Associate Supplier Manager

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. As a 2024 Glassdoor Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we’re looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years.

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 position and is onsite 3 days a week in Lake Forest or Chicago, 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 or equivalent
• 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

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.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment.  With this in mind, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.