Corporate Strategy Manager
USG stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone.
USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For over 125 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 8,700 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values: safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.
We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.
USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general/managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.
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 StrategyAnalyze 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
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required
2-4 years of experience in management consulting preferred
Experience in B2B commercial environments with a manufacturing or industrial goods company preferred
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
Key Competencies
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
Location and travel requirements
This role is based in Chicago, Illinois at our downtown headquarters
USG currently utilizes a hybrid work model in which employees are expected to work onsite 2-3 days/ week
Travel for this role will be limited, likely no more than 5-10% over a year timeframe
Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
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.
Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.
EOE including disability/veteran
- Department
- Corporate Planning & Strategy
- Locations
- Corporate Headquarters
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Yearly salary
- $119,880 - $149,160
- Hourly/Salaried
- Salaried
- Oracle Department
- Corp-Strategy and Transition-144-010|USG Corporation|USG Business Group
- Oracle Job Title
- CORPPLAN.Strategy Analytics Mgr..|E.0.10|USG
About USG Corporation
Headquartered in Chicago, we serve construction markets around the world with wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products that enable our customers to build the outstanding spaces where people live, work and play.
Our network of plants, mines, quarries and other facilities includes 49 manufacturing locations and over 7,500 employees across North America.
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