Manager, Employment Training Program (Food Service Industry) in Hillside, Illinois at Aspire Chicago

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, food service-focused training program that prepares individuals with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. You'll bring food service industry expertise and workforce development experience to deliver curriculum and real-world training in areas like kitchen prep, dishwashing, catering, and guest services while supporting 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.

What You’ll Do

Lead Program Operations & Performance

• 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

Build & Inspire a High-Performing Team

• 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

Champion Participant Success & Program Quality

• 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

Collaborate Across the Organization

• 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

• 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 Food Service, 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

Bonus Points For:

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

Who You Are

• A motivational leader who brings out the best in others
• A relationship builder who connects easily across teams and communities
• A strategic thinker who uses data to drive decisions
• Highly organized, adaptable, and energized by a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about including and empowering people of all abilities

Why Aspire?

• 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

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're driven to lead with purpose and create real opportunities for others, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help build pathways to employment that truly change lives.