WW Grainger

Communications Manager

WW Grainger$95K — $130K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Business, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in internal and external communications within a large organization.
  • Proven strategic counsel ability for high-visibility initiatives.
  • Experience with integrated communications across various media and digital platforms.
  • Experience in corporate social responsibility or community investment communications.
  • Strong writing and editing skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise communication tools.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to and execute communication plans for high-priority initiatives.
  • Advise leaders on messaging, change communications, and issues management.
  • Craft tailored content across multiple channels for diverse audiences.
  • Manage internal communication processes and distribution.
  • Oversee communication cadence and channel strategy for effectiveness.
  • Utilize metrics to enhance communication speed and impact.
  • Support media relations and thought leadership initiatives.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year.
  • Life insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Employee Family Assistance Program for emotional and financial support.
  • Retirement savings and pension plans for financial security.
  • Professional development assistance for education and memberships.
  • Employee discounts and additional team member perks.
Full Job Description
Work Location Type: Hybrid

The Communications Manager is a communications professional responsible for supporting integrated internal and external communications. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications, this role contributes to and executes integrated communication strategies that support enterprise and functional priorities, strengthen Grainger's reputation, and enable consistent, effective communications across the business. It balances strong execution with exposure to strategic oversight across internal channels, external engagement, digital platforms, and corporate social responsibility. This role also supports a scalable communications model across Grainger Canada and other subsidiaries, including governance, tools, and best practices.

Job Responsibilities (You Will):

  • Contribute to communications planning and execution for complex, high priority initiatives, ensuring alignment to enterprise strategy while enabling local execution.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and business partners, providing strategic counsel on messaging, change communications, issues management, and channel strategy.
  • Develop high quality content across channels (announcements, emails, intranet content, FAQs, speaking notes, social and digital content) tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Contribute to internal communications processes, including governance, content development, and distribution.
  • Manage communication cadences and channel strategy to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
  • Use metrics and insights to continuously improve effectiveness, speed, and scalability.
  • Support external communications efforts, including media relations, proactive and reactive media strategies, spokesperson preparation, and thought leadership opportunities.
  • Strengthen Grainger Canada's brand presence through strategic oversight of social, digital, and web communications, in close partnership with Marketing and business leaders.
  • Play a key role in the execution of Grainger Canada's corporate social responsibility and community investment strategy, leading CSR storytelling across internal and external platforms and supporting Business Resource Groups.
  • Support a strong Grainger Business Subsidiary communications model by supporting scalable processes, tools, templates, and best practices that can be consistently adopted across Canada and subsidiaries.
  • Act as a business partner beyond the role of communicator, connecting communications strategy to business outcomes across Grainger Canada and its subsidiaries
  • Operates as a lead individual contributor, influencing without direct authority.
  • Success in this role will be measured by increased employee engagement, leadership alignment, and strengthened brand and reputation.
  • Exercises independent judgment when contributing to and executing communications strategies.
  • Role models Grainger's values and fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability.


Education/Experience (You Have):
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Business, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive experience across internal and external communications in a large, matrixed organization.
  • Proven ability to provide strategic communications counsel to leaders on complex, high visibility initiatives.
  • Experience contributing to and executing integrated communications plans across internal, external, digital and media channels.
  • Experience supporting corporate social responsibility or community investment initiatives, including storytelling across internal and external channels.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with experience using enterprise communications platforms and Microsoft Office tools, including SharePoint.
  • Aligns communications with business priorities, supporting clarity, engagement, and measurable impact.
  • Acts as a trusted partner to leaders, providing sound communications counsel and supporting informed decision-making.
  • Applies enterprise awareness to support the alignment of communications strategies with broader organizational goals across functions and subsidiaries.
  • Supports communications needs in complex, high-impact situations, exercising strong judgment, discretion, and a solutions-oriented approach.
  • Develops and optimizes messaging across internal, external, and digital channels to enhance reach and effectiveness.
  • Builds alignment and credibility across a matrixed organization, influencing without direct authority through expertise and collaboration.
  • Leverages insights and metrics to inform continuous improvement while delivering with discipline and precision.
  • Operates with agility in a fast-paced environment, taking accountability for assigned work and contributing to end-to-end outcomes.


Rewards and Benefits:
Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet your individual needs. Check out some of the benefits available to you with Grainger (may vary based on hours worked):
  • Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
  • Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance.
  • Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
  • Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
  • Employee discounts, team member perks and more!


DEI Statement:

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match this job post as you may still be the right candidate for this role or others. We aspire to create a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are, can learn and grow to realize their full potential, and is recognized and rewarded for their impact.

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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