Sr. Director, Merchandising

 

About Grainger:

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily 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. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, 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:

Working directly under and reporting into the VP, Merchandising, you will be responsible for the overall portfolio strategy for half of the product categories for Grainger ($7B+ annual revenue).

You will select the product assortment and present those products to customers in digital and print publications to increase revenue, gross profit dollars, and customer acquisition.

You will lead the merchandising team and partner with Publishing, Product Information, and Operations to create industry-leading publications. You will also partner with Supplier Management to ensure the assortment is procured from the highest quality sources as the best cost.

You will be responsible for a Merchandising operating budget over $7M.  

You will report to the VP of Merchandising. This is a hybrid role based in our Lake Forest offices.

 

You Will:

• Lead and manage the merchandising team in the development of assortment strategy, organization and naming strategy, and product information strategy for all assigned product categories. Ensure those strategies align with Grainger overall company strategy.
• Partner with Publishing and Product Information to develop structure and processes to ensure we create the best customer experience in the industry with the most complete and accurate product information.
• Cultivate relationships with Partners throughout the company to affect strategic change.
• Leadership responsibility and coaching of team to improve results through others with focus on build an outstanding and profitable online search experience.
• Build internal relationships with production and design departments with review as to competitive pricing and service levels while remaining current on industry changes and emerging trends within the market
• Manage the activities and provide direction to the merchandising staff by setting clear goals and communicating with feedback and updates.

 

You Have:

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years business experience with a strong working knowledge of Product Management (multi-brand and multi-channel), Procurement, Marketing, Merchandise buying, planning and search/select on-line•Senior leadership experience in Merchandising/Product Management role.Align and partner across the business to achieve goals, financially and strategically.
• Experience developing employees at every level to their full potential including developing successors to your current position• Produce and present MRO industry statistical and financial analysis.
• Comfortable building and delivering presentations to management, staff and field audiences
• Develop relationships and manages teams. Prioritize relationships with colleagues, team, and partners. Motivate individuals and teams, and recognize and grow talent.
• Inspire through vision, the power of reasoning, conceptual thinking, reference to facts/best practices, partnering and well-developed verbal, written and quantitative skills.

 

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs. Check out the highlights below and review all our benefits at GraingerTotalRewards.com.

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing
• Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no match 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