Operations Leadership Program - FAQ

What is the Operations Leadership Program (OLP)?

The Operations Leadership Program provides qualified candidates -- including college and business school graduates as well as UTC employees -- with a unique opportunity to launch or advance their careers by learning and applying the core concepts and processes of UTC's business operations - including lean manufacturing, quality, and strategic sourcing. Optimizing these activities is one of UTC's highest priorities, embodied in an initiative we call Operations Transformation. Becoming an Operations Leader puts you where the action is. The OLP is a two-year training program involving three eight-month rotations among UTC's Corporate Headquarters and its business units across the United States and throughout the world and includes training in the primary functional areas of Operations (Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Management). The program enables you to hone your communications, leadership, and analytical skills while providing you with the specific knowledge you need to become a certified Lean Associate - the first step in becoming one of UTC's highly valued Operations Transformation Leaders. What's more, you will work with and have exposure to UTC business leaders. And remember: OLP graduates are highly sought after because of the diverse experience this program provides.

Who are candidates for the OLP?

We're seeking talented, highly motivated people who collectively bring a broad range of business skills, talents, experience and expertise, including:

• A bachelors, MBA or MS degree in operations-related fields such as engineering, logistics or supply chain management.
• Meaningful business experience with a track record of success.
• Strong leadership, communication and analytical skills.
• Desire for personal and professional development.
• Lean manufacturing capabilities.

How are candidates recruited?

Choosing candidates for the OLP is a rigorous, highly selective process. UTC posts openings for the program on targeted college, university and business school websites and accepts replies to those postings as well as resumes sent in by potential candidates. We then invite promising candidates to participate in a telephone interview and, pending the outcome of that interview, ask candidates to take a leadership assessment test conducted by A.T. Kearny, a leading executive search firm. Based on the results of the interview and assessment, the most promising candidates are invited to UTC's corporate headquarters in Hartford, Conn. for a final executive interview, from which the candidates for the program are selected.

What will I do as an OLP associate?

As an OLP associate, you will spend two years working in three eight-month rotational assignments covering each of three functional areas of Operations: Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Management. Each rotation will involve not only a different function but also assignments at one of the UTC business units or at UTC's Corporate Headquarters. This experience will provide you with an understanding of key concepts, issues, and processes, plus the opportunity to apply them to real world situations specific to each business unit in which you work. You will work on program enhancement teams, attend strategy meetings with key business leaders, and participate in Value Stream Mapping events and kaizen events at UTC business unit and supplier sites. While you learn, you will have an opportunity to make an impact and improve operations.

What training will I receive?

OLP training combines instructor-led classroom sessions with on-site, on-the-job training and experience such as participation in values stream mapping and kaizen events - all with the goal of obtaining certification as a Lean Associate, which is the first step in the Operations Transformation Leader (OTL) program. OTL training and certification are required by many business functions, particularly for positions within UTC's Supply Management organization.

How are my rotations assigned?

UTC management assigns rotations based upon several factors, including your academic background, business experience, expertise, skill set, overall abilities and career goals. The goal is to find the best possible match between what you bring to the table and what UTC needs most.

Will I have opportunities to travel and work outside the United States?

UTC is a $42.7 billion global corporation with business operations and locations throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia/Pacific. Over half of our 210,000 employees are based outside the United States. So, not only is international experience possible, it is encouraged and highly valued. You will have opportunities to travel and work outside the United States in at least one of your rotations. Specific assignments will vary, based on numerous factors, including your background, skills, and abilities, as well as the needs of the business.

How will I be evaluated?

OLP associates are evaluated once during each rotation. Your job performance will be the most important factor affecting your evaluation. When you begin each rotation, you and your supervisors will complete an individual training and development plan (IDP) as well as a performance feedback tool (PFT), and these tools will be the foundation of your evaluation.

What are OLP Program Enhancement Teams?

Program Enhancement Teams focus on key elements of the OLP program. You and your project teammates will develop and implement ideas designed to improve the program, and hopefully, those improvements will carry over with the effect of helping improve UTC operations as a whole. You may be assigned to one or more of three program enhancement teams: Communications, Job Transition and Best Practices. The Communications Team promotes the OLP program to internal and external audiences via web sites and other communications channels. The Job Transition Team works on smoothing out associates' transition from rotation to rotation. The Best Practices Team looks for and shares ideas implemented by UTC and other companies on rotational programs geared toward developing talent.

What other interaction will I have with other OLP Associates?

Beyond the rotational assignments and program enhancement teams, you will have the opportunity to work on community service projects and attend social events with your fellow OLP associates.

As an OLP, how will I be viewed by UTC?

Operational improvement is critical to the success of UTC and its business units. OLP is considered the premier operations training program. Consequently, UTC's senior management holds the OLP in very high regard and monitors the status and progress of the program and its participants on a regular basis. The training and experience you receive in the program is highly valued, and as an OLP graduate, you should be in great demand.

What opportunities will I have after completing the program?

Given the importance of Operations to UTC and the high regard given the OLP program, your opportunities are many and varied. You will be provided with job listings appropriate to your training and experience and may choose from among them. Whatever you choose, you will find that your OLP training will have you extremely prepared to do well for yourself and for the business.