Associate Supplier Manager

W. W. Grainger; Lake Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO 18 days

401(k) plan

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. seeks an Associate Supplier Manager to oversee a portfolio of suppliers, negotiate costs and terms, and support strategic initiatives. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure product availability and optimize supplier performance.

The role is hybrid, based in Lake Forest or Chicago, and reports to the Senior Manager, Supplier Management. Candidates should have a BS/BA and at least 3 years of related experience in supplier management or procurement.

Qualifications

• Experience translating strategic goals into actionable tactics using analytics.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support development of procurement strategies aligning with Grainger’s commercial goals.
• Connect analytical insights to decisions and actions; research supplier landscapes.
• Identify sources of supply meeting customer needs and cost targets.
• Manage supplier relationships for a portfolio of small to mid-sized suppliers.
• Lead supplier discussions and negotiation efforts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Inventory, Transportation, and Supplier Performance Management.
• Organize meetings, supplier visits, and trade shows to support engagement.

Skills

Analytical insights

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's Degree BS/BA or equivalent

Job description

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Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202 LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202 LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202

Work Location Type: Hybrid

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working®by serving more than4.6 million customersworldwide with maintenance, repair andoperating(MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customerexpertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported2025 revenue of$17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $87,200.00 – $145,300.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10% or $, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

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:

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.

The Associate Supplier Manager plays a critical role in managing a portfolio of suppliers to ensure performance, cost-effectiveness, and supply continuity. This role is responsible for negotiating cost and contract terms, building and maintaining supplier relationships, and identifying supply and operational risks. The Associate Supplier Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to support aligned product categories and contribute to strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate plans and aligns priorities across stakeholders, operates in a dynamic environment, and balances competing priorities to deliver optimal outcomes for the business.

You will report to the Senior Manager, Supplier Management.

This is a hybrid position that is based in Lake Forest or Chicago 3 days a week.

You Will

• Support the development of procurement strategies that align with Grainger’s commercial goals and product assortment needs.
• Connect analytical insights to strategies, decisions and actions. Assist with industry research to learn and understand supplier landscapes, cost drivers, and procurement challenges.
• Help identify potential sources of supply that meet customer needs, quality standards, availability and cost targets.
• Manage supplier relationships aligned to a portfolio of small to mid-sized suppliers. Lead supplier discussions and negotiation efforts.
• Build working relationships with suppliers and assist in resolving operational issues in collaboration with internal teams.
• Work cross-functionally with teams (e.g. Merchandising, Inventory, Transportation, Supplier Performance Management) to support category strategies, ensure product availability and improve operational efficiencies.
• Organize and facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders, supplier visits, and trade show participation to support category and supplier engagement.

You Have

• Bachelor's Degree BS/BA or equivalent required
• 3+ years experience in related field required
• Experience supporting the translation of strategic goals into actionable tactics, leveraging analytics and business insights to drive data driven decisions.
• Experience independently prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives and goals.
• Experience adopting to new processes, applying industry trends, understanding product specifications, and implementing operational workflows.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work 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, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.