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Workforce Development Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Workforce Transformation Manager

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$112K - CA$162K/yr

Contribute to the development of your own and the team's technical acumen locally,nationallyand ... Demonstrated experience in one or more Workforce Transformation areas, such as * * Payroll process ...

Workforce Transformation Manager

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$112K - CA$162K/yr

Contribute to the development of your own and the team's technical acumen locally,nationallyand ... Demonstrated experience in one or more Workforce Transformation areas, such as * * Payroll process ...

Led by CEO Michael Colonnese, a 15+ year veteran of workforce development focused on building debt-free pathways into tech careers. Our partners pay us. You don't. That's the entire business model.

Led by CEO Michael Colonnese, a 15+ year veteran of workforce development focused on building debt-free pathways into tech careers. Our partners pay us. You don't. That's the entire business model.

CA$53K - CA$60K/yr

The Education and Workforce Development Department is seeking experienced, dynamic, and highly focused individual(s) to serve as the founding Career Services Coordinator in its Train and Earn Program ...

$24 - $26/hr

Workforce Development, Housing, Young Adult Services, Foster Care, and Behavioral Health. Our staff is comprised of more than 200 passionate individuals who are dedicated to finding innovative ...

Design, implement, and continuously improve enterprise talent programs that strengthen leadership capability, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness across EllisDon * Build scalable ...

CA$30 - CA$40/hr

We support construction employers through innovative workforce development solutions, including our Group Sponsor Apprenticeship Program, e-learning, and customized training. Working with small ...

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Workforce Development information

What is workforce development?

Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of employers. This field focuses on improving workers’ skills, connecting people to employment opportunities, and supporting career advancement. Workforce development can include job training, education, career counseling, apprenticeships, and collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen both individuals’ employability and the overall economic health of communities.

How do workforce development professionals typically collaborate with local employers and educational institutions?

Workforce Development professionals often serve as a bridge between local employers, training providers, and educational institutions. They regularly coordinate with businesses to identify current and future hiring needs, then partner with schools and community colleges to develop or enhance training programs that align with those needs. This collaborative approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with relevant skills and that employers have access to a qualified talent pipeline. Effective communication and relationship-building are key parts of the role, making networking and stakeholder management essential daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in workforce development, and why are they important?

To excel in Workforce Development, you need expertise in career counseling, labor market analysis, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional). Familiarity with workforce information systems, job-matching platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help professionals connect with job seekers and employers effectively. These skills ensure successful program outcomes, foster community partnerships, and enable individuals to achieve employment and career growth.

What is the difference between Workforce Development vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce DevelopmentCareer Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in workforce or employment servicesTypically requires a counseling or career development certification or degree
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, training centersEducational institutions, private practices, career centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by public and nonprofit sectors to improve employment ratesUsed by schools, private firms, and counseling agencies to guide individual careers

While both roles focus on employment and career paths, Workforce Development primarily involves creating programs and policies to improve employment opportunities at a community or organizational level. Career Counselors work directly with individuals to help them identify career goals and develop personal strategies. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and organizations choose the right support for their needs.

Is workforce development a good career?

Workforce development is a growing field focused on improving employment opportunities and skills training. It often involves collaboration with community organizations and government agencies, requiring strong communication and program management skills. The career can offer stability and the chance to make a positive community impact.

What does a workforce development do?

A workforce development professional helps connect individuals with job opportunities, training programs, and skills development to meet labor market needs. They often work with employers, educational institutions, and government agencies to improve employment outcomes and workforce skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development jobs in Ontario?

For Workforce Development jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Manager, Workforce Development & Retention - Environmental Services

Toronto, ON • On-site


GFL Environmental
Environmental Quality Programs Administration • 10K+ employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 91 rated recycling and waste

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training


Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


We are looking for a Manager, Workforce Development & Retention to design and lead the strategies that keep our best talent growing with us. You will be responsible for the full employee journey - from a new hire's first day to their third promotion. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys building programs from scratch, analyzing turnover trends, and creating clear career paths that ensure our employees see a long-term future here.

Key Accountabilities
1. Onboarding & Retention

Onboarding Redesign: Lead the end-to-end overhaul of our onboarding process. You will build acentralized, consistent program that ensures every new hire is welcomed and prepared for success.
Retention Initiatives: Develop and implement proactive programs aimed at reducing turnover andincreasing overall employee satisfaction.
Employee Feedback: Own the employee survey process (Pulse and Annual) and conduct regularcheck-ins and "stay interviews" to identify and fix cultural friction points.
Turnover Reporting: Track and analyze attrition data, providing leadership with clear reports on whypeople leave and actionable recommendations to improve retention.

2. Internal Mobility & Career Growth
Career Pathing: Create clear, transparent career frameworks so employees understand the skills andmilestones needed to move up or across the organization.
Internal Hiring Strategy: Design and manage the process for internal moves, ensuring we prioritize ourown talent for open positions before looking externally.
Talent Development: Partner with department heads to identify high-potential employees and builddevelopment plans that prepare them for their next role.
3. Learning & Frontline Leadership Support

L&D Partnership: Work closely with the Learning & Development team to identify skill gaps across the company and help design relevant training solutions.

Frontline Supervisor Training: Lead the rollout of specialized training for frontline supervisors. You will equip our first-time and shop-floor leaders with the essential coaching, communication, and conflict resolution skills they need to lead effectively.
4. Job Architecture & Competency Mapping

Profile Overhaul: Support the large-scale overhaul of our job profiles. You will work with department leads to ensure every role has a clear, modern, and accurate job description.

Skill Alignment: Lead the process of defining core competencies and technical skills for each role, ensuring alignment across the organization so employees know exactly what is expected for their current and future positions.

Standardization: Assist with building a centralized library of job descriptions and competency models to be used in hiring, performance reviews, and promotions.

Qualifications:

Relevant Experience: 5+ years in People Operations, Talent Management, or Employee Experience with a proven track record of building programs from the ground up.

Analytical Thinking: You are comfortable using data to tell a story and can turn turnover statistics into a strategic plan.

Frontline Fluency: You understand the unique challenges of frontline leaders and can translate high level corporate goals into practical training for supervisors.

Project Management: You are highly organized and capable of managing multiple large-scale projects, from a total onboarding redesign to annual survey cycles.

Strong Communication: You can easily build trust with employees at all levels, from entry-level staff to senior executives.

Success Metrics

Reduced Turnover: Decrease in overall and first-year attrition rates.

Internal Fill Rate: Increase in the percentage of roles filled by internal candidates.

Onboarding Satisfaction: High feedback scores from new hires regarding their first 90 days.

Supervisor Effectiveness: Improved engagement scores for teams led by frontline supervisors.


We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contactmyworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com
Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.


This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.




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