Program Manager, Food Trainings and Apprenticeships

SBS seeks a Program Manager to lead a portfolio of workforce development programs in the food and beverage sector and other industrial industries across New York City. These programs equip unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers with the skills, credentials, and connections needed to secure quality jobs and advance in high‑growth career pathways.

The Program Manager will oversee multiple training and employment initiatives by managing relationships with external training providers, employers, and program partners. This role ensures that participants receive high‑quality training that leads to meaningful employment opportunities in NYC, vendors meet contractual and performance goals, and programs are aligned with employer demand.

The Program Manager will report to the Director of Industrial Trainings and Apprenticeships and meet weekly or as needed.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Manager’s duties may include, but will not be limitedto the following

Program Oversight & Design

• Lead the design, enhancement, and continuous improvement of training programs in food & beverage and other industrial sectors.
• Ensure programs are aligned with employer workforce needs and provide strong career pathways for participants.
• Manage the full life cycle of programs, from concept and planning through implementation, monitoring, and outcomes evaluation.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Develop, negotiate, and finalize contracts, budgets, and interagency agreements for a portfolio of training programs.
• Oversee training provider and employer performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and program standards.
• Manage reimbursement processes for vendors and employers in partnership with SBS and WDC fiscal teams.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, training providers, employer partners, and Workforce1 Career Centers.
• Facilitate weekly planning and management meetings with internal and external stakeholders to ensure program alignment and success.
• Collaborate with vendors, industry partners, SBS Marketing, and any applicable stakeholders to co‑develop marketing materials, recruitment strategies, and industry‑informed assessments.

Data, Reporting & Quality Assurance

• Track, analyze, and report program performance metrics, including training quality, participant experience, job placement, promotion, and retention outcomes.
• Conduct quality assurance activities, including site visits, to ensure compliance with local and federal requirements and fidelity to program models.
• Present program updates, performance insights, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Needs‑Related Payment Program Management (when applicable)

• Coordinate cohort presentations, participant intake, and eligibility verification for needs‑related payments.
• Support team who oversees this work to ensure all stakeholders, including participants and vendors, are following the process.

Apprenticeship Program Support (when applicable)

• Cultivate and manage employer relationships to support on‑the‑job training components of apprenticeship programs.
• Develop and monitor apprenticeship contracts and budgets in coordination Industry Partners, SBS, and WDC legal and fiscal teams.
• Collect and process employer deliverables to support on‑the‑job training reimbursement.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and respond constructively to feedback and stakeholder needs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
• Proven capacity to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines across simultaneous projects.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and creative thinking skills.
• Strong organizational abilities with a track record of driving projects to timely completion in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in the restaurant, culinary, or broader food & beverage industry.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Proficiency in Smartsheet for project tracking and workflow management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2+ years of relevant professional experience in program management, workforce development, vendor management, or a related field.

How to Apply:To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letterwith the subjectline: Program Manager, Food Trainings and Apprenticeships to careers@sbs.nyc.gov and WDCFiscal@sbs.nyc.gov.

Salary: $67,000-$77,000

Note: Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Medical and Dental, Vision benefits through Oxford United Healthcare (No out of pocket cost)

1. Gym Reimbursement

VACATION/SICK LEAVE/HOLIDAYS

• 19 days of Annual Leave in a year
• 10 days of Sick Leave in a year
• Monthly annual accrual of 11.05 hours and sick leave accrual of 5.833 hours will be accrued for you.
• 13 Paid Holidays

English and Spanish (preferred)