Program Manager Lead - Global Operations

UL Solutions · Chicago, Illinois; Northbrook, Illinois · $120,000 - $150,000 USD · Posted 2026-08-12

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 UL Solutions

UL Solutions turns issues in safety, security, and sustainability into opportunities for clients in over 100 countries.

Program Manager Lead - Global Operations

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