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Job Description
Primary Function:
This role supports the Supplier & Merchandising Operations Manager to achieve sales, profits and customer acquisition goals across multiple product categories which range from $50M-$100M in revenue. The analyst is responsible for supporting coordination and communication with all internal stakeholders for any assortment, category or merchandising discussions on a periodic (monthly/qtrly) cadence. This role will also collaborate with the supplier management to drive best in class supplier relationships.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Ensure Grainger has the best product assortment for our customers at the best cost.
Implement assortment and merchandising changes in Grainger systems. Provide analytical support as needed (category performance, returns analysis, VOC reporting, etc.)
- Work with the Merchandising Managers to manage category maintenance activities such as discontinuations, replacements, linking alternates, responding to service opportunities
- Support the implementation of strategic merchandising initiatives and special projects
- Collaborate with business partners in Product Information, Search, and Publishing to optimize online content
- Conduct assortment assessments and competitive comparisons and provide insights to merchandising manager
Establish and track category performance analysis and identifying trends and keeping merchandising manager informed of any developments.
Coordinate needed communications with internal stakeholder regarding portfolio changes
Support efforts to help improve supplier relationships with Grainger and make it easier for suppliers to do business with Grainger.
- Assist in resolving product issues that arise with suppliers, customers and field employees. Examples include issues relating to customer/product warranties, pricing, hazardous materials, and regulatory issues.
- Perform related financial, market and business analyses on trends impacting the Product Category to assist Team leadership in making effective business decisions.
- Continuously look for areas of process and business improvements within your role
- Participate on cross-functional teams and projects where appropriate to ensure Merchandising processes, concerns, and business issues are properly addressed for increased productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction/service
Job Requirements
Preferred Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Master’s Preferred (or willing to pursue)
- 1+ years business experience years of related ecommerce, product merchandising, or product management experience
- High-level knowledge of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) industry and industrial products a strong plus
- Must have an understanding of Company’s business direction, customer requirements, supply management-marketing strategy, and demand generation fulfillment process.
- Proven ability to drive and demonstrate results financially, strategically, and managerially.
- Possesses a clear understanding of suppliers, customers, Grainger’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Ability to apply visionary thought process in order to construct executable plans.
- Experience collecting and managing product-related digital assets (product imagery, PDF documentation, etc.)
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- Strong systemic thinking and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Strong communication skills, detail orientation, and business acumen
Work Environment:
Travel both domestically and internationally is required at all times. Up to 10% of the time can be dedicated to travel.
Impact:
- Responsible to support the merchandising manager in delivering business goals across the category portfolio of Grainger’s
- Responsible to support the improvement of the Graigner.ca website
- Responsible for working with product information team to improve customer buying experience
Working Relationships:
External:
- Suppliers: Promote Grainger, share direction, manage assets and determine levels of supplier’s commitment to secure and/or advance our position in the market.
- Industry peers: to ensure best in class processes and digital practices are introduced across Grainger
Internal:
- Product Information: collaborate to establish a clear product information needs to support digital strategy
- Sales and Services and branch: Supports selling efforts of the sales and branch organizations through existing and new products.
- Finance: Conducts profitability of product lines using financial tools. Participates with Accounts Payable and Cost Accounting in managing and improving transactions with suppliers.
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):
- Vehicle subsidy or company vehicle based on territory requirements
- 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.
Pre-employment background checks are required for all external candidates. Internal candidates undergo a background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role or to a director+ position.
Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. Accommodations are available on request.