Process Engineer, Lead

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:

You will report to the Sr. Manager, Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement and this role can be based in Lake Forest, IL or at a Grainger Distribution Center.

You Will:

Lead the design and development of complex operational processes aligned with Grainger’s goals and objectives for the US fulfillment operation.  Conduct advanced process modeling, simulation, and analysis to identify constraints and drive optimization.

Implement and manage sophisticated process improvements to enhance fulfillment metrics in people, service, and cost.

Oversee and manage large-scale process improvement projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with Grainger objectives.  Develop and manage project plans effectively, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource allocation.

Coordinate cross-functional teams across the GSC to drive project execution and deliver results on-time.

Provide advanced technical expertise and problem-solving skills for complex process challenges and innovations.

Stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Evaluate and recommend new technologies and process enhancements to support Grainger’s ‘Invest in Our Success’ principle.

Mentor and support sr. process engineers, providing guidance on technical issues and career development.

Lead training sessions and workshops to enhance Process Engineering capabilities and promote best practices.

Analyze large sets of complex data using statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and areas of opportunity.

Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess operational performance and drive data-driven decision-making.  Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to Grainger leadership on process improvements and project outcomes.

Ensure all processes and projects comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines.

You Have:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering or equivalent STEM field. Master’s degree or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

5+ years of experience in process engineering, with a proven track record of managing complex projects & leading process improvements.

In-depth knowledge of advanced process design, optimization, and troubleshooting techniques (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).

Strong project management and mentoring skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Proficiency in CAD, Visio, Smartsheet, & MS Office Suite. SQL, Python, Java, or Scala preferred

Excellent communication, presentation, & interpersonal skills.

Experience with the design & implementation of automation solutions, such as conveyors, sorters, packaging lines, and robotic work cells.

Ability to travel: Up to 75%.

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.