Corporate Strategy Manager

USG Corporation • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Role Charter – Manager, Corporate Strategy
Key Accountabilities
Capital Strategy & Analysis
Support the development and maintenance of a holistic low-cost manufacturing strategy for the USG lines of business
Produce summaries of industry and market trends and develop demand forecasts to inform capital investment decisions and priorities
Conduct quantitative and qualitative evaluations of potential capital investments across multiple dimensions, including:
Current and future delivered cost position relative to competitors – Locations and capacity sizes to consider for investment
Potential raw material sources and delivery modes
Role of warehouses and/or distribution centers in supporting service level and cost objectives
Network optimization analysis
Comprehensive view across all USG product categories
Build financial models to support capital investment cases including ROI calculations, cash flow projections, and sensitivity analyses

Profitability Improvement and Growth Strategy
Analyze profitability drivers across multiple dimensions (e.g., channel, geography, product, customer, mode)
Identify profitability themes and trends across all dimensions through external research, data analysis, and internal stakeholder interviews
Develop data-driven assessments of potential profitability improvement levers and strategic initiatives
Estimate potential financial impact, execution complexity, and risk associated with each opportunity
Support prioritization discussions with the business by preparing analysis and presentation materials
Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., sales, manufacturing, and logistics) to track performance and adoption
Strategic & Analytical Projects
Lead or support special projects at the direction of business unit leaders such as resource allocation analysis, competitive intelligence, market trend synthesis and implications, and operational efficiency improvement campaigns
Develop and maintain long-range operational forecasts regarding volume, market share, financial requirements, human capital needs, etc.
M&A Support
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify and profile potential acquisition or partnership targets
Support creation of financial models for potential targets to assess valuation, synergy size, and ROI
Assist operational teams with post-merger integration planning
Business Operations Support
Provide analytical support to business leaders on operational and strategic questions
Support initiatives to improve service position (VOC, quality improvement)
Drive internal process efficiencies and lead administrative activities for key BU activities
Provide input into demand forecasts and other analytics related to production scheduling, profitability, and customer specific requests
Collaborate with USG Corporation and members of shared services

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to structure analysis, breaking down complex business questions
• Collaborative working style with the ability to partner effectively across functions
• Clear and concise communicator, both written and verbal
• Strong Excel skills with ability to produce defect-free analysis independently (financial modeling, sensitivity analysis, scenario modeling)
• Strong PowerPoint skills with the ability to create clear, concise, and executive-ready materials
• Ability to synthesize data into well-supported recommendations
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple analytical workstreams
• Well-rounded problem solver, comfortable switching between detailed analytical work and cross-functional collaboration
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, clear communication, and a desire to grow into broader business leadership roles over time
• Strategic mindset and ability to structure analyses
• Strong analytical skills, including strong Excel capabilities
• Able to collaborate across functional groups to achieve shared objectives
• Clear verbal and written communication of insights
• Effective project management skills and ability to work independently while supporting team objectives
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions with data

Nice To Haves

• 2-4 years of experience in management consulting preferred
• Experience in B2B commercial environments with a manufacturing or industrial goods company preferred

Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of a holistic low-cost manufacturing strategy for the USG lines of business
• Produce summaries of industry and market trends and develop demand forecasts to inform capital investment decisions and priorities
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative evaluations of potential capital investments across multiple dimensions
• Build financial models to support capital investment cases including ROI calculations, cash flow projections, and sensitivity analyses
• Analyze profitability drivers across multiple dimensions (e.g., channel, geography, product, customer, mode)
• Identify profitability themes and trends across all dimensions through external research, data analysis, and internal stakeholder interviews
• Develop data-driven assessments of potential profitability improvement levers and strategic initiatives
• Estimate potential financial impact, execution complexity, and risk associated with each opportunity
• Support prioritization discussions with the business by preparing analysis and presentation materials
• Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., sales, manufacturing, and logistics) to track performance and adoption
• Lead or support special projects at the direction of business unit leaders
• Develop and maintain long-range operational forecasts regarding volume, market share, financial requirements, human capital needs, etc.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify and profile potential acquisition or partnership targets
• Support creation of financial models for potential targets to assess valuation, synergy size, and ROI
• Assist operational teams with post-merger integration planning
• Provide analytical support to business leaders on operational and strategic questions
• Support initiatives to improve service position (VOC, quality improvement)
• Drive internal process efficiencies and lead administrative activities for key BU activities
• Provide input into demand forecasts and other analytics related to production scheduling, profitability, and customer specific requests
• Collaborate with USG Corporation and members of shared services

Benefits

• USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage.
• The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.
• Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan.
• Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few.
• USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity.
• USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level