Rachel Jones Manuel
Rachel Jones-Manuel is a dynamic workforce solutions leader with more than 20 years of experience in contingent workforce management, service delivery, and operational excellence. Based in Orlando, Florida, she currently serves as Vice President of Associate & Operational Services at nextSource, where she oversees Employer of Record (EOR) services, direct sourcing, international payroll, MSP programs, and SOW solutions. Known for her strategic, people-first approach, Rachel specializes in simplifying complex workforce models, ensuring compliance across all 50 states, and creating scalable solutions that allow organizations to grow with confidence.
Rachel’s career began unexpectedly after earning her degree in Political Science and Communications from University of South Florida. What started as a temporary payroll contract role during W-2 season evolved into a long-term career in workforce management. She spent nearly 15 years with Workforce Logiq (formerly ZeroChaos), advancing through leadership roles in operations, enterprise solutions, and client services before joining nextSource. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing teams, optimized service delivery models, and partnered with clients to design workforce strategies that align with evolving business needs.
Passionate about leadership development and mentorship, Rachel finds her greatest professional fulfillment in helping others achieve their goals. She approaches hiring and team development as a partnership, intentionally aligning individual aspirations with organizational objectives. Her ability to connect authentically with people—whether colleagues, clients, or candidates—has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and relationship builder. By combining operational rigor with empathy and strategic insight, Rachel continues to shape workforce solutions that prioritize compliance, agility, and meaningful human connection.
• University of South Florida
• Dress for Success
• Harris Rosen Tangelo Park Scholarship Foundation
• Habitat for Humanity
• Ronald McDonald House Ice Cream Social
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being able to relate to people on a personal level. I think that ability helps me build strong relationships, and building relationships always makes work easier. Throughout my career, what I've found most rewarding is helping other people achieve their goals. As a hiring manager who interviews a lot of people, I always tell them that interviewing is a two-way street. It's not just me interviewing you, but you should also be interviewing us to make sure it's someplace you want to make a commitment to. I like to know what people's professional goals are, what their journey has been, and what they're looking to achieve, and then I bake their goals into mine. When people hit me up on LinkedIn now and they're in their dream role, thanking me for giving them the opportunity to get started, or for giving them feedback, or for mentoring them, that's my greatest accomplishment. That personal connection and investment in others is what has driven my success over these 20-plus years in the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to find something you love to do and would do for free, and then find out a way to get paid for it. People always used to tell me this when I was younger, and it really stuck with me. I think it speaks to the importance of finding work that aligns with your passion and interests, rather than just chasing a paycheck. When you're doing something you genuinely love, it doesn't feel like work, and that's when you can truly excel and find fulfillment in your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to just start. I think most people in any industry spend a lot of time thinking about things, but the key is finding a place to get started and getting experience. There really isn't any specific degree required for this field, which is something we always joke about in contingent workforce management. There are so many different things a person could be doing in this industry. Some people are more behind-the-scenes in operations, some are more in front of the client, and some are in sales. So hone in on what is really your interest and what you want to do. The advice I always received was to find something you love to do and would do for free, and then find out a way to get paid for it. Go after whatever your interest and passion is, whether you want to be behind the scenes or out front with customers, and just begin the journey.