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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

... and workforce-development program requirements (e.g., WIOA data standards). * Oversee secure handling of sensitive learner, employment, and case-management data. * Implement strong identity ...

This role combines customer relationship management, client retention, workforce support, and sales development . Success in this position comes from building trust, solving workforce challenges ...

This role combines customer relationship management, client retention, workforce support, and sales development . Success in this position comes from building trust, solving workforce challenges ...

This role combines customer relationship management, client retention, workforce support, and sales development . Success in this position comes from building trust, solving workforce challenges ...

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Workforce Development Manager information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$9.2K

$67.2K

$131.2K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Ridgeland, MS is $67,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $87,500.00 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 cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:

Business Development Manager

Slater Infrastructure Group

Ridgeland, MS

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Business Development Manager

Position Summary

With the next-generation Educational Technology (EdTech) platform focused on modern technology to power scalable, secure, and data-driven learning ecosystems, the Business Development Manager drives market expansion, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships for a newly launched products designed to support workforce-development certification pathways across U.S. infrastructure sectors. This role identifies, cultivates, and secures relationships with industry operators, municipalities, private employers, unions, training providers, government agencies, workforce boards, and industry associations seeking scalable solutions for skills training, credentialing, and talent pipeline development.

Key Responsibilities

Market Expansion & Revenue Growth

  • Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy targeting infrastructure-aligned sectors.
  • Build and manage a high-quality sales pipeline across enterprise, government, and institutional clients.
  • Lead end-to-end business development cycles.
  • Achieve quarterly and annual revenue targets.
  • Identify opportunities for multi-year licensing agreements and enterprise adoption.

Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

  • Establish partnerships with employers, apprenticeship sponsors, workforce boards, community colleges, unions, and agencies.
  • Position the platform as a trusted credentialing and training partner for various programs, both private and public, and related initiatives.
  • Represent the organization at conferences and workforce-development events.

Client Needs Assessment & Solution Design

  • Conduct discovery sessions to understand client workforce challenges and certification needs.
  • Collaborate with Product and Learning Design teams to tailor platform solutions.
  • Translate client needs into proposals and implementation plans.

Relationship Management & Account Growth

  • Serve as primary relationship owner for key accounts.
  • Identify opportunities for cross-selling additional modules or integrations.
  • Monitor client performance metrics and support onboarding.

Market Intelligence & Product Alignment

  • Track trends in infrastructure workforce demand and regulatory changes.
  • Provide feedback to Product and Leadership teams.
  • Contribute to the development of pricing strategy and product positioning.
Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Education, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in business development or enterprise sales.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. workforce systems and credentialing frameworks.
  • Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.

Preferred:

  • Experience with WIOA programs, Registered Apprenticeships, or infrastructure-sector employers.
  • Familiarity with credentialing bodies such as NCCER, NIMS, OSHA, DOT, or the like.
  • Experience in early-stage or growth-stage technology environments.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Key Competencies
  • Consultative selling
  • Strategic partnership development
  • Market analysis
  • Executive communication
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Pipeline management

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000 base salary based on experience
  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus eligibility, based on project success metrics and annual net sales, all paid quarterly.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance. 401k with company match
  • Flexible Work Environment: Eligible for hybrid schedule with management approval