Hybrid Strategic Sourcing Associate (Category Manager)

W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is hiring an Associate Category Manager to develop sourcing strategies for Grainger's indirect spend. You will collaborate with stakeholders to create savings and value through structured sourcing processes, analysis, negotiations, and contract execution.

The role reports to the Manager, Category Manager, and can be based in Lake Forest, IL or downtown Chicago on a hybrid schedule (3 days/week); near-term remote work is possible with ~15% annual travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in business or supply chain.
• 3+ years in Category Management, indirect procurement, contract negotiations, or global sourcing.
• Experience developing strategies and managing projects for sub-categories with spend over $250k.
• Experience assessing, communicating contractual, operational, and financial risks at all levels.
• Experience redlining and negotiating Master Agreements and Addendums.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing plans for assigned sub-categories with total spend under management.
• Lead global sourcing in sub-categories, including spend analysis, TCO, negotiations, and contract drafting.
• Provide regular status updates to internal stakeholders on projects and market changes.
• Monitor supplier trends, benchmark costs, and assess market intelligence for value.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities in procurement processes.
• Execute buying activities for strategic sourcing events and ad-hoc requests.

Skills

Category Management

Global sourcing

Negotiation

Spend analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Supply Chain

Job description

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is hiring an Associate Category Manager to develop sourcing strategies for Grainger's indirect spend. You will collaborate with stakeholders to create savings and value through structured sourcing processes, analysis, negotiations, and contract execution.

The role reports to the Manager, Category Manager, and can be based in Lake Forest, IL or downtown Chicago on a hybrid schedule (3 days/week); near-term remote work is possible with ~15% annual travel.