Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Standards Program Manager supporting the Standards Delivery & Innovation Program at UL Standards & Engagement. This is a hybrid opportunity based in either Evanston, IL; Raleigh-Durham, NC; or Ottawa, Canada.

The Associate Standards Program Manager will support a diverse portfolio of standards and ensure the execution of our standards development and maintenance process to advance our mission to make the world safer, more secure, and sustainable. This role will leverage expertise to inform standards development strategy focused on optimization, efficiency, capacity, and the impact of safety standards while providing oversight and guidance to standards team members. 

The Standards Delivery & Innovation Program is designed to advance innovation and operational excellence by consolidating similar projects and achieving economies of scale. This approach supports consistency and efficiency across the standards portfolio, allowing the organization to respond swiftly to emerging needs and innovation. By streamlining processes and reducing redundancy, the program creates capacity in primary programs and enables greater agility and responsiveness. 

UL Standards & Engagement 

At UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. 

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Standards teams who develop the standards required to put that knowledge into practice. 

What you’ll learn and achieve 

As the Associate Standards Program Manager, you will play a key role as you: 

• Manage the full lifecycle of the standards development process, including identifying needs and creating, revising, approving, and publishing standards. Manage projects to ensure successful execution aligned with organizational goals. 

• Drive the integration of safety standards and requirements into relevant end-product and service standards and advocate for the use of UL standards publications. 

• Apply specialized knowledge in operational excellence, process improvement, and resource optimization to streamline project execution and drive efficiency across the portfolio. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across the organization. Engage teams and leaders to align priorities, drive adoption, and communicate proposed changes through presentations, working sessions, and other internal forums. 

• Scope end-to-end project plans, troubleshoot complex issues, achieve project deadlines, and adjust scope as necessary. Serve as a source of escalation by providing solutions and anticipating risks or impacts to other areas of the organization. 

• Communicate program scope and outcomes with professional audiences in the technical field. Identify actions and opportunities for collaboration with relevant leaders and stakeholders. 

• Drive collaboration within the team to ensure achievement of team-level goals. Manage, coach, and train junior and experienced team members to support the effective execution of standards activities. 

• Participate, as needed, in technical committees and serve as chair for key standards or program-development stakeholder bodies within specific industry sectors or categories. 

• Identify opportunities for program expansion, ensure the continuous evolution and relevance of safety standards, and create capacity for new, high-impact standards. 

• Maintain awareness of industry trends and the external context related to the portfolio, offering insights to inform strategic decisions and the direction of the standards development function. 

• Contribute to department initiatives as needed. 

What you’ll experience working at UL Standards & Engagement 

We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do. 

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require. 

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good. 

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs. 

• Values: Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive. 

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401(k) matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement savings fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days. 

What makes you a great fit 

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes: 

• Broad knowledge of a specific area or program and its impact on other parts of the organization and the broader standards community. 

• Experience executing strategy, with the ability to interpret, support, and execute organizational strategy; translate objectives into actionable plans; and drive successful execution. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, including setting expectations, establishing and operationalizing clear goals, and ensuring accountability for processes and results. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including conflict mediation, negotiation, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to establish effective relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders. 

• Experience fostering collaboration and partnership with cross-functional teams to develop solutions with broad impact. 

• Strategic thinking and the ability to innovate and adapt in a dynamic industry landscape. 

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include: 

• Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree is preferred. 

• Minimum of 8 years of related work experience. 

• PMP or a relevant project management certification is a plus. 

About UL Standards & Engagement 

UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety through the development and application of scientific knowledge. We develop standards to guide the safe commercialization of evolving technologies, convene experts worldwide to address risks, and share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives. We use collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being. 

To learn more, visit UL.org. 

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