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Business Solutions Manager

Office located in Benton Harbor, MI - with required travel throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Kinexus, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. 

THE TEAM:

The purpose of the Business Solutions Team is to support the Kinexus Group family of subsidiaries, utilizing a “Team of Teams” approach. Centering business as the customer, the team is focused on building an ecosystem of resources that support business needs and improve the overall supply of readily available talent for employers.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

The Business Solutions Manager – Small Business & Hospitality, in coordination with the Director of Business Solutions, assists with overseeing the operations of the Business Solutions Department throughout the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren region, ensuring alignment of programs and services to meet the workforce and talent needs of small businesses, hospitality employers, tourism-related businesses, retail establishments, and entrepreneurs.

This administrative position provides leadership, guidance, and support to staff while ensuring effective coordination of services among economic developers, chambers of commerce, downtown development organizations, educational institutions, community partners, employers, and Michigan Works! programs. The position serves as the primary workforce development liaison for small business and hospitality employers across the tri-county region.

Duties include program planning, coordination of service delivery, program reporting, grant management, employer engagement, and workforce development initiatives. Responsibilities are carried out directly, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employer Engagement & Business Services

  • Coordinate the activities of the Small Business & Hospitality Business Services Team, including employer outreach, workforce consultation, grant management, and employer referrals to workforce, economic development, and community resources.
  • Serve as the primary workforce development contact for small businesses, hospitality employers, restaurants, lodging establishments, retail businesses, tourism-related organizations, and emerging entrepreneurs throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, downtown development authorities, small business development organizations, economic development agencies, and industry associations.
  • Promote awareness and utilization of Michigan Works! services, workforce training programs, and employer incentives among small and mid-sized employers.
  • Conduct targeted outreach to businesses with limited human resource capacity to increase access to workforce development services.

Hospitality, Tourism & Small Business Workforce Development

  • Coordinate workforce initiatives addressing recruitment, retention, employee development, and seasonal workforce challenges within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
  • Develop and implement talent pipeline strategies for hospitality, retail, tourism, food service, and customer service occupations.
  • Facilitate partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and workforce training providers to address industry-specific workforce needs.
  • Support the development of apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, and work-based learning opportunities for small business and hospitality employers.
  • Identify emerging workforce trends and challenges affecting small businesses and recommend responsive workforce solutions.

Program Administration & Strategic Planning

  • Maintain communication with agencies, employers, training vendors, and other resource partners to ensure optimal operational efficiency and effectiveness in serving employers.
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of systems and procedures to assure efficient utilization of resources and achievement of program objectives.
  • Develop program plans, proposals, and funding applications that support workforce initiatives benefiting small businesses, hospitality employers, and tourism-related industries.
  • Identify federal, state, and local funding opportunities and resources that can be leveraged to address workforce challenges and advance program objectives.
  • Maintain strategic partnerships to enhance cooperative planning and efficient delivery of workforce services throughout the region.

Reporting & Performance Management

  • Coordinate the preparation and processing of forms, records, and required documentation.
  • Track employer engagement, service delivery outcomes, and workforce activities utilizing Salesforce and other reporting systems.
  • Prepare and present routine and special reports, including program evaluations, sector analyses, and performance reports.
  • Review reports and records to ensure progress toward established objectives and implement modifications as necessary.

Community Engagement & Regional Leadership

  • Represent Michigan Works! at professional development activities, community meetings, tourism and hospitality forums, chamber events, and regional workforce initiatives.
  • Serve on boards, committees, and task forces addressing workforce development, economic growth, poverty reduction, and employment opportunities.
  • Collaborate with community partners to develop innovative workforce solutions that strengthen the region's small business and hospitality economy.

Continuous Improvement

  • Actively participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to enhance employer satisfaction, service delivery, and workforce outcomes.
  • Utilize labor market information and employer feedback to guide strategic decision-making and program development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Supervisory skills necessary to effectively manage the daily operations and administration of assigned functions and individuals.
  • Ability to apply analytical skills in identifying operational problems and potential solutions.
  • Written and verbal skills necessary to prepare and deliver routine/special reports and other required documentation.
  • Communication and organizational skills that contribute to a quality work environment and the ability to work as a team.
  • Planning and time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employers, general public, supervisors, fellow employees and state and local agencies.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain confidentiality while providing friendly and employer centered services.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in overseeing employment and training programs/projects.
  • Experience preparing grant applications and working with various funding sources.
  • Human Resources knowledge.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

  • Required travel throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties
  • Flexible & Open 
  • Competitive Salary & Benefits  
  • Opportunities for Growth 

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

  • A robust Onboarding experience to integrate you into our team
  • Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies
  • Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role
  • Cross Operational Meetings with your peers
  • Management Commitment to your success

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE.   We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.   It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time. 

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.  

 

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