Manager, Distribution Center Optimization & orage Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO 18 days

Paid holidays

401(k) matching 6%

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan refinancing

Financial counseling

Maternity & parental leave

Job summary

W. W. Grainger, Inc. in Lake Forest, IL, is seeking a Manager, Storage Engineering to lead the design, development, and optimization of storage and slotting systems for Grainger U.S.

fulfillment. You will supervise a team of supply chain analysts and drive large-scale storage projects from concept to completion. The role requires a Bachelor's in a STEM field and 5+ years in supply chain or analytics, with knowledge of DC design, storage tech, and data tools (SQL, Python, Smartsheet, Snowflake).

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 proven data analysis and project management.

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 performance reviews, and support growth of team members.
• Oversee large-scale storage improvement projects from conception to completion.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Team management

Communication

SQL

Python

Java

Scala

Smartsheet

Snowflake

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering or equivalent STEM field

Tools

Smartsheet

Snowflake

MS Office

SQL

Python

Java

Scala

Job description

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

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 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

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 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.

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.