Senior Manager, Supplier Management

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. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, 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:

We ask that you have holistic business understanding and systemic thinking, analytical mindset and collaboration skills.

The Senior Manager, Supplier Management role has North American strategic responsibility for the supplier relationships and cost of goods sold across multiple product categories which range from $200M - $400M in COGS to $400M, $400 M to $800 M in sales.

You will work with Grainger International to guide a North American strategy with aligned suppliers. You will negotiate profitable business, ensure the implementation and compliance to agreements both with the customer and field-based sales resources and Grainger resources

You will report to the Director, Supplier Management.

You Will:

Negotiate Win-Win Solutions:

• Develop and implement SRM plans by working directly with supplier leadership of strategic suppliers to assure Grainger's goals are met.
• Use supplier relationships to meet end-to-end needs across the business to improve customer and team member experience and grow revenue
• Develop relationships with vendor partners, focusing on assortment plans, product cost, pricing, logistics, volume rebates, etc.
• Develop deep supplier relationships with strategic suppliers to include data review and analysis, performance management and development and improvement of end-to-end value, and bring innovation to the business

Manage complex supplier relationships:

• Be the single contact for supplier and internal partners for all supplier related issues
• Develop the vision, strategy and implementation plan for specific strategic supplies to meet the strategies and long-range requirements to deliver the maximum value for Grainger
• Build relationships with suppliers in North America. Will work with decision makers within the supplier's organization including Vice Presidents, Presidents and CEOs
• Lead efforts to help improve supplier relationships with Grainger
• Collaborate with merchant and other partners to review impact of inbound management issues on national brand product assortment sourcing strategy and determine action plan
• Design a price/cost management strategy, which provides market competitive pricing
• Implement processes to monitor division satisfaction with suppliers and the central sourcing department
• Support the Supplier Performance Manager in the collection, synthesis and communication and feedback of performance metrics
• Inbound from supplier (examples): supplier-driven product discontinuations, procure to pay issues, manufacturing issues, supplier relationship severance, product underperformance (damages, quality, warranty, etc.), product cost change (cost season and other one-offs), new product development opportunities
• Outbound to supplier (examples): sales force, quotes, RFP, cross-reference, and sourcing support, SSGP, escalations to guide business partner needs (PI, compliance, legal, supplier performance, Zoro, etc.), proactive management of commodity adjustments and business environment changes (bankruptcy, sale of supplier, market changes, etc.)

Achieve Results Through Others:

Coach team to guide results through others with focus on improving gross margin, category ROIC & Economic Earnings, supplier performance, and product information

Lead teams to ensure product compliance with all US and appropriate foreign regulations

Within the product category review (PCR) process:

Gather feedback on national brand supplier performance (field support, supply chain performance, product information, customer service, etc.)

• Evaluate current national brand supplier cost positions
• Document national brand supply recommendations
• Collaborate with merchant on national brand product assortment sourcing strategy
• Develop national brand supplier sourcing strategy
• Establish relationships with national brand suppliers
• Conduct / finalize cost negotiations guided by product assortment strategy
• Negotiate favorable terms and support for growing the business

You Have:

BS/BA degree in engineering, technology, marketing or business preferred

7+ years business experience with a working knowledge of Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Cost Accounting, Finance and Economics

Comfortable building and delivering presentations to management, staff and field audiences

Understanding of Our business direction, customer requirements, supply management-marketing strategy, and demand generation fulfillment process

Experience driving and demonstrating results

Experience with suppliers, customers, Grainger's strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats

Clear knowledge of the negotiation process

Change Management skills by inspiring teams to welcome change, embrace new directions, and future opportunities. Anticipate change and prepare for it by defining goals, responsibilities and time frames

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
• 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.