Senior Product Manager- Search

Zoro Tools; Lake Forest (IL); Remote; USD 121,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Sr. Product Manager for Search to drive the evolution of their keyword-based Solr platform into AI-driven solutions. This remote role involves leading cross-functional teams, defining product strategy, and enhancing customer value through innovative search technologies.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

18 paid time off (PTO) days annually

6% company contribution to a 401(k) plan

Employee discounts and tuition reimbursement

Maternity and nursing support programs

Qualifications

• 7+ years in product management or related roles.
• Experience partnering with Machine Learning teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the Search product strategy and roadmap.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with AI/ML, Engineering, UX, Analytics.

Skills

Product Management

Agile

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Work Location Type: Remote

About Grainger: W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, we keep the world working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and an award-winning culture, the company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million MRO products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to over 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Compensation: The anticipated base pay range for this position is $121,500 to $202,500.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and in the foreseeable future will be considered.

Rewards and Benefits: Benefits start on day one and include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one, plus 6 free therapy sessions annually.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually (prorated based on start date) and 6 holidays.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) plan, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and access to financial counseling and education.
• Maternity and nursing support programs, paid leave for birth and non-birth parents.

For more details, visit: Grainger Benefits

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation and may vary based on location, experience, and other factors. Grainger reserves the right to modify benefits at its discretion.

Position Details:

As the Sr. Product Manager for Search, you will define and own the vision, strategy, and roadmap to evolve Grainger.com's keyword-based Solr platform into AI-driven vector, semantic, and hybrid search solutions. You will lead cross-functional teams from ideation to launch, focusing on key metrics and business priorities.

You will empower the Search team with clear strategies, requirements, and execution plans to deliver AI/ML-powered search experiences and develop best-in-class search capabilities at Grainger. This involves breaking down complex problems and understanding search technologies, engines, query performance, and relevancy.

You will collaborate closely with Merchandising and other stakeholders to improve search defect review processes and AI/ML feedback loops.

This role reports to the Director of Product Management, Search and Recommendations, and is open to remote candidates or those in Chicago or Lake Forest, IL.

Responsibilities:

• Define and own the Search product strategy and roadmap across Solr, vector, semantic, and hybrid search systems with human-in-the-loop.
• Establish MVP definitions and product roadmaps aligned with broader Discovery goals, enhancing customer value at every stage.
• Set clear OKRs and guardrail metrics for transparency and accountability.
• Ensure clarity in work scope, performance, scalability, and outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with AI/ML, Engineering, UX, Analytics, and Business teams to execute the roadmap and meet milestones.
• Champion a customer and data-first approach, using feedback and measurement to refine the search experience.
• Develop compelling narratives and communicate status, risks, and impacts effectively to stakeholders and leadership.
• Stay informed on AI/ML trends in search technology and develop strategies to position Grainger competitively.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years in product management or related roles, with experience leading agile teams, working with UX, analytics, and delivering software capabilities.
• Experience partnering with Machine Learning teams and driving innovation with latest technologies.
• Proven ability to design solutions for complex problems and deliver results in enterprise or web environments.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity within a matrix organization.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and ownership skills with a sense of urgency.
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's preferred.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment. If accommodations are needed during the application or employment process, please advise us.