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Workforce Management Planner Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Unifin, Inc.

Workforce Support Analyst and RTA

Niles, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Support forecasting and capacity planning activities by providing accurate workforce data and analysis. * Ensure workforce management data is accurate, complete, and up to date within WFM tools ...

ULINE

Workforce Forecasting Manager

Glenview, IL

Bachelor's degree. * 2+ years in a workforce management leadership role. * 3+ years of workforce forecasting and software experience, including demand planning and trend analysis. * Advanced Excel ...

ULINE

Workforce Forecasting Manager

Waukegan, IL

Bachelor's degree. * 2+ years in a workforce management leadership role. * 3+ years of workforce forecasting and software experience, including demand planning and trend analysis. * Advanced Excel ...

Sonsoft Inc

Workforce Analytics Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of Workforce management and planning applications * Ability to interact with different HR /Business departments making strategic business recommendations backed up by analytics ...

Arcadis

Senior Workforce Planning Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Workforce Planning Manager Program Management Americas will drive workforce agility ... Own the 12-week forecast for Program Management, highlighting supply and demand variance. Establish ...

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Workforce Management Planner information

What is a workforce management planner?

A Workforce Management Planner is a professional responsible for forecasting staffing needs, creating employee schedules, and ensuring that a company has the right number of staff available to meet business demands. They analyze data such as call volumes, sales trends, or production levels to predict future resource requirements. Their goal is to optimize workforce efficiency while balancing labor costs and service quality. Workforce Management Planners often work in industries like customer service centers, retail, and healthcare, where scheduling and resource allocation are critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a workforce management planner?

To thrive as a Workforce Management Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, proficiency in forecasting and scheduling, and often a background in business, statistics, or a related field. Familiarity with workforce management software such as NICE, Aspect, or Verint, as well as advanced Excel skills, is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to changing operational needs. These skills ensure optimal staffing, improved productivity, and consistent service levels within dynamic business environments.

What are some of the main challenges workforce management planners face when forecasting staffing needs, and how are these typically addressed?

Workforce Management Planners often encounter challenges such as unpredictable call volumes, seasonal fluctuations, and sudden changes in business priorities. To address these, planners use historical data analysis, real-time monitoring tools, and collaborate closely with operations and HR teams to adjust staffing models promptly. Regular communication with team leaders and leveraging advanced workforce management software also help in making accurate adjustments and minimizing understaffing or overstaffing issues.

What is the difference between Workforce Management Planner vs Workforce Analyst?

AspectWorkforce Management PlannerWorkforce Analyst
Primary FocusForecasting staffing needs, scheduling, and resource allocationAnalyzing workforce data, performance metrics, and trends
Required SkillsForecasting, scheduling, workforce software proficiencyData analysis, reporting, statistical skills
Work EnvironmentOperations, call centers, customer service centersData departments, HR, operations teams
CertificationsWorkforce management software certifications, basic project managementData analysis certifications, Excel, statistical tools

While both roles involve workforce data, the Workforce Management Planner primarily focuses on forecasting and scheduling to ensure optimal staffing levels. The Workforce Analyst concentrates on analyzing workforce data to identify trends and improve processes. Both roles are essential in workforce planning but serve different functions within organizations.

Is workforce management planner a good career?

A workforce management planner is responsible for forecasting staffing needs, scheduling employees, and analyzing productivity to optimize workforce efficiency. The role typically requires strong analytical skills, proficiency with workforce management software, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in various industries such as retail, healthcare, and call centers.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Workforce Management Planner jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Workforce Management Planner job openings:

Workforce Management Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Management Planner job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Manager of Enterprise Workforce Management

Chicago, IL

Northstone, Inc.
See more jobs at Northstone, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Manager of Enterprise Workforce Management

Responsible for leading the organization's workforce management strategy, systems, processes, and programs across multiple business units in the United States and Mexico. This role serves as the subject matter expert for workforce planning, scheduling, labor optimization, workforce analytics, and WFM solutions. Acting as a key liaison between HR, Payroll, Operations, Finance, IT, and business leadership, the Manager drives workforce management initiatives, system enhancements, compliance efforts, and operational improvements while building scalable workforce management practices across the enterprise. 

Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for UKG Workforce Management solutions.
  • Configure and maintain timekeeping, scheduling, accruals, labor allocation, attendance, and workforce compliance modules.
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate resolutions with internal teams and external vendors.
  • Manage security roles, workflows, reports, system integrations, and ongoing enhancements.
  • Ensure workforce management systems are optimized to support business requirements, labor compliance, and operational efficiency
  • Lead workforce management implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and optimization initiatives across the enterprise.
  • Partner with HR, Payroll, Operations, Finance, and IT stakeholders to gather requirements and design scalable workforce management solutions.
  • Develop project plans, testing strategies, training materials, communication plans, and deployment schedules.
  • Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT), issue resolution, and go-live activities
  • Support acquisitions, workforce expansions, organizational changes, and business transformation initiatives impacting workforce management processes
  • Partner with HR, Operations, Finance, Payroll, and business leaders across the United States and Mexico to support workforce management initiatives and operational objectives.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on workforce planning, labor optimization, scheduling strategies, staffing models, and workforce analytics.
  • Partner with manufacturing and operational leadership to optimize labor utilization, shift scheduling, overtime management, and workforce productivity.
  • Present workforce management metrics, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Lead and manage the Enterprise Workforce Management function and support the continued development of the workforce management team.
  • Establish team goals and priorities while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop short- and long-term workforce forecasts, staffing models, and capacity plans to support business growth and operational requirements.
  • Oversee workforce scheduling strategies to ensure efficient labor utilization and achievement of business objectives.
  • Direct real-time workforce management activities and recommend staffing adjustments to optimize productivity and operational performance.
  • Analyze workforce trends, labor utilization, productivity, overtime, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Develop and implement action plans that improve workforce efficiency, service levels, labor productivity, and employee experience.
  • Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and leverage technology to improve workforce visibility and decision-making.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, governance documentation, and workforce management policies.
  • Recommend and implement best practices based on system capabilities, workforce management trends, and organizational needs.
  • Design, develop, and maintain workforce management reports, dashboards, and analytics.
  • Analyze workforce metrics, labor utilization, attendance trends, overtime, productivity, staffing levels, and scheduling effectiveness.
  • Review and distribute workforce performance reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
  • Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of workforce-related data across systems.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for workforce management inquiries and system issues.
  • Develop and deliver training programs for managers, supervisors, Payroll, HR, and business users.
  • Create job aids, user guides, and support documentation.
  • Lead change management initiatives that drive adoption of workforce management tools, processes, and best practices.
  • Ensure workforce management processes comply with applicable federal, state, local, and international labor laws, regulations, and company policies.
  • Partner with HR and Payroll teams to support wage and hour compliance efforts.
  • Conduct periodic audits of workforce management processes, data, configurations, and controls.
  • Maintain documentation supporting compliance, governance, and internal and external audit requirements.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting Workforce Management systems.
  • 3+ years of hands-on UKG Workforce Management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading Workforce Management implementations, upgrades, and optimization projects.
  • Experience working with timekeeping, scheduling, attendance, labor management, and payroll integration processes.
  • Experience partnering with HR, Payroll, Operations, and IT stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting multi-site or multi-state organizations preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of UKG Workforce Management.
  • Experience with workforce scheduling, time and attendance, accruals, labor tracking, and compliance management.
  • Strong reporting and analytics skills.
  • Experience with system integrations and data validation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.