Associate Supplier Manager

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money.

We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. We have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Position Details:

The Associate Supplier Manager will partner with multiple functions to support aligned product category(ies). You will provide analytics and recommendations on plans to improve profitability and identify cost savings through negotiation and act as the primary relationship manager for select suppliers. The Associate Supplier Manager will lead different cost savings programs and support supplier relationships that bring incremental value to the business.

You will report to the Senior Manager, Supplier Management.

This is a hybrid role and is onsite 3 days a week in Chicago or Lake Forest, IL.

You Will:

• Support Procurement, Planning and Execution Manager (PPEM)/Director to meet cost inflation targets for aligned product categories
• Participate in continuous improvement and cost savings plans
• Maintain and measure previously implemented projects/processes
• Develop, analyze, recommend, and implement product portfolio activities
• Connect analytical insights to decisions and actions
• Manage project to expectations and to delivery goals
• Build cross-functional relationships targeting improved operational efficiencies and total company profitability (i.e., merchandising, transportation, inventory management, KeepStock etc.)
• Manage supplier relationships for a portfolio

You Have:

• BS/BA degree
• 3+ years experience in related field
• Expertise in Access, Excel (can perform complex functions) , BW, Tera Data, Business Objects and SAP
• Demonstrated project management, financial analysis, and product costing skills
• Ability to collaborate with partners including team members in Merchandising and Supplier Management, Finance, Global Supply Chain and Legal
• Relationship building skills and handle conflict gracefully
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively in various ways up to VP level of management (e.g., written, oral, and presentation)
• Understanding of general business issues including external factors that affect the business, industry, product strategy, and pricing is needed

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting day one, Grainger is committed to your safety, health and wellbeing. Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet our team members' individual needs. Check out some of the rewards available to you at Grainger

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year
• Automatic 6% 401(k) company contribution each pay period
• Employee discounts, parental leave, 3:1 match on donations and tuition reimbursement
• A comprehensive set of emotional, financial, physical and social wellbeing programs

DEI Statement

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.