Manager, Employment Training Program (Distribution Center Industry)

Aspire of Illinois • Hillside, IL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Empower potential. Build pathways. Drive real employment outcomes. At Aspire, we believe meaningful employment changes lives. As our Manager, Employment Training Program (ETP), you’ll lead a hands-on, distribution center-focused training program that prepares individuals with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. You'll bring distribution, logistics, or warehouse operations expertise along with workforce development experience to deliver curriculum and real-world training in areas like inventory management, order picking and packing, workplace safety, equipment handling, teamwork and time management. Partnering across teams, you'll help connect participants to roles such as warehouse associate, picker/packer, shipping and receiving, and inventory support, while advancing individualized career goals. This is more than a management role—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, build industry-relevant skills, and drive measurable employment impact every day.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Education, Business, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in employment services, training programs, or disability services
• Minimum 2 years of team leadership or supervisory experience
• Experience delivering or managing curriculum-based training programs
• Industry experience in Distribution, Logistics, Warehouse Operations, or similar environments
• Strong ability to build partnerships and engage stakeholders
• Data-driven mindset with experience tracking and improving outcomes
• Valid driver’s license (Illinois) and good driving record
• Willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications

Nice To Haves

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) licensure
• Experience with workforce development systems
• Background in quality improvement and performance metrics

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Aspire’s Employment Training Program, ensuring high-quality, consistent service delivery
• Implement and manage curriculum-based training, including classroom instruction and work-based learning
• Track and improve participant progress, job readiness, and skill attainment
• Guide participants through their journey—providing hands-on coaching and support where it matters most
• Ensure effective staffing and a responsive, participant-centered environment
• Recruit, coach, and develop a team supporting training, internships, and employment placement
• Create clear, actionable pathways from training to competitive employment
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth
• Monitor key outcomes like job placement, retention, and satisfaction, and use data to drive results
• Serve as a key liaison between participants, families, staff, and community partners
• Ensure services are person-centered, coordinated, and outcomes-driven
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
• Lead quality improvement efforts—enhancing curriculum, processes, and participant experience
• Partner with Program Leadership, Growth Initiatives, and Admissions to build strong program cohorts
• Represent the program internally and externally to strengthen community connections and opportunities

Benefits

• Make a direct, visible impact on people’s lives every day
• Lead a program that blends innovation, hands-on learning, and real employment outcomes
• Be part of a mission-driven organization that values growth, collaboration, and purpose
• Help individuals achieve independence, confidence, and meaningful careers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees