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Workforce Development Manager information

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$10.7K

$78.1K

$152.6K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Illinois is $78,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Workforce Development Manager do?

A Workforce Development Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that help individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. They collaborate with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify skill gaps and create training initiatives. Their primary goal is to improve employment outcomes and ensure that the workforce meets the evolving needs of local industries. This role often involves managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and staying updated on labor market trends.

How does a Workforce Development Manager typically collaborate with local businesses and training institutions to align workforce initiatives?

A Workforce Development Manager regularly engages with local employers, industry groups, and educational institutions to understand current labor market needs and develop targeted training programs. This collaboration often involves organizing roundtable discussions, conducting needs assessments, and forming partnerships to create internships or apprenticeships. By maintaining open communication channels and building strong relationships, the manager ensures that workforce initiatives are responsive to both employer demands and job seeker skill development, ultimately bridging the gap between training and employment opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, typically supported by a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with workforce analytics platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and industry certifications like SHRM-CP or CPLP is often expected. Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills are essential for designing effective workforce initiatives, aligning talent strategies with organizational goals, and fostering strong partnerships within the community.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Manager vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce Development ManagerCareer Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in human resources, social sciences, or related field; often certifications in workforce developmentBachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; certifications in career counseling
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutions, corporate training programsEducational institutions, career centers, private practice, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations focusing on workforce training, employment services, and economic developmentCommonly employed by schools, colleges, and private career counseling services

While both roles focus on employment and career development, a Workforce Development Manager oversees programs that improve workforce skills at an organizational or community level, whereas a Career Counselor provides personalized guidance to individuals seeking career advice. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in scope and target audience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Illinois? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Workforce Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,146 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

Imec Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center

Peoria, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS
*Field-based work environment with work conducted from a home office when not onsite at client facilities
*Frequent travel throughout the state to support client engagements and onsite activities
*Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.
The Workforce Development Specialist is a hands-on advisor who leads the implementation of workforce improvement solutions for manufacturers across Illinois. As a subject matter expert, this role delivers high-impact solutions tailored to client needs, including workforce training systems, onboarding, training and development, career pathways, and performance improvement initiatives. The Workforce Development Specialist partners with client teams to design and implement sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen employee development, align workforce strategies with business objectives, and drive measurable improvements in organizational performance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Engage with manufacturers to understand workforce development challenges and design solutions that strengthen onboarding, training effectiveness, and employee development, that leads to strong retention, and improved organizational performance.
  • Provide strategic guidance to manufacturers that helps them build a long-term approach to workforce development success.
  • Provide training, coaching, and workforce performance expertise based on client needs and area(s) of specialization.
  • Develop proposals and solution plans in collaboration with Regional Managers
  • Manage and execute workforce performance engagements from planning through implementation and outcome tracking, including:
    • Conducting workforce needs diagnostics to identify capability gaps, workforce training challenges, and improvement opportunities.
    • Designing and implementing structured onboarding programs that improve employee integration and time to proficiency.
    • Developing and implementing workforce training systems, including Learning Management System (LMS) integration and training processes that improve consistency and effectiveness.
    • Designing apprenticeship programs and defined career pathway frameworks that support employee development and long-term workforce sustainability.
    • Developing supervisors by providing tools, frameworks, coaching approaches, and training solutions that strengthen their ability to effectively lead, coach, and develop employees.
    • Develop custom curriculum including educational videos, job aids, training presentations, and other materials as required.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and workforce performance lead throughout the client engagement lifecycle.
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of workforce development solutions offered by IMEC.
  • Provide thought leadership in workforce performance and development through webinars, public speaking engagements, and published articles.
  • Support the development of third-party resources and strategic partnerships that strengthen workforce performance solutions and services.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
  • 3+ years of experience working with manufacturing organizations, including leadership, workforce development, talent management, training, human resources, organizational development, or consulting responsibilities
  • Strong background in workforce development, talent management, training systems, organizational development, human resources, leadership development, or a related field
  • Experience working with small and mid-sized manufacturers is a plus.

Additional attributes include:
  • Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously and meet project deadlines
  • Adaptability in diverse environments, including varied manufacturing sectors, multiple touch points across organizations, and company cultures
  • Entrepreneurial and client-focused approach with the ability to assess varying levels of organizational readiness and tailor solutions that align with client needs, priorities, and continuous improvement goals
  • Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration platforms
  • Willingness to travel across the state and work in both remote and onsite environments

Work Environment
  • Remote/Field-Based Work Environment: Work is performed from a home office when not onsite at manufacturing facilities. The role combines independent remote work with regular in-person client engagement.
  • Frequent in-state travel by automobile and occasional travel by aircraft.
  • Requires driving, sitting for extended periods, and working in facilities that may not be ADA accessible.
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. IMEC, The University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.
About IMEC:
IMEC is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data.
With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 2,500 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.
As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient.
IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge of working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace. Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.

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