners
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, accountability, and service orientation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing, administering, or supporting Foreign Trade Zone operations.
• Knowledge of U.S. FTZ Board requirements, CBP procedures, FTZ activation, FTZ compliance, OFIS, or related reporting systems.
• Experience with duty minimization, customs compliance, import/export operations, or trade compliance.
• Experience with MEP programs or similar manufacturing advisory initiatives.
• Experience in economic development, international business consulting, government programs, or public-private partnerships.
• Familiarity with Utah's manufacturing sector, trade ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, and economic development partners.
• Experience developing training, outreach, workshops, or educational programming.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs, public-sector reporting, or federally connected initiatives.

Benefits

At WTC Utah, we recognize that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of competitive benefits. Learn more about what working at WTC Utah can mean for you.

Our Culture

Our positive and supportive culture encourages our people to do their best work every day. We celebrate individuals by recognizing their uniqueness and offering them the flexibility to make daily choices that can help them to be healthy, centered, confident, and aware.

Growth Opportunities

At WTC Utah, our professional development plan focuses on helping people at every level of their careers identify and use their strengths. From on-the-job learning to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their careers.

You will have the opportunity to work with senior leaders from Utah's growing global companies as well as with government and civic officials from Utah and around the world.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.