π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Portfolio Marketing Lead
πΉ Company: UL Solutions
πΉ Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site, Full-time
πΉ Category: Professional Services
πΉ Date Posted: April 18, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Defining go-to-market strategies and aligning the portfolio to buyer needs
- Overseeing buyer persona development and implementing buyer-centric messaging
- Ensuring effective sales enablement through coordinated sales knowledge transfer programs
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring offerings to market consistently and quickly
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of market segmentation, buyer insights, and sales enablement strategies to drive portfolio growth and success.
π Key Responsibilities
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Define go-to-market strategies and align the portfolio to buyer needs
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Size and segment markets, align to marketing, sales, and product strategies
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Identify and isolate buyer audiences, lead buyer persona development, and oversee buyer persona prioritization
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Understand differentiators to buyer audience, implement buyer-centric messaging methodology, and facilitate alignment on target buyer
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Establish launch tier model across portfolio, drive launch process and planning consistency, and develop launch governance
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Know routes to market (direct and indirect), understand sales organization structure, methodologies, etc. to establish consistent sales knowledge transfer plan
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Contribute to business success by performing other tasks as required
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in marketing, with a focus on portfolio marketing, product marketing, or a similar role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in market segmentation and buyer insights
- Strong understanding of go-to-market strategies and sales enablement
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and marketing automation tools
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
- Familiarity with the professional services industry
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role within the professional services industry may have an advantage.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Employee discounts and wellness programs
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for meetings and project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual salary may vary based on experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: UL Solutions operates in the professional services industry, focusing on applied safety science, testing, inspection, and certification services. The company helps customers innovate, launch new products, and navigate global markets.
Company Size: UL Solutions is a large organization with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 1894, as Underwriters Laboratories, the company has a rich history and extensive experience in its field.
Company Description:
- UL Solutions is a global leader in applied safety science, delivering testing, inspection, and certification services to customers in over 110 countries.
- The company helps customers innovate, launch new products, and grow sustainably and responsibly through its science-driven approach.
- UL Solutions is committed to advancing its safety mission and providing a recognized symbol of trust in its customers' products.
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: https://www.ul.com/solutions
ASSUMPTION: UL Solutions' extensive experience and global presence provide a stable and supportive work environment for employees.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management or senior individual contributor level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The Portfolio Marketing Lead will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing and work closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, sales, and other marketing functions.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the company's headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, for a minimum of three days per week. The remaining two days may be worked remotely, depending on business needs and team alignment.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a director or vice president role within marketing or a related function
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional product portfolios or geographic regions
- Development of leadership and management skills through mentoring and coaching opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a large and established organization.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: UL Solutions' headquarters is a modern, professional office environment with collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and on-site amenities.
Office Location(s): 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2096, US
Geographic Context:
- Northbrook is a suburb of Chicago, located approximately 25 miles north of the city's downtown area.
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation.
- Northbrook is home to several Fortune 500 companies and provides a strong job market with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with core hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Some flexibility is available for meetings and project deadlines, and overtime may be required occasionally to meet business needs.
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement may require occasional travel to other UL Solutions offices or client sites, depending on business needs.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Market segmentation and buyer insights
- Go-to-market strategy development and execution
- Cross-functional team collaboration and communication
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Adaptability and cultural fit
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to market segmentation, buyer insights, and go-to-market strategies in the interview
- Research UL Solutions and the professional services industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company to show your interest and engagement
ATS Keywords: Go-to-market strategy, market segmentation, buyer insights, sales enablement, portfolio marketing, product marketing, cross-functional teams, market alignment, messaging methodology, launch process, sales knowledge transfer
ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring team's availability.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the team's preferences and the company's standard practices.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Expertise
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Sustainability
Work Style:
- Results-driven and focused on delivering value to customers
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions and customer needs
- Data-driven and analytical, with a strong emphasis on using data to inform decision-making
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach market segmentation and buyer insights in your current or previous role?
- Can you describe a time when you successfully developed and executed a go-to-market strategy?
- How do you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with UL Solutions' values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's ongoing success.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including customers, sales teams, and product managers
- Adapting to changes in market conditions, customer needs, and company priorities
- Developing and maintaining expertise in a rapidly evolving industry
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges effectively and contribute to the company's ongoing success.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Portfolio Marketing Manager - Responsible for developing and executing go-to-market strategies for a specific product portfolio, with a focus on driving revenue growth and market share
- Product Marketing Manager - Focuses on a specific product or service, working closely with product management and sales teams to develop and execute go-to-market strategies
- Market Research Analyst - Responsible for conducting market research and analysis to inform business decisions, with a focus on understanding market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of market research, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates with a strong background in marketing and a passion for driving business growth.
π Sample Projects
- Conducting market segmentation analysis to identify high-growth opportunities for a specific product portfolio
- Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new product launch, including messaging, positioning, and sales enablement
- Analyzing customer feedback and market trends to inform product roadmap and feature prioritization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of initiatives the Portfolio Marketing Lead may be responsible for, highlighting the role's focus on market research, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing organization and company strategy?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role will collaborate with other functions?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does UL Solutions support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents approached them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and team dynamics.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.