Program Manager Lead - Global Operations

Posted 58 Minutes Ago
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Northbrook, IL, USA
Hybrid
120K-150K Annually
Expert/Leader
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Our mission is to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place.
The Role
Lead and deliver strategic global operations programs across labs, field, quality and enterprise initiatives. Develop scalable project management processes, manage execution, budgets, risks and stakeholders, coach project managers, perform business and financial analysis, and drive change management and strategic communications with executive and regional stakeholders.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Manager Lead is responsible for leading and delivering a broad portfolio of strategic initiatives that support UL Solutions' Global Operations, including but not limited to footprint, lab, field, quality, operational excellence, and other enterprise priorities. This role provides strong program and project management leadership across complex, cross-functional initiatives by developing workplans, managing execution, coordinating stakeholders, tracking risks and milestones, and driving outcomes aligned to Global Operations and enterprise strategies. The Program Manager Lead also provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to other project managers, helping ensure consistent project management practices, disciplined execution, and alignment across the broader portfolio. As a member of the Global Operations organization, the Program Manager Lead conducts research, collects and analyzes internal and external data, prepares studies and recommendations, and identifies approaches, resources, and tools to improve the effectiveness and impact of global operations. The role partners with business leaders, functional teams, project managers, and regional stakeholders globally on program design, project execution, stakeholder management, change management, and strategic communications.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Strategic program and project leadership
  • Leads Global Operations-related strategic initiatives and complex programs by collaborating with subject matter experts, business leaders, and operational leaders globally.
  • Develop and maintain scalable project management processes, tools, and methods that can be deployed across Global Operations and for various types of initiatives
  • Collaborate closely with ePMO to maintain best practice governance, processes and reporting as well as project management capabilities
  • Translates corporate and Global Operations strategies into actionable program plans, including initiatives beyond footprint to support operational priorities and business outcomes.
  • Identifies, prioritizes, plans, and executes activities required to support Global Operations strategies, priorities, and special initiative projects across lab, field, quality, and enterprise operations.
  • Manages implementation of large, complex programs and provides overall project management leadership, governance, and support to one or more global project teams.
  • Leads, coaches, and supports other project managers to strengthen project delivery, improve consistency, and ensure alignment with Global Operations priorities.
  • Acts as the front-line lead for program-related activities, issues, risks, dependencies, and decisions; manages risks and takes corrective action to keep work on track.
  • Business and financial analyst
  • Analyzes information regarding customers, products, markets, geographies, and competitors in Lab and Operations related areas to assist in developing new and current opportunities.
  • Interprets information to determine the costs and potential benefits to Lab and Operations and UL Solutions.
  • Interfaces with C-Suite Executives, Business Unit Leaders and finance to develop business case and other financial measures. Partners with purchasing to develop POs and manages suppliers and vendor relationships.
  • Manages the program's budget and financial performance.
  • Employee engagement
  • Manages stakeholders' communication.
  • Supports communication and change management of the Lab and Operations strategic plan objectives to cross-functional, regional and local management in coordination with the corporate communications and change management teams.

SKILLS
  • Demonstrated leadership ability, technical and business acumen and industry knowledge.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines, as well as the ability to work well in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.
  • Proven ability to build and lead integrated teams from various internal and external organizations across multiple sites.
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop project managers and project teams to deliver complex initiatives with consistent standards, governance, and accountability.
  • Sound knowledge of business management.
  • Proven ability to lead diverse teams.
  • Background in the development of strategic and tactical planning of technology and people resources necessary for successful completion of several large-scale projects.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • High degree of initiative, dependability, and ability to achieve broadly communicated objectives with a minimal amount of supervision.
  • Excellent written, oral, presentation and meeting facilitation skills.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills.
  • Financial/budget management, resource management skills.
  • Ability to provide recommendations on complex issues and navigate conflict.
  • Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Positive and collaborative interpersonal skills to work effectively across all organizational levels, with Executive Level reporting and escalation experience.
  • Creativity and curiosity to learn new ideas and ways of working with motivation and initiative to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to promote innovative ideas and accept the risks that are required to lead change.
  • Ability to make decisions independently and to assume higher-level leadership responsibilities in critical situations.
  • Demonstrate strong professionalism and proven ability to work with senior leaders.
  • Self-motivated and possessing a high sense of urgency and personal integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
  • Generally, 10 years or more of related discipline experience or demonstrated competency including 5 years or more of relevant management/leadership experience or demonstrated competency.
  • Experience successfully executing programs in a diverse global business environment.
  • Experience leading or providing oversight to other project managers, including coaching on project planning, execution discipline, stakeholder management, risk management, and reporting.
  • Background in the development of strategic and tactical planning necessary for successful completion of large-scale projects.
  • Experience developing, evaluating and submitting business cases for major capital investments.
  • Experience with cross geographical project coordination and management.
  • Experience working on project and portfolio management Tools (Visio, MS Project, Clarity, etc.).
  • Experience in Organizational Change Management.

EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's degree required; Advanced degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
  • Examples include: MBA, MA in Project Management, or master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent work experience.
  • PMP and/or Agile certifications preferred but not required with related hands-on delivery experience.

What you'll experience working for ULS
UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894 and we're still leading the way. From day one, we've blazed a trail protecting the planet and everyone on it. Our teams have influenced billions of products, plus services, software offerings and more. We break things, burn things and blow things up. All in the name of safety science.
That's where you come in - because none of it could happen without you. It takes passion to protect people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data and conviction to make the world a more sustainable place. It takes bold ideas and brilliant minds to build a better world for future generations across the globe.
This is more than a job. It's a calling. A passion to use our expertise and play our part in creating a more secure, sustainable world today - and tomorrow. As a member of our safety science community, you'll use your ideas, your energy and your ambition to innovate, challenge and ultimately, help create a safer world.
Everyone here is unique. But we're also a global community, working together to help create a safer world. Join UL Solutions and you can connect with the brightest minds in the business, all bringing their distinct perspectives and diverse backgrounds together to deliver real change.
Empowering our customers to keep the world safe means thinking ahead. It means investing in training and empowering our people to learn and innovate. At UL Solutions, we help build a better future - one where everyone benefits.
Join UL Solutions to be at the center of safety. To learn more about us and the work we do, visit UL.com
Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 USD and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).
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ABOUT US
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our global network of 80+ laboratories is constantly evolving, because the world around us is always changing. We embrace this - we invest in improving our equipment and our skills so we're one step ahead of the market. One day we could be setting up a burn test and the next, simulating a tornado. And because we're always evolving, your career will evolve alongside us, whether you're working on brand new technology or connecting with experts around the globe. Join our team, drive the growth of our organization and deliver real change - in a changing world.

Skills Required

  • 10+ years of related discipline experience
  • 5+ years of relevant management or leadership experience
  • Experience executing programs in a diverse global business environment
  • Experience leading or providing oversight to other project managers
  • Experience developing and evaluating business cases for major capital investments
  • Experience with project and portfolio management tools (Visio, MS Project, Clarity)
  • Experience with cross-geographical project coordination and management
  • Experience in Organizational Change Management
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience)
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MA Project Management, MS Computer Science or related)
  • PMP and/or Agile certifications
  • Strong stakeholder management, communication, presentation and facilitation skills
  • Financial and budget management experience
  • Demonstrated leadership, analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

What the Team is Saying

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UL Solutions Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Strong & Reliable Incentives Incentive pay is positioned as broad-based, with UL stating all employees are eligible for an annual performance bonus across regions. This universal design creates a consistent incentive foundation regardless of role or country.
  • Retirement Support Retirement offerings are described as strong, featuring a 401(k) with matching up to a total 5% and an additional 4% company retirement contribution after the first year in U.S. materials. Employees also reference access to an employee stock purchase plan in the U.S. and many major operating regions.
  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage breadth includes medical, dental, and vision with U.S. plans noting the company pays over 75% of medical premiums and offers PPO and HDHP options. Supportive programs like FSAs/HSAs, disability, life insurance, EAP, and mental‑health resources are frequently cited.

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The Company
HQ: Chicago, IL
15,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1894

What We Do

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Why Work With Us

Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence.

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UL Solutions Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Depending on the role we offer hybrid or remote opportunities.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
HQChicago, IL
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Northbrook, IL
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