Manager, Strategy & Business Development

ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

The team you will be a part of

The Strategy and Business Development team is responsible for the overall development, implementation and progress of strategic business targets. Identifies, evaluates and negotiates acquisitions, partnerships, alliances and joint ventures. Directs the planning and preparation of business proposals and makes recommendations to senior management.

This role in summary

Currently, Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a Manager, Strategy & Business Development position located in Benton Harbor, MI. The Corporate Strategy team is aligned with the C-suite at Whirlpool and drives initiatives in four major areas: Business Development/M&A, Strategic Initiatives, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Planning.

Business Development and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Responsible for the M&A strategy, as well as assessment and execution of specific acquisition, joint venture, alliance, and divestiture opportunities on a global basis.

Strategic Initiatives

Lead important strategic initiatives mandated by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee on behalf of the enterprise. We also partner with business leaders to support the development of business strategies. Types of initiatives we drive include market entry strategy, growth strategy, and portfolio strategy.

Competitive Strategy & Intelligence

Partner with the Executive Committee to shape the competitive strategy for the company and embed it into regional plans. Assess competitor activities and performance, including being accountable for ongoing competitive monitoring.

Strategic Planning

The team defines the strategic planning process for the enterprise, including long-range planning, strategic planning, and strategy reviews with the Board of Directors.

For Chicago-based candidates, this role offers a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates in Chicago are permitted to work approximately 50% of their in-office days from our World of Whirlpool building (located in downtown Chicago). The remaining 50% of their in-office days must be worked from our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Depending on workload and meeting requirements, some weeks could require more (or less) than 50% onsite attendance at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. #LI-DD1

Your responsibilities will include

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Use strong judgment, problem-solving, and analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative. Analyze strategic growth opportunities for Whirlpool and work towards “cracking the case”. Understand the required data sets to complete the analysis and procure them accordingly. Utilize critical thinking to evaluate ambiguous issues and manage the delivery of timely, well triangulated analyses, with actionable insights.

Strategic Project Management

Be able to scope analyses, assess resources, manage execution, and report findings of strategic questions and projects. Ensure the delivery of insightful and zero-defect analyses as part of the overall project deliverables. Develop work plans independently to effectively manage the day-to-day activities of the CSBD and global cross-functional teams. In addition, manage relationships with 3rd party advisors, where appropriate. Demonstrate mastery in Google Slides/Docs/Sheets to create impactful, concise communication material for senior leadership.

Competitive Intelligence Review and Reporting

Develop competitive strategies and establish a competitive intelligence-gathering network and reporting framework for the organization. Provide briefings on competitive intelligence through Executive Committee and Board meeting materials

Stakeholder Management and Leadership Communication

Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders across all functions within the organization and help identify key strategic questions. Communicate effectively, both verbally and on paper, with senior stakeholders (Director) across all functions. Create and oversee the development of major strategic initiatives and project presentations for senior executives and board members. Effectively manage the day-to-day activities of cross-functional teams comprised of individuals across different brands, functional groups, and geographic regions.

Team Management

Develop junior team members and streamline processes inherent in the Strategic Planning and Business Development team. Engage in recruiting efforts and apprenticeship of junior team members in core skills (e.g. spreadsheets, slides, etc.)

Minimum requirements

Masters of Business Administration

2 years of Business Analyst experience at a management consulting, investment banking, or private equity firm or in a strategic function within a corporate organization

1 years’ experience in project management, strategic communications, or change management

Preferred skills and experiences

Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, including confidence and presence to engage effectively with senior executives

Understand how to deliver on short time frames and be committed to meeting deadlines

Communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect

Strong judgment, problem-solving, and analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative

Be highly motivated and possess vision and enthusiasm

Combination of out-of-the-box thinking and ability to question the status quo and generally accepted beliefs

Be comfortable acting as an individual contributor and as a cross-functional team manager (Player/Coach)

What we offer

Generous benefits package (https://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/work-with-us-ca-experienced/) , Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy – Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability – additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We apply ‘always on’ flexibility to all work days. You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. Employees in this role work in person Monday through Thursday with the option to work from anywhere on Friday.

We offer other flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

Flexible Friday – Option to work extra hours Monday through Thursday to finish up work early on Friday.

Two-Week Work from Anywhere – Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.

Sabbatical – Four weeks of paid leave after every five years of service.

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what its like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers (http://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/) . Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WhirlpoolCorp/) , Twitter (http://twitter.com/whirlpoolcorp) , LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/whirlpool-corporation/life/) , Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/whirlpoolcorp/) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/WhirlpoolCorporation) .

At Whirlpool Corporation, we value and celebrate diversity. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.