Manager, Vocational Services

Manager, Vocational Services

Location: Alberta

Full-Time

Position Overview

The Manager, Vocational Services is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and performance of government-funded employment and vocational programs across Canada. This role ensures contract compliance, achievement of performance outcomes, and consistent, high-quality service delivery for unemployed and underemployed Albertans.

The Manager provides operational leadership to vocational and employment services teams, including a focus on overseeing participant admissions and progression, and works closely with Senior Leadership, government funders, community partners, and employers.

This position is not related to IT.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Contract Compliance

• Lead the execution and day-to-day operations of government-funded employment and vocational service programs.
• Ensure full compliance with Government of Alberta contracts, policies, service standards, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor program performance against contractual outcomes, KPIs, and service targets.
• Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for continuous improvement and escalate issues as required.

Client Admissions & Service Oversight

• Oversee participant admission, eligibility, and continued participation decisions.
• Ensure participant orientation aligns with program scope, service plans, and expected outcomes.
• Monitor participant progress and service delivery to support successful employment outcomes.
• Ensure consistent application of service models across regions and teams.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to program staff and supervisors.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of employment services staff.
• Standardize onboarding, tools, and service delivery practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Address performance concerns, support conflict resolution, and foster a collaborative team culture.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

• Maintain strong working relationships with:
  • Government representatives and funders
  • Community agencies and referral partners
  • Employers, training providers, and work experience practicum hosts
• Represent the organization in meetings, audits, and program reviews as required.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support participant employment outcomes.

Reporting, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee accurate and timely reporting on program performance, outcomes, and service delivery.
• Analyze data and trends to inform program decisions and improvements.
• Contribute to program evaluation, future development, and expansion initiatives.
• Develop and maintain service materials, tools, and documentation required for delivery and compliance.

Travel & Regional Oversight

• Provide in-person and virtual oversight across multiple Alberta locations.
• Travel regularly within Alberta.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing or overseeing career, employment, or vocational services programs.
• Demonstrated experience working within government-funded employment programs, ideally for the Government of Alberta.
• Proven experience in:
  • Contract compliance and service monitoring
  • Outcome-based reporting and performance management
  • Staff supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation
• Strong collaboration experience with government, community agencies, employers, and service providers.
• Ability to travel regularly within Alberta.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Assets

• Experience managing Alberta Labour & Employment funded programs.
• Experience overseeing multi-site or regional employment services teams.
• Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset.

Why Lifemark:

Lifemark provides a comprehensive range of vocational services throughout Canada. A guiding belief is that given the necessary skills and opportunities, an individual may participate in meaningful self-directed employment; therefore, improving their overall quality of life. Through creative and flexible programming, we have become a leader in delivering quality services and achieving superior performance outcomes.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for driving growth, building relationships, and making a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of Lifemark's transformative journey.

Inclusion:

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive. Improving inclusion and equity is a collective responsibility. Lifemark promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including but not limited to those self-identifying as a member of the employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples, Newcomers to Canada, Women, and Visible minorities.

Accommodation:

Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in any aspect of the recruitment and selection process. Email us at talent at lifemark.ca

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