Staffing Manager

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 100,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Pension Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Wellness Program

Job summary

A leading education district in Chicago seeks a Staffing Manager to lead the Nutrition Staffing team, overseeing the recruitment and management of over 2,200 lunchroom positions. The ideal candidate will have a background in HR, including performance management and employee relations. This is a full-time position with an estimated salary range of $76,000 - $100,500. The role requires strategic workforce planning and strong communication skills to align staffing initiatives with the district’s operational goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an HR Generalist role required.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day Staffing Operations for NSS employees.
• Report key performance metrics and understand financial implications.
• Develop and execute a strategic staffing plan.

Skills

Performance Management

Employee Relations

Workforce Planning

Communication Skills

HR Technology Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college

HR Certifications (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Taleo

Peoplesoft

Job description

Posting Date

Jan 5, 2026, 4:24:09 PM

Primary Location

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S08

Estimated Annual Salary Range

76,000.00 - 100,500.00

Position Type : Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Nutrition Support Services (NSS) offers all CPS students breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals at no charge. Meals are offered every school day, during Saturday‑school programs, and during the summer. Meals comply with nutrition standards set forth in the USDA’s Child Nutrition Program meal patterns. The Office of Nutrition Support Services provides a healthy, high quality meal program that supports a joyful and equitable daily learning experience for all students.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director of NSS, the Staffing Manager is responsible for managing the Nutrition Staffing team and leading the recruitment and staffing initiatives for 2,200 school‑based lunchroom positions in over 600+ sites. Beyond traditional hiring, this role will drive organizational results by aligning workforce planning with operational goals, ensuring that every school is staffed by high‑performing, well‑trained employees. This role will also be responsible for employee relations, proactive talent development, employee retention, and high‑level performance management. This is a full‑time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Staffing Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Manage the day‑to‑day Staffing Operations for NSS employees. Hire, train, develop, monitor, and evaluate performance of the staffing team, including direct reports.

Resolve routine employee matters, including disciplinary action for union employees. Assist in addressing performance and employee relations’ issues through coaching, discipline and termination processes. Participate in the discipline and grievance hearings, as necessary.

Report key performance metrics and maintain understanding of financial implications of these metrics. Communicates trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Review employee data and employee relations matters to identify trends; implement strategies focused toward positive employee relations.

Manage all internal and external recruitment activities, including the internal bid process, student internship program, and orientation for new employees.

Partner with the CPS Payroll department and Staffing Services team to ensure employee status and rate changes are reflected in an accurate and timely manner.

Support Labor Relations in the management of union contracts to ensure regulatory compliance.

Develop and execute a strategic staffing plan to ensure the candidate pipeline meets the demands of projected growth of the organization. Develop, cultivate, and manage relationships with school leaders and vendor management partners, to understand and help fulfill their staffing and meet business goals.

Liaise with the CPS Central Office Talent Management team to provide input to their strategic plan and to the development of policy and practice supporting recruitment, training, and coaching for Nutrition Support staff.

Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Staffing Manager must possess the following qualifications: Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• HR Certifications including but not limited to SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHRare preferred.
• Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an HR Generalist role, including workforce planning, staffing, employee relations, performance management and coaching, team‑building, and training.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Previous experience working in a union environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices in human resources, including thorough understanding of federal and state employment, benefits, and labor laws.
• Strong HR technology skills, Taleo and Peoplesoft preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills to build and maintain work relations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen and data driven mindset – ability to influence, drive decisions and lead discussions on data utilization.
• Ability to identify process improvements and make sound recommendations.

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

CONNECT WITH US

Keep in touch to hear about our organization.