WW Grainger

Associate Category Manager

WW Grainger$87K — $145K *
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required
  • 3+ years of experience in Category Management, indirect procurement, contract negotiations, or global sourcing
  • Proven ability to develop strategies and manage projects for categories over $250k
  • Experience in assessing and communicating operational and financial risks
  • Skilled in redlining and negotiating Master Agreements and Addendums
  • Proficient in performing spend and total cost of ownership analysis
  • CPM Certification preferred upon hire

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute sourcing plans for assigned sub-categories with $20-100MM spend
  • Lead global sourcing projects using industry-standard processes
  • Provide regular project updates to internal stakeholders
  • Monitor industry trends and validate competitive pricing
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in procurement processes
  • Execute buying activities for strategic sourcing events and one-off requests

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with coverage starting on day one
  • 18 PTO days annually plus 6 company holidays
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) with no employee contribution required
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and financial counseling access
  • Maternity support and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents
Full Job Description
Work Location Type: Hybrid

Req Number 333901

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 10% 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:

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 Grainger Indirect Procurement team manages over $1 billion of indirect spend for business team members across Grainger North America. As Associate Category Manager, you will develop the sourcing strategy for multiple sub-categories to provide savings and value through strategic sourcing execution which includes internal and external analysis, cost modelling, negotiations, and contract execution.

You will report to the Manager, Category Manager.

This role can be based in either Lake Forest, IL or downtown Chicago on a hybrid (3 days per week) basis. Full-time remote candidates will also be considered with a requirement of roughly 15% annual travel.

You Will

  • Develop and execute sourcing plan for assigned sub-categories with a total spend under management of $20-100MM. Partner with stakeholders to understand short term and long-term needs; conduct internal analysis related to spend and specifications to reach savings and value goals.
  • Lead global sourcing in respective sub-categories for pipeline and unplanned projects leveraging industry standard sourcing processes such as spend, total cost of ownership, and external market analysis, sourcing strategy, RFX execution, developing and executing negotiation strategy, and drafting and finalizing contract with selected suppliers.
  • Provides regular updates to internal stakeholders on project statuses and market changes.
  • Monitor supplier industry trends, validate and benchmark costs, and competitive pricing through research and market intelligence tools.
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities in procurement processes to increase efficiency and results across the department.
  • Execute buying activities related to the strategic sourcing events as well as one-off requests as required by the business.


You Have

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or similar field required
  • 3+ years Category Management, indirect procurement, contract negotiations, or global sourcing experience. required
  • Experience developing strategies, managing projects, and applying sourcing processes for sub-categories with more than $250k spend.
  • Experience assessing, managing, and communicating contractual, operational, financial plans and risks at all levels of the organization.
  • Experience redlining and negotiating Master Agreements and Addendums.
  • Experience performing spend and total cost of ownership analysis.
  • CPM - Certification By The Institute For Supply Management Upon Hire preferred
  • Professional qualification/certification from related professional organizations (e.g. CPSM, APICS) Upon Hire preferred

About WW Grainger

W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion, is the leading broad-line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including nearly 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done, saving them time and money by having the right products to keep their facilities running.

WW Grainger Careers

Join the dynamic team at WW Grainger, a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products, where job opportunities abound in an environment ripe with innovation and leadership. At WW Grainger, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth through comprehensive diversity training and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At WW Grainger, you’ll be part of a robust team that’s dedicated to excellence. Whether you’re looking to start your career through our internship programs or seeking to advance as a seasoned professional, WW Grainger offers a path filled with opportunities for growth and learning. Our team members are equipped with the skills needed to lead industries and drive innovation at every level of the company.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment

WW Grainger is not just hiring; we are building a future. Explore the numerous job opportunities across various departments where you can put your skills to test and contribute to our mission. From positions in supply chain management to customer service, technology to sales, WW Grainger seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company where innovation is at the core of our business strategy. WW Grainger’s leadership in the industry is enhanced by our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Our employees are encouraged to think big and act boldly, driving change that influences the entire market.

Career Development and Benefits

Invest in your future with WW Grainger’s unmatched career development programs. Go as far as your ambition takes you with near-limitless opportunities to advance your career supported by extensive training, development, and certification support. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families.

Internship Programs and Entry-Level Positions

Kickstart your career with WW Grainger through our internship programs or entry-level positions. Gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and make invaluable networking connections that will pave the way for a successful career. Our internships provide a unique insight into the workings of a major company and serve as a gateway to full-time employment.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for individuals who are eager to drive their own career path while contributing to a team that values hard work and creativity.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at WW Grainger.

Interview and Resume Tips

Prepare for your interview at WW Grainger with resources that help you stand out. Learn what we look for in potential hires and how to effectively highlight your experiences and skills on your resume. At WW Grainger, we are more than a company—we are a community. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment where every team member feels valued and has the opportunity to excel. Join us in our mission to help professionals keep their operations running and their people safe.
Learn more about WW Grainger
Size
22,700 employees
Market Cap
$28.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$695 million
Founded
1927
5 Year Trend
+5.1%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ

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