Client-Facing Ops & Automation Project Manager

Arco1; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ARCO Companies is seeking a Project Manager to lead client engagements, deliver projects, and grow relationships across manufacturing, distribution, and automation initiatives. You’ll coach teams, develop business cases, and partner with clients to turn data into actionable recommendations.

You’ll travel about half to two‑thirds of the time, guiding operations improvements and deploying automation concepts while collaborating with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, operations management, supply chain consulting, automation, or a related environment.
• Previous external consulting experience is preferred.
• Experience leading projects and organizing teams to deliver results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using tools such as Excel, Access, SQL, AI tools, or similar technologies.
• Experience evaluating operational performance, identifying process gaps, and developing practical improvement strategies.
• Ability to develop process flows, gather and analyze observational data, refine solutions, and apply appropriate operational improvement methodologies.
• AutoCAD experience and the ability to understand and communicate operational layouts and concepts.
• Interest and experience with automated equipment, material handling, and technology used to improve operations.
• Basic understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES systems and their integration with automation.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills, with the ability to confidently lead client meetings and project discussions.
• Ability to develop and communicate clear business cases for operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting or contributing to a strategic sales or business development team.
• Confident, creative, professional, personable, and positive approach when working with clients, project teams, vendors, and support staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on timely project delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50–70% based on project needs and location.
• Advanced degrees and professional certifications are welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Leading project teams and organizing resources to deliver project objectives on time and to a high standard.
• Working directly with clients to understand their goals, lead meetings, communicate recommendations, and build long‑term relationships.
• Managing project scope, priorities, timelines, and deliverables while maintaining a strong focus on results.
• Analyzing operational data using tools such as Excel, Access, SQL, and emerging AI tools to identify trends, evaluate performance, and develop recommendations.
• Evaluating current operations, identifying process gaps, and developing alternative solutions and strategies.
• Developing process flows, gathering observational data, refining solutions, and applying appropriate operational improvement methodologies.
• Developing clear business cases that communicate the value and expected impact of improvement initiatives.
• Using AutoCAD to support operational concepts, layouts, material handling solutions, and automation design.
• Evaluating and supporting the deployment of automated equipment, material handling systems, and technology solutions.
• Applying an understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES systems and how they integrate with automation and operational processes.
• Supporting and eventually leading business development activities with account teams, network contacts, and new lead development.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients and industry contacts to identify future opportunities.
• Coaching and developing team members while helping build the capabilities of the broader project team.
• Collaborating with vendors, project stakeholders, and internal support teams to successfully execute projects.
• Traveling to client and project locations approximately 50–70% of the time, often for extended periods.

Skills

Project management

Leading teams

Data analysis

Communication

Client relationships

Excel

SQL

AutoCAD

WMS/WCS/WES

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

Access

SQL

AutoCAD

AI tools

Job description

You’re a client-focused, analytical, and collaborative professional who enjoys leading teams, solving complex operational challenges, and delivering measurable results. You’re comfortable working in a fast-paced consulting environment where projects vary in scope and require both strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving.

You bring experience in distribution, manufacturing, supply chain, operations management, consulting, or automation and understand how people, processes, technology, and equipment work together to improve operational performance.

You’re confident leading client conversations and project teams, building relationships, and turning complex information into clear recommendations and business cases. You’re also motivated by the opportunity to grow client relationships and contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities and supporting account teams.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

As a Project Manager, you’ll work closely with a Project Executive to build client trust, lead project delivery, develop team capabilities, and support business development efforts. Your responsibilities will vary based on the scope and needs of each project, but may include:

• Leading project teams and organizing resources to deliver project objectives on time and to a high standard.
• Working directly with clients to understand their goals, lead meetings, communicate recommendations, and build long-term relationships.
• Managing project scope, priorities, timelines, and deliverables while maintaining a strong focus on results.
• Analyzing operational data using tools such as Excel, Access, SQL, and emerging AI tools to identify trends, evaluate performance, and develop recommendations.
• Evaluating current operations, identifying process gaps, and developing alternative solutions and strategies.
• Developing process flows, gathering observational data, refining solutions, and applying appropriate operational improvement methodologies.
• Developing clear business cases that communicate the value and expected impact of improvement initiatives.
• Using AutoCAD to support operational concepts, layouts, material handling solutions, and automation design.
• Evaluating and supporting the deployment of automated equipment, material handling systems, and technology solutions.
• Applying an understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES systems and how they integrate with automation and operational processes.
• Supporting and eventually leading business development activities with account teams, network contacts, and new lead development.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients and industry contacts to identify future opportunities.
• Coaching and developing team members while helping build the capabilities of the broader project team.
• Collaborating with vendors, project stakeholders, and internal support teams to successfully execute projects.
• Traveling to client and project locations approximately 50–70% of the time, often for extended periods.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, operations management, supply chain consulting, automation, or a related environment.
• Previous external consulting experience is preferred.
• Experience leading projects and organizing teams to deliver results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using tools such as Excel, Access, SQL, AI tools, or similar technologies.
• Experience evaluating operational performance, identifying process gaps, and developing practical improvement strategies.
• Ability to develop process flows, gather and analyze observational data, refine solutions, and apply appropriate operational improvement methodologies.
• AutoCAD experience and the ability to understand and communicate operational layouts and concepts.
• Interest and experience with automated equipment, material handling, and technology used to improve operations.
• Basic understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES systems and their integration with automation.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills, with the ability to confidently lead client meetings and project discussions.
• Ability to develop and communicate clear business cases for operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting or contributing to a strategic sales or business development team.
• Confident, creative, professional, personable, and positive approach when working with clients, project teams, vendors, and support staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on timely project delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50–70% based on project needs and location.
• Advanced degrees and professional certifications are welcomed.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We believe great work starts with great people. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead meaningful client engagements, solve complex operational challenges, develop high-performing teams, and play an active role in growing client relationships and the business.

You’ll work alongside experienced project and industry professionals while gaining exposure to operations strategy, automation, technology, supply chain, and business development.

We offer a competitive total compensation package that includes a base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, and benefits that are designed to provide meaningful value to our employees.

Compensation will be based on experience, capabilities, and organizational fit.

Your information will be kept confidential in accordance with applicable EEO guidelines.

We are not accepting applications from recruiters or placement services at this time. Please submit your resume directly.

MAKE YOUR MOVE

We are proud to be one of the fastest-growing, privately-owned companies in America, celebrating over 30 years of experience as design-build experts. We have completed over 7,500 design-build projects nationwide. We ranked #9 on ENR’s Design-Build Firms list and #34 on ENR's Top 400 Contractors list of 2026. Most importantly, our clients like us, trust us, and want to do business with us. We are looking for people with the same enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the hard work that brought us to where we are today. Are you a person who can make a difference at ARCO? If the answer is “Yes!” we look forward to meeting you.

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from ARCO’s Human Resources team. Pre-approval is required before any external candidate can be submitted. ARCO will not be responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes and for candidates who are sent directly to our hiring managers. Agencies must have a fully executed vendor agreement in place as well as written approval to submit candidates from an ARCO TA Manager for a specific position before submitting candidates.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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