Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title: Business Services Lead

Department: Business Services

Reports To: Project Director

Location: Chicago Cook County Partnership Workforce Development Area, Location could be based at either Olive Harvey AJC or Daley AJC

Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Business Services Lead (BSL) is responsible for providing leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for employer engagement and business services activities across the Chicago region. This position oversees outreach efforts, strengthens employer partnerships, and ensures alignment between workforce development initiatives and regional economic needs.

The Business Service Lead works under the Project Director of the Chicago projects to provide ongoing direction, support, and guidance to Business Servies Representatives (BsRs). The position collaborates closely with internal teams, including Employment Services (ES), Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), and Program Outreach to ensure effective employer engagement, job development, and successful placement outcomes.

This role serves as a key driver of employer strategy, performance outcomes, and continuous improvement in business services delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate employer outreach strategies across assigned service areas
• Provide guidance, support, and performance coaching to Business Service Representatives (BSRs)
• Assist Project Director in setting and tracking individual scorecard goals and performance for Business Service Representatives.
• Develop and maintain high-level relationships with key employers, industry partners, and stakeholders
• Identify and prioritize strategic industries and employers aligned with regional labor market demand
• Oversee the development of job orders, employer partnerships, and workforce service utilization
• Collaborate with ES, RESEA, and program Outreach teams to ensure effective matching of qualified candidates to employer needs
• Analyze labor market information and workforce data to guide outreach and engagement strategies
• Coordinate regional hiring events, job fairs, sector-based recruitment efforts, and employer forums
• Ensure accurate and consistent documentation of employer engagement activities and outcomes
• Track team initiatives and outcomes
• Track and ensure team's documentation quality and timeliness for supporting entries into the Work in Texas system (as appropriate).
• Monitor outreach performance metrics and recommend strategies for continuous improvement
• Represent the organization at high-level community, business, and economic development events
• Ensure compliance with workforce program policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Support the development and implementation of business engagement initiatives and best practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Business Service, workforce development, sales, or related field
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or team lead experience
• Experience within a public workforce system or economic development environment
• Strong understanding of labor market information and regional workforce trends
• Experience working with large employers, industry groups, or sector partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and coaching ability
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to analyze workforce data and apply insights to strategy development
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet performance targets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/data tracking systems
• Knowledge of workforce development programs, employer services, and recruitment strategies
• Ability to work independently and lead collaborative team efforts

Performance Measures

• Growth in employer partnerships and strategic employer accounts
• Team performance outcomes (BSR outreach activity and engagement metrics)
• Job order development and placement success rates
• Employer retention and repeat engagement levels
• Completion and effectiveness of hiring events and recruitment initiatives
• Accuracy and timeliness of employer engagement reporting
• Alignment of outreach efforts with labor market demand and priority industries

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Chicago region
• Occasional evening and weekend work for employer engagement events
• Combination of office-based and field work environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and travel for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer