Manager of Existing Industry & Business Retention bei BERKELEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, SC

About the Department

This position typically provides performance of a variety of specialized tasks; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Assists the Economic Development Director with expanding business and industries throughout the County.
• Performs regular visits to existing industries in the County to diagnose and troubleshoot problems, discuss potential business expansion opportunities and provide relevant financial incentive, grant and workforce development support information.
• Follows up to address issues and/or concerns during visits and monitors the timeliness of direct County assistance.
• Researches and monitors the business and industry trends of the County and maintains a current knowledge base, including the completion of Request for Information (RFIs) from prospects or site selection consultants.
• Updates all web information as well as files on available buildings and sites.
• Acts in place of the Director at business recruitment, retention and expansion meetings and any internal County meetings as necessary.
• Negotiates incentives and provides data necessary for expanding businesses.
• Project Management activities to include: requests for proposals, requests for information submitted by prospects, preparing proposals and/or presentations for prospects, existing industry visits, and coordinating and conduction site tours during visitations.
• Networks with professionals.
• Identifies audiences and determines best way to communicate information.
• Addresses potential problems before they cause issues with prospects.
• Strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of all communication activities.
• Coordinate with Workforce Development Manager to align workforce efforts with industry employment needs.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication skills and the ability to maintain strong working relationships with various supportive economic development organizations, utilities, real estate brokers and developers, existing industry, and the general public.
• Must be self-motivated with and present a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Experience working with industrial and commercial businesses.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to read, understand, and develop business plans and complex reports, and work under demanding deadlines.
• Cross train with other disciplines within economic development department to ensure comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and a coordinated team approach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Duties

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Economics, Marketing or related field;
• Five (5) years of experience developing and managing marketing programs, site assessments, project development and corporate relations;

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with a safe driving record;
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview; 
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.

• Knowledge and understanding of business, South Carolina taxation and the financial incentive programs and services available to existing businesses.
• Skill in interpersonal, written and verbal communication.
• Skill in organization, detail orientation and multi-tasking.
• Skill in using personal computers including Word and Excel.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Qualifications

The work is regularly performed in a relatively safe, secure and stable work environment. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Must be able to attend monthly evening County Council meetings and various social functions that are required by this position. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.