Work Location Type: Hybrid 

As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we’re dedicated to providing value for customers, fostering an engaging culture for team members and driving strong financial results.

Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. We’re looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

As part of Grainger’s vision to become a global leader in product information, connecting with suppliers and leveraging relationships to seamlessly gather product content is core to building and maintaining a foundation for Grainger digital Merchandising to grow into the 21st century. Product Information Supplier Engagement will perform a critical role in achieving this vision.

In this role, the Sr. Supplier Engagement Specialist is responsible for executing the gather of product information and content from Supplier Partners to support Category Review, New Product Introduction, and other initiatives as needed. This role is responsible for clear

communications with suppliers and internal business partners throughout theses processes, which include vendor enrich and targeted solicitation, but may also include other initiatives as the need arises.

Success in this role would be evidenced by efficient cycle times, completeness of information and content collection, and supplier and business partner satisfaction.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with suppliers to gather product information including global attributes, merchandising data, and rich content to support Grainger initiatives including Category Review, New Product Introduction, and Maintenance.
• Strong communication with suppliers both verbally and in writing to ensure the most seamless and efficient supplier experience when partnering with Grainger on product information and content.
• Efficiently execute processes (including but not limited to vendor enrich and targeted solicitation) to collect and process product information and content from suppliers and internal sources, resolving any supplier confusion to ensure the work is completed in a timely manner.
• Document interactions with suppliers as specified by standard work instructions for each process.
• Migrate data from supplier formats into Grainger templates where applicable.
• Ensure clean handoffs of product information and content for consumption by business partners, following up with suppliers as needed to resolve any issues.
• Manage and prioritize work across multiple processes, activities, and projects.
• Achieve high utilization, self-assigning standard work to fill capacity, identifying and driving project work as needed.
• Work closely and communicate clearly with Sr. Supplier Syndication Specialists and Digital Asset Specialists.
• Other activities and projects as needed to support Product Information initiatives.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BA/BS or equivalent preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in related field preferred.
• Proven experience communicating with suppliers, problem solving and troubleshooting supplier challenges, and resolving supplier confusion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of professionalism.
• Operates with a clear sense of urgency, focused on executing while providing the best possible supplier experience.
• Results and solutions oriented – intent on driving the best commercial outcomes for Grainger and our suppliers.
• Well organized, with the capability to manage multiple bodies of work at the same time.
• Proven experience in managing large volumes of product information and content.
• Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally, working with all levels of management.
• Strength in building relationships, both internally and with supplier partners.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of business objectives including merchandising strategy, product information, and supplier management.
• Familiarity with category review, new product introduction, and other merchandising processes preferred
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish - read, write, speak).

Grainger is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.