People that pull strings to get ranks? (5)

I believe the answer is:

tiers

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ranks?' is the definition.
(tier is a kind of rank)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tiers that I've seen before include "Layers or thicknesses" , "drawers?" , "Layers, levels" , "I rest in layers" , "Rows; levels" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app