Work Location Type:Hybrid

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money.

We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. We have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Position Details:

As Global Category Manager, with a focus on Technology spend in US, Canada, and Mexico, you will lead strategic and complex procurement sourcing activities. You will develop and lead global sourcing strategy to deliver optimal level of service and results through planning, business need, industry assessment, strategy definition, execution, supplier selection, transactional planning and contracting. You will report to the Sr. Manager, Global Category Management and will be based in our Lake Forest, IL office or downtown Chicago office at the Merchandise Mart on a hybrid (3 days per week) basis.

You Will:

• Define, develop and implement sourcing global strategies for managed categories, consistent with goals
• Lead the global sourcing process including eSourcing RFI/RFP/RFX, negotiations, and contract execution with selected suppliers
• Align with senior leaders and partners to develop short-term and long-term category goals and pipeline opportunities, while offering solutions to achieve our goals
• Monitor the supplier market and identify opportunities and industry trends; use market intelligence to validate and benchmark costs and competitive pricing.
• Prioritize and conduct spend and savings analysis
• Manage initiatives within assigned categories with the ability to meet defined timelines and provide proactive status communication to partners
• Manage supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance following contract obligations, SLA's, KPI's, and metrics to maximize compliance and avoid issues
• Forecast Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for proposed solutions
• Adhere to cost reduction and savings goals and develope financial models for category spend
• Ensure adherence to Company processes and procedures

You Have:

• 3+ years of experience in technology sourcing
• Experience in global category management and strategic sourcing including advanced contract T&C's
• Experience in negotiation and best in class practices to assess and manage contractual, operational, financial and risk
• Professional qualification/certification from related professional organizations (CPM, CPSM, APICS) would be advantageous

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting day one, Grainger is committed to your safety, health and wellbeing. Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet our team members' individual needs. Check out some of the rewards available to you at Grainger

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year
• Automatic 6% 401(k) company contribution each pay period
• Employee discounts, parental leave, 3:1 match on donations and tuition reimbursement
• A comprehensive set of emotional, financial, physical and social wellbeing programs

Grainger is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Our commitment to inclusivity includes offering reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. If you require an accommodation during interviews, please let us know and we will provide the appropriate assistance.