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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: โ€ข Drive Workforce Development (WD) partnership strategy with WD staff ... manage employer partnerships to expand work-based learning (WBL) opportunities--including job ...

S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and ... This role manages the end-to-end recruitment process-from pipeline development to prospect ...

S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and ... This role manages the end-to-end recruitment process-from pipeline development to prospect ...

The Mission Riverbend Energetics is seeking an experienced, hands-on Training & Development Manager to build and lead a comprehensive workforce development program from the ground up. This is a high ...

... Development Representative / Manager who will be a key member of the team responsible for ... workforce in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. #LI-Hybrid About our business We are a leader in North ...

... Development Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for enterprise-wide learning and ... Drive digital learning strategy and innovation to support a geographically dispersed workforce.

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$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:
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.

Director, Installation Training & Workforce Development

Jacuzzi Group

Roselle, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1956, the Jacuzziยฎ Brand has grown to become the modern-day Jacuzzi Group, the premier manufacturer of functional products for the home and outdoor space found in more than 60 countries. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel (JBRx) is the fastest growing business unit of Jacuzzi Group with 13 successful locations launched nationwide in under 5-years. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel combines our premium materials, knowledgeable sales team, experienced in-house certified installers and over 70 years of proven excellence to deliver the highest standard of customer satisfaction.

This position will lead enterprise-wide training strategy, workforce development, curriculum design, and operational capability building across Jacuzzi Bath Remodel manufacturing, installation, distribution, service, and field operations. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, leadership development, and standardization while building scalable training systems that support operational growth, workforce readiness, and continuous improvement across the business.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive operations training and workforce development strategy aligned with business objectives, growth plans, safety standards, quality expectations, and customer experience goals
  • Design and implement structured career progression programs including:
    • Apprentice to Lead Installer
    • Certified Installer programs
    • Master Installer certification pathways
  • Build and standardize training curriculum, playbooks, SOPs, work instructions, certification standards, and skills matrices across manufacturing, installation, distribution, service, and field operations teams
  • Lead the development of hands-on technical and operational training programs including classroom, production floor, field-based, virtual, and leadership development learning environments
  • Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, HR, and Continuous Improvement teams to ensure training systems align with operational standards, process changes, and product evolution
  • Develop workforce readiness strategies to support new product launches, market expansions, operational scaling, succession planning, and frontline leadership development
  • Establish enterprise operational certification and recertification standards for manufacturing, installation, quality, safety, and field operations personnel
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Installation Trainers to ensure consistent delivery of training programs
  • Conduct field audits and ride-alongs to assess skill levels, reinforce standards, and identify training gaps
  • Develop and implement certification standards and evaluation processes to ensure installer readiness and ongoing skill advancement
  • Drive a culture of safety, quality, and craftsmanship excellence across all installation teams
  • Support new market launches and expansion by ensuring training readiness and workforce capability
  • Manage training budgets, resources, and tools to support scalable program delivery
  • Other duties as assigned

Compensation is based on experience; $140K+ and bonus potential

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Requirements

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Business, Operations, Education, Construction Management, or related field preferred
  • 10+ years of experience in operations training, manufacturing, installation, workforce development, operational leadership, or technical training environments
  • Proven experience building and implementing training programs from the ground up (required)
  • Strong understanding of adult learning principles and the Laws of Learning, with demonstrated ability to apply reinforcement, repetition, readiness, and performance-based coaching methodologies to improve workforce capability, safety, quality, and SOP adoption
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing, installation, construction, service, distribution, or skilled trades operational environments
  • Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop, coach, and scale high-performing teams
  • Demonstrated ability to create structured career path and certification programs
  • Experience establishing training metrics, KPIs, and performance tracking systems
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to train and influence at all levels
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across operations, quality, and field teams
  • Experience with ERP, LMS (Learning Management Systems), or training platforms is a plus
  • Ability to travel as needed to support field teams and training initiatives to JBR language and internal structure (JBRx, production org, etc.)

Benefits

  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • 401(k) with matching program
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance