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

The Supervisor of Customer Information Research will lead a team of Researchers and Quality Specialists to complete standardized research processes and differentiate Grainger’s understanding of our customers. Supported by Customer Information Analysts, Process Engineers, Technology Developers, and Business Leaders, this role will foster a culture of continuous improvement that embraces problem-solving and waste elimination. By making actionable customer information available, we help Grainger market, sell, and deliver the best products and solutions that meet the needs of our customers.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises a team that actively curates and supplements customer information for all of Grainger, primarily through online research.
• Uses metrics and data to prioritize task loading and allocates talent to balance the need to complete work today with the need to build new capabilities for the future.
• Understands the US MRO market – what customers exist in which industries, and how attractive they are to Grainger.
• Leads the team to define new ways of working and incentivizes direct reports to improve the quality of our work while increasing operational efficiency.
• Teaches the team to actively identify opportunities to eliminate process waste, aggregate tasks, optimize activities, and automate steps.
• Contributes to analysis – helping Grainger get to know our customers and how we can fulfill their MRO needs.
• Presents and shares work with peers.
• Collaborates with Process Engineers and Technology Developers to transform the way that the Customer Information Research team completes their work.
• Creates a culture of continuous improvement that is based on standard work and embraces the cycle of problem identification, problem-solving, and process control.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 3-5 years post-undergraduate experience
• Intense curiosity about Grainger’s customers and business – the MRO market must be a genuine source of interest for a candidate to thrive in the role
• Uses data to prioritize activities, sequence tasks, and allocate the appropriate number of resources to the work team tackles
• Critical thinking and listening skills to holistically understand what we must accomplish, drive consensus, and create a compelling vision for the future
• Can use informal leadership to influence decision-makers within the Customer Information team and across the Grainger organization
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite
• Desire to develop additional technical and quantitative skills
• Clear written and visual communication
• Bilingual (English/Spanish- read, write, speak)
• Thorough, thoughtful online research

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.