Manager, Workforce Development & Skilled Trades

Manager, Workforce Development & Skilled Trades

About HIEC

HIEC is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise that focuses on partnership, mentorship, and workforce development in Ontario. With over 35 years of experience as an active, community-focused organization, HIEC aims to enhance career education and inspire individuals to make informed career decisions.

We are also home to ApprenticeSearch.com, a leading national employment platform that connects job seekers, employers, and educators to strengthen Canadas skilled trades workforce.

Learn more at www.hiec.on.ca
and www.apprenticesearch.com
.

Why Us?

At HIEC, our goal is to positively impact the career journeys of others - and that includes our own team! We foster a culture where people feel valued, respected, and inspired to bring their best ideas forward. Youll join a team that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in a workplace where you truly belong.

This role also offers:

• Competitive salary
• A Comprehensive Employee Benefits plan (Extended Health, Dental, etc.)
• Mental Health Supports (Calm App subscription)
• Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities
• A workplace rooted in inclusion, creativity, and purpose

Position Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Workforce Development & Skilled Trades leads HIECs efforts to strengthen Canadas skilled trades workforce through strategic partnerships, employer engagement, and innovative program delivery.

This role oversees the ApprenticeSearch.com employment and job development teams, driving initiatives that connect job seekers, employers, and educators to build sustainable, inclusive talent pathways in the skilled trades.

As a member of HIECs leadership team, the Manager contributes to organizational strategy, strengthens relationships with partners across industry, education, and government, and ensures programs remain responsive to changing labour market needs.

This position is ideal for a strategic, data-driven, and relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about workforce development, apprenticeship, and systems-level change.

Job Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Workforce Development and Sector Leadership
  • Lead the development and implementation of HIECs workforce development strategy, focusing on skilled trades and apprenticeship pathways.
  • Represent HIEC and ApprenticeSearch.com as a thought leader in workforce development through events, roundtables, conferences, and sector committees.
  • Build strong partnerships with employers, training institutions, industry associations, and government to strengthen workforce engagement and hiring pathways.
  • Monitor labour market trends and identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and funding.
  • Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all workforce programming.

• Program and Team Leadership
  • Provide leadership and direction to employment and job development teams within ApprenticeSearch.com.
  • Oversee the delivery of programs and services to ensure alignment with funder expectations and organizational priorities.
  • Support staff in employer engagement, job matching, and advancing workforce readiness among job seekers.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

• Program Development and Content Creation
  • Contribute to program design, content development, and the creation of resources that strengthen awareness of skilled trades pathways.
  • Collaborate with Communications and Program teams to align messaging and outreach campaigns with workforce priorities.
  • Support funding proposals, project planning, and reporting to sustain program growth.

• Data Analysis and Insights
  • Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting using platforms like MetaBase, HubSpot, and Excel.
  • Translate data into meaningful insights for funder reports and executive briefings.
  • Monitor performance metrics to inform program improvements and innovation.

• Organizational and Strategic Leadership
  • Participate on HIECs leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Develop and manage budgets, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
  • Support fund development and partnership efforts aligned with skilled trades initiatives.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that reflects HIECs mission and values.

Qualifications to Succeed:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Labour Studies, Business, Education, Community Development, or a related field (or equivalent blend of education and experience).
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in workforce development, apprenticeship, skilled trades, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of Canadas apprenticeship and skilled trades system, workforce policies, and labour-market dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience using data to inform decisions and communicate program impact.
• Proven success in partnership-building with employers, industry associations, and government stakeholders.
• Experience developing content, presentations, and resources that translate complex ideas into accessible information.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Leadership experience in the non-profit or community-based sector.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is considered a strong asset.

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and the ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational priorities.
• Builds and maintains strong partnerships with employers, government, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Uses evidence, analytics, and performance data to guide strategies, measure outcomes, and communicate impact.
• Communicates complex information clearly and confidently to a range of audiences, inspiring engagement and collaboration.
• Identifies emerging opportunities and develops creative, practical solutions to workforce challenges.
• Embeds inclusive and accessible practices in all aspects of programming and leadership, addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adapts effectively to a fast-paced, evolving environment and responds to changing priorities, funding requirements, and sector trends.
• Maintains focus on measurable outcomes, continuous improvement, and achieving organizational goals.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work model, combining onsite work at HIECs Burlington office with remote work as determined by organizational priorities.
• Regular in-person participation in meetings, events, conferences, and partner visits across Ontario, with occasional travel outside the province.
• Standard hours of work are Monday to Friday; flexibility may be required during peak periods or events.
• The role involves periods of independent work, digital collaboration, and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups in a fast-paced environment.
• A valid Ontario drivers licence and access to reliable transportation are required.

We thank everyone who submits an application for their interest! This job opening represents an active vacancy. Although our team is mighty, it's still small; only successful applicants will be contacted. To ensure that each candidate's journey is consistent and that it is a fair and equitable hiring process, we will not respond to any personal messages regarding this role.

Actual compensation for an individual may vary depending on skills, performance over time, qualifications, experience, and location.

Target Salary: $79,640 - $90,000

Salary Grade 7: $79,640.74 - $103,532.96

HIEC is committed to equity and creating a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the broad diversity of communities we work with. This includes people who identify as immigrants, refugees, women, Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ2S+ people of colour, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada. Please contact Human Resources [email protected] any accommodations or questions relating to our accommodation process.