Client-Facing Ops & Automation Project Manager

ARCO Companies; 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

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.