MBA Advanced Leadership Program (ALP)

The Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) at Cooper Industries consists of three one-year rotational assignments at three different division or corporate headquarters offices. The three assignments may be in any of the following areas: business development, marketing, finance and operations.

Cooper recruits selected MBA’s from top business schools for the Advanced Leadership Program positions. The ALP positions at Cooper Industries offer a challenging, highly visible role in leading the company's corporate development and strategic planning process. It also provides the participant analyst an opportunity to build an in-depth understanding of the company's seven divisions: Cooper B-Line, Cooper Bussmann, Cooper Lighting, Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Cooper Safety, Cooper Power Systems and Cooper Wiring Devices.

Program Assignments

Business Development
The BD Analyst's primary responsibility is to evaluate businesses identified as potential acquisition targets and alliance partners. The specific tasks include:

  • Evaluate and value businesses identified as potential acquisition targets and alliance partners
  • Determine strategic fit and identify synergies with business unit managers
  • Develop an integration plan with business unit presidents and their staffs
  • Present the acquisition opportunity to Cooper’s CEO and executive vice president
  • Coordinate due diligence activities with in-house functional experts and investment bankers
  • Evaluate Cooper’s acquisition process, including analyzing previous acquisitions

Marketing

  • Develop a business-wide marketing initiative directed to our channel partners
  • Create a collaborative, strategic approach for operations serving the retail channel
  • Develop a strategic planning process for regional distributor markets
  • Evaluate international growth opportunities for a business segment
  • Analyze industry attractiveness for potential new market entry

Finance

  • Improve upon the financial models used, incorporating the latest in financial theory
  • Financial planning and analysis
  • Cost accounting

Operations

  • Develop complex global supply chain initiatives
  • Create new sourcing strategies
  • Implement cost productivity overhauls

Career Path
The ALP program is intended to develop future general managers to lead Cooper's various businesses. Cooper's executive management takes an active interest in the career paths of ALP participants and strives to provide challenging assignments.

The next step for an ALP is typically a functional position within one of the operating divisions. In the past, participants have moved on to become product line managers at the company's larger business divisions, plant managers and general managers. After five to ten years, employees in these positions have been promoted to division presidents and Vice Presidents with responsibility for multi-million dollar business units.

Qualifications
Successful candidates typically have:

  • A recent MBA from a top-tier business school
  • An undergraduate degree in engineering, accounting, finance, mathematics or economics
  • Three to four years of practical experience in an operating environment
  • Strong analytical, leadership and communication skills
  • A willingness to relocate
  • 3.5 G.P.A.

Leadership Program Workshops

As a supplement to the day-to-day experiences gained during the rotational assignments, Cooper conducts three in-depth week-long workshops for all Leadership Program participants during their 2-3 years of training. These workshops are taught by experienced Cooper managers who provide insight on Cooper’s strategy and operating principles, manufacturing concepts, leadership, and finance.

Values and Practices - An Introduction to Cooper Industries (Houston, TX)
The Values and Practices Workshop provides first-year program participants with an introduction to Cooper's operating principles and philosophies. Topics at this workshop focus on Cooper’s 5 Strategic Business Initiatives: Customer Loyalty, Innovation, Globalization, Talent Development and Operational Excellence. The Values and Practices Workshop is a great opportunity to network with fellow Leadership Program participants and gain visibility and exposure to the leadership at Cooper. Individual skills such as time management and leadership are also presented at this workshop. The Values and Practices Workshop is conducted each August, shortly after the majority of Leadership Program participants join the Company.

Finance for Non-Financial Managers Workshop (Houston, TX)
The Finance for Non-Financial Managers Workshop is conducted during the second year of the Leadership Programs and provides in-depth exposure to Cooper's financial systems and practices. The workshop begins by covering general finance and accounting concepts and continues through Cooper's approach to cash flow, cash decision making, operational budgeting and performance reporting. The course is taught by key financial professionals from the Corporate Office. Newly acquired financial skills are then integrated together through the use of a team case study, business simulation and group presentation.

Manufacturing Excellence (Cooper manufacturing location)
The Manufacturing Excellence Workshop is presented during the Leadership Program participants’ third year and serves as a graduation ceremony for all participants. This workshop provides a sound understanding of the major functions within the manufacturing environment at Cooper and further develops the individual's management and leadership skills. Manufacturing topics presented at this workshop include: production, quality, and materials management techniques. Skill based training includes supervisory and teamwork training and prevention skills management. Participants integrate these skills through comprehensive lean and continuous improvement activities to improve the overall operations at the Cooper manufacturing facility at which the workshop is held.