Chelmsford-based Kronos Inc., which develops software that helps companies manage their work forces, said that chief executive Aron Ain is the recipient of an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in New England.

Ain won in the technology category. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and success in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their business and community.

Ain has helped build Kronos into an $800 million company with 3,500 employees. Kronos hired nearly 600 people worldwide in the past year and is actively hiring, with more than 200 current job openings worldwide.

In 2007, Ain played the leading role in negotiating the sale of Kronos to private equity firm Hellman & Friedman for $1.8 billion.