Manager, Research & Development (Warehouse Automation & Robotics)

Work Location Type: Hybrid  

About Grainger:

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenances, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.  

 Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $101,300.00  to $168,900.00.

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.  

Position Details

Manager, Research & Development – Warehouse Automation & Robotics

This is an individual contributor role, and you will report to the Director of Projects & Automation.  This role can be based in Lake Forest, IL, Chicago, IL, or at any US Grainger Distribution Center (please see the full list of eligible US DCs below).

This newly created role is responsible for researching and developing robotics and automation opportunities across our Distribution Center Network (20+ US DCs). You will spearhead the evolution of our strategic automation roadmap by identifying opportunities, analyzing data, and recommending investments in automation and robotics. The role will focus on staying ahead of emerging technologies and collaborating with vendors to meet current and future operational needs. You will evaluate these technologies by defining technical specifications, outlining benefits, addressing concerns, developing ROI analyses, and presenting findings to senior leadership (SVP+). Additionally, you will work closely with the design pillar to ensure seamless integration into both brownfield and greenfield environments.

US DC Locations

• Kansas City, MO
• Minooka, IL
• Louisville, KY
• Dallas Fort-Worth, TX
• Houston, TX
• Patterson, CA
• Mira Loma, CA
• Gresham, OR
• Macedonia, OH
• Jacksonville, FL
• Bordentown, NJ
• Greenville, SC

You Will

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the strategic automation roadmap for our DC network, aligning robotics and automation initiatives with long-term organizational objectives.
• Technology Innovation: Explore emerging technologies by partnering with vendors to evaluate the latest in conveyers, robotics, and automation systems (examples include but are not limited to ASRS systems, AGVs & AMR’s, robotics, sortation equipment, order consolidation & packaging solutions, etc.)
• End-to-End Technical Evaluation: Define technical specifications in partnership with the design pillar, conduct feasibility study, develop ROI and success metrics to validate the effectiveness and scalability of the solution, and submit the business case.
• Industry Engagement: Leverage external networks and resources to stay informed on industry best practices while fostering and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Documentation & Governance: Develop thorough documentation from vendor evaluations to project initiation, including establishing research governance frameworks and risk assessment templates.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with cross-functional teams, including Operations, IT, and Supply Chain leadership (Director+ level), to translate complex technical requirements into actionable strategies and gain executive alignment.
• Executive Reporting: Present automation proposals, project updates, and ROI outcomes to senior leadership (Dir+ level), ensuring transparency and alignment. Provide status updates across all levels on R&D, portfolio management, and end-to-end processes, including WMS, network design, real estate, and inventory planning.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze our existing processes to uncover opportunities for continuous improvement, driving efficiency gains and cost reductions.
• Travel Requirements: up to 30%

You Have

• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in automation and robotics implementation within distribution centers.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in designing and deploying robotics solutions, with experience using Warehouse Management Systems, AutoCAD, MS Visio, Lucidcharts, and Smartsheet.
• Educational Background: Typically requires a degree in supply chain, mechanical or electrical engineering, and progressive experience in automation and robotics.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop automation roadmaps, assess emerging technologies, and deliver scalable solutions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify complex challenges and design creative, effective solutions.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Project Management: Track record of leading large-scale projects from concept to implementation, with a focus on ROI.

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.