Manager, Inventory Optimization & Advanced Analytics

Grainger; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)

PTO 18 days

Holidays 6

401(k) Matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Grainger is seeking a Manager, Inventory Optimization to lead analytics and modeling that improve KeepStock inventory across Grainger’s customer locations. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Product, and Finance to align optimization with business goals, delivering actionable insights and scalable processes.

Hybrid work with onsite at Lake Forest, IL or Chicago, IL; 5+ years of experience and strong SQL/R/Python skills are required, with a focus on forecasting and optimization in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a quantitative field is required.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced analytics roles.
• 5+ years of experience in a related field is required.
• Knowledge of SQL and R or Python for data analysis is required.
• Experience applying forecasting, optimization, ML, or simulation to business problems is needed.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics initiatives to improve Grainger's inventory planning across customer locations.
• Develop models, planning strategies, and processes for optimal KeepStock inventory.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Product, and Finance teams.
• Deliver analyses and recommendations to support future inventory positioning.
• Monitor production processes and models, addressing errors and ensuring reliability.
• Drive continuous improvements to tools, processes, and team practices.

Skills

Forecasting

Optimization

Machine learning

Simulation

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field

Tools

SQL

R

Python

Job description

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.

Work Location Type: Hybrid
Req Number 333700

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 $112,900.00 – $188,100.00. 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.

This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.

Position Details

KeepStock is a Grainger managed inventory solution that helps customers manage their on-hand inventory, reduce time and labor costs, and save valuable space.

As the Manager, Inventory Optimization, you will determine where, when, and how much inventory is needed across KeepStock customers. The role develops models, planning strategies, and analytical processes that improve inventory planning.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Product, and Finance teams to align optimization models with business goals. This position is preferably hybrid with 50% of time spent onsite at the Lake Forest, IL or Chicago, IL offices however remote candidates may be considered.

The role reports to the Director, Routing & Inventory Optimization.

You Will

• Lead and develop capabilities in data visualization, advanced analytics, predictive forecasting, and related inventory-planning disciplines.
• Develop models, planning strategies, and analytical processes that improve Grainger's overall inventory planning and support decisions regarding where, when, and how much inventory is positioned across customer locations.
• Partner with Supply Chain teams to identify and execute analytics initiatives that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and automate tools or processes.
• Deliver analyses and recommendations that support the strategic positioning of customer inventory in future.
• Lead the monitoring and documentation of production processes and analytical models, identify errors or inconsistencies in outputs, and establish processes to address identified issues.
• Prioritize team initiatives using Grainger Edge principles and a continuous-improvement approach to identify and implement improvements to inventory-planning processes, analytical tools, and team practices.

You Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree or equivalent graduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a related field required.
• Knowledge of SQL and R or Python, including applied experience using programming and analytical tools to develop solutions from large datasets and rapidly learn new tools or languages.
• Experience applying at least two of the following disciplines to business problems: forecasting, optimization, machine learning, or simulation.
• Experience leading analytical work through problem identification, solution development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement while working through complex or ambiguous business problems.
• Experience communicating analytical findings, developing cross-functional partnerships, and influencing stakeholders without direct authority to implement solutions that support business objectives.

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.