Global Graduate - Business Development
Location: Waukegan, IL Salary Range: $77,000.00 to $87,000.00
About SKF SKF reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow. SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030. We are guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.
We are a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.
Learn about SKF at www.skf.com
Summary As a Global Graduate at SKF, you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of industries, business functions, and applications. Whether you want to make the world more sustainable, find innovative solutions for businesses, or be at the forefront of technological change, SKF is the place for you. Together with 40,000 inspirational and motivated SKF colleagues around the world, you can make a lasting difference.
The introduction and program gatherings in which you will get training within several areas such as leadership, project management, and business knowledge are spent together with the full Global Graduate group. Upon completion of the Global Graduate Program, you will have a solid platform to leverage a career within SKF.
Business Development Plus Technology for Data Management To be accountable for integrating, consolidating all parts, commercial, operational, etc. projects and goals of our strategy and articulating them in a clear end-to-end tracking tool-like OKRs or an X Matrix-so we can track progress, alignment, and execution more effectively.
We offer:
• An 18-month learning experience with permanent employment at SKF in the US • Several individually designed local and international cross-functional rotations • The opportunity to participate in or manage real projects in a global environment • Vast professional development and growth throughout the whole program • Extensive project management & leadership training and experience • A solid professional network-both locally and globally • Gatherings with lots of fun together with your Global Graduate colleagues
Key Responsibilities Integrate the Strategy End to End Consolidate commercial, operational, and project objectives into a unified OKR-X Matrix with clear ownership metrics and timelines.
Build the Tracking System Design and deploy an automated single source of truth tracking tool, dashboards, workflow to monitor goals, progress, and dependencies.
Run Governance Cadence Lead quarterly, monthly business reviews, MBRQBR status rituals, and anchor decision meetings, publish scorecards and actions.
Enable Execution & Course Correction Identify slippage or misalignment early, run root cause analyses, implement corrective actions, and re-baseline when needed.
Stakeholder Alignment Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions, reconcile trade-offs between growth, cost, and service, provide executive-ready updates.
Requirements Masters degree or equivalent within engineering, management, business administration, finance, entrepreneurship, or IT, in combination with extracurricular activities.
Demonstrated entrepreneurial and innovative mindset and/or experience.
International- and cross-cultural experiences.
Preferably 0-2 years of working experience post-graduation.
English working proficiency.
Drive and energy to make a change.
Business-oriented mindset.
High flexibility willing to travel.
Demonstrates a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Ability to work well with different people in different cultures.
Demonstrates a high level of integrity.
Strategic Systems Thinking Connect commercial, operational, and project goals into a single end-to-end strategy map, OKRs, X Matrix, Hoshin.
Business Development Acumen Market analysis, pipeline building, partner management, value propositions, and commercialization.
Data Architecture & Governance Define data models, master data standards, ownership, and quality controls across functions.
Analytics & Tooling Proficiency Advanced use of dashboards, Power BI, Tableau, workflow tools, and OKR-X Matrix platforms, ability to automate tracking.
Program, Portfolio Management Change Leadership & Communication Drive adoption, craft clear narratives, facilitate alignment rituals, quarterly reviews, and influence senior stakeholders.
Execution Discipline KPI definition, targets, baselines, cadenced reviews, and corrective action management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Navigate Sales Operations, Finance, PX, and IT to resolve trade-offs and maintain alignment.
What Youll Love About SKF Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
Work-Life Integration. SKF supports work-life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being, and health.
Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish, leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership engagement and innovation.
Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt-out payment. Added benefits include company-paid life insurance, STD, LTD, supplemental benefits, employee discount programs, and much more.
Bonus. SKF offers STVS, Short-Term Variable Salary or Sales Incentive, based on company performance and at the discretion of management.
Invest in Your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10-employer contribution, 100-match up to 5 of your elected contribution, 100-vested plus an additional 5 company contribution.
Reports to: Vice President, Strategy, Product Lines, Marketing, and Communications
Location: Waukegan, IL Job ID: 24126
SKF provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
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