Manager, Distribution Center Optimization & orage Engineering

Grainger; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life-insu

6 PTO days + 6 holidays

401(k) with 6% company contribution

Employee discounts and tuition support

Maternity and parental leave programs

Job summary

Grainger is seeking a Manager, Storage Engineering to lead storage design, modeling, and optimization for Grainger US fulfillment. You will manage a team of supply chain analysts, drive large-scale storage projects, and ensure alignment with safety, regulatory, and environmental guidelines. You will report to the Sr.

Manager, Storage Engineering, with hybrid work options and occasional travel. The role emphasizes analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering or equivalent STEM field.
• 5+ years of supply chain or business equivalent experience, with a proven track record of managing complex data analysis & projects.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• In-depth knowledge of distribution center design, technology, & storage fulfillment methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in Smartsheet, Snowflake, & MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of storage and slotting systems aligned with Grainger US fulfillment objectives.
• Conduct advanced storage modeling, simulation, and analysis to identify constraints and drive optimization.
• Manage and develop a team of supply chain analysts, guiding on technical issues and career development.
• Set goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and support the professional growth of supply chain analysts.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment through effective leadership and communication.
• Oversee and manage large-scale storage improvement projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with Grainger objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business / Supply Chain / Engineering

Tools

Smartsheet

Snowflake

MS Office Suite

SQL

Python

Java

Scala

Job description

Manager, Distribution Center Optimization & orage Engineering

Date: Oct 15, 2026

Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5202 CHICAGO, IL, US, 60661-4555

Company: Grainger Businesses

Work Location Type: Hybrid

Req Number: 334646

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 than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visitwww.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 15% 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

• 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

Grainger Benefits

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

The Manager, Storage Engineering leads the design, development, and optimization of storage and slotting systems to support Grainger U.S. fulfillment objectives. The role manages and develops a team of supply chain analysts while providing technical leadership for storage modeling, distribution center design, optimization, and improvement initiatives. The position leads large-scale storage projects, evaluates technologies and solutions, and uses advanced analytics to improve warehouse space utilization, operational performance, and return on invested capital. The role partners across the Global Supply Chain to implement storage solutions that meet business objectives, industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines.

You will report to Sr. Manager, Storage Engineering.

When not traveling, you will be lcoated at our corporate HQ in Lake Forest, IL and may be open to a downtown Chicago office arragnement.

You Will

• Lead the design and development of complex storage and slotting systems aligned with Grainger US fulfillment objectives.
• Conduct advanced storage modeling, simulation, and analysis to identify constraints and drive optimization.
• Manage and develop a team of supply chain analysts, guiding on technical issues and career development.
• Set goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and support the professional growth of supply chain analysts.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment through effective leadership and communication.
• Implement and manage sophisticated slotting optimization models to enhance storage utilization & improve ROIC.
• Oversee and manage large-scale storage 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 delivery of results on time.
• Provide advanced technical expertise and problem-solving skills for complex storage challenges and innovations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Develop, evaluate, & recommend new technologies and storage enhancements to support Grainger’s ‘Invest in Our Success’ principle.
• Analyze large sets of complex data using statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and areas of opportunity.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess warehouse space and lead a culture of data-driven decision-making.
• Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to Grainger leadership on storage improvements and project outcomes.
• Ensure all storage methods and installations comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines.

You Have

• Ability to travel: Peak periods of the year require as high as 75% travel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering or equivalent STEM field.
• 5+ years of supply chain or business equivalent experience, with a proven track record of managing complex data analysis & projects.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• In-depth knowledge of distribution center design, technology, & storage fulfillment methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in Smartsheet, Snowflake, & MS Office Suite. SQL, Python, Java, or Scala preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, & interpersonal skills.
• Experience with the design & implementation of new distribution centers.