Business Communications Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Business Communications Lead

🔹 Company: UL Solutions

🔹 Location: Northbrook, Illinois

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days a week in office)

🔹 Category: Professional Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as an effective counselor, influencer, and best practice advocate to senior leaders
• Designing and executing customized, integrated communications strategies
• Delivering business results through strategic communications
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align communications with business objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence senior leaders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic communications counsel

✅ Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that drive business results

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align communications with business objectives

✅ Monitor and analyze communications trends and metrics to inform strategy and improve performance

✅ Manage external agencies and vendors to support communications initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to communications, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in corporate communications, with a proven track record of delivering business results

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in developing and executing strategic communications plans
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with media relations and crisis communications

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the professional services industry
• Fluency in a second language

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a corporate environment and a strong understanding of business objectives will be most successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This role requires occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines or manage crises.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: UL Solutions is a global leader in applied safety science, providing testing, inspection, and certification services to customers in over 110 countries. They operate in the professional services industry, serving a wide range of clients across various sectors.

Company Size: UL Solutions has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1894, with a rich history in safety science and a strong reputation for excellence and innovation.

Company Description:

• UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection, and certification services, as well as software products and advisory offerings, to support customers’ product innovation and business growth.
• The company helps customers navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future.
• UL Solutions is committed to advancing its safety mission and helping customers achieve their business objectives through its expertise and services.

Company Specialties:

• Testing
• Certification
• Auditing
• Advisory and Education
• Validation
• Inspection
• Sustainability
• Cybersecurity
• Building Performance
• Connected Technologies
• Anti-counterfeiting
• Functional Safety
• Risk management
• Analytics
• Data Intelligence
• Circular economy
• Supply chain transparency
• Supply network intelligence
• Human factors engineering

Company Website: UL Solutions

ASSUMPTION: UL Solutions' extensive experience and expertise in safety science make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to ensure the safety and performance of their products and services.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in corporate communications.

Reporting Structure: The Business Communications Lead reports directly to the Vice President of Corporate Communications and works closely with senior leaders across the organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, requiring the incumbent to work on-site at the Northbrook or Chicago office for 3 days a week.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the communications team
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
• Chance to gain experience in a global organization and work with diverse teams

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and innovative organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: UL Solutions' Northbrook and Chicago offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2096, US (Northbrook office); Chicago office location TBD

Geographic Context:

• Northbrook is a suburb of Chicago, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to the city's amenities and attractions.
• The area is home to a diverse range of industries, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
• Northbrook and the surrounding area offer a high quality of life, with excellent schools, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities.

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with occasional evening and weekend work required to meet deadlines or manage crises.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their productivity and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Vice President of Corporate Communications
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic thinking
• Ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with UL Solutions' values

Application Tips:

• Highlight your experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans
• Include specific examples of your ability to influence senior leaders and drive business results
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Strategic communications, business results, senior leaders, integrated communications, project management, crisis communications, media relations

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who can demonstrate a strong track record of delivering business results through strategic communications and a proven ability to influence senior leaders will be most competitive for this role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will be a quick learner and able to adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Safety: We put safety at the heart of everything we do
• Integrity: We act with integrity and respect
• Expertise: We leverage our deep knowledge and expertise
• Innovation: We embrace change and innovation
• Performance: We focus on performance and results

Work Style:

• Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
• Adaptable: We embrace change and continuous learning
• Accountable: We take ownership and responsibility for our actions
• Inclusive: We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Customer-focused: We prioritize the needs and expectations of our customers

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with UL Solutions' values and work style?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site collaboration and remote work?
• Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, managing multiple projects and priorities?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who can demonstrate a strong fit with UL Solutions' values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities, often with tight deadlines
• Influencing senior leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Adapting to a dynamic and evolving work environment
• Balancing on-site collaboration and remote work in a hybrid setting

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who can demonstrate strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment will be best equipped to overcome these challenges.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike some corporate communications roles, this position requires a high degree of strategic thinking and the ability to influence senior leaders
• UL Solutions' global presence and diverse client base offer unique opportunities for growth and exposure
• This role provides a clear path for professional development and advancement within the communications team

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who have experience in corporate communications and are seeking a role that offers significant strategic responsibilities and growth opportunities will find this position appealing.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major product launch
• Managing a crisis communications response to a high-profile issue, ensuring minimal impact on the organization's reputation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and implement an integrated marketing campaign, driving brand awareness and customer engagement

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who can provide specific examples of their experience in these areas will be well-positioned to succeed in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the organization?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the company, and how can this role address them?
• How does the hiring manager envision this role evolving over time, and what opportunities exist for professional growth?
• What is the team's approach to collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, and how does this role support those efforts?
• How does UL Solutions support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in hybrid roles?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who ask thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and their commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, emphasizing your ability to drive business results through strategic communications
• Prepare for your interview by researching UL Solutions and developing thoughtful questions to ask the hiring manager
• Follow up after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.