Field Experience Program
WHO IS GRAINGER?
W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a business-to-business distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies, and other related products and services. More than 5 million businesses and institutions worldwide rely on Grainger for products in categories such as safety, material handling and metalworking, along with services like inventory management and technical support. These customers represent a collection of industries including commercial, government, healthcare and manufacturing. They place orders online, on mobile devices, through sales representatives, over the phone and at local branches. Approximately 4,500 suppliers provide Grainger with 1.5 million products stocked in the company’s distribution centers (DCs) and branches worldwide. Grainger employs nearly 23,000 team members across the globe. At Grainger, we’re committed to our purpose – We Keep the World Working. Grainger is a Fortune 500 company and a perennial member of Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies list.
EXPERIENCE
The Supply Chain Field Experience Program (FEP) is designed to provide recent college graduates a broad and well-rounded learning experience. Participants will complete 3 one-year rotations at our Illinois Distribution Center (ILDC) located in Minooka, IL that are designed to enhance technical and leadership skills needed to succeed at Grainger. These rotations can include, but not limited to: DC Inventory & Quality Assurance, DC Engineering Storage Optimization, DC Operations Supervisor, Branch Network, DC Reporting & Analytics, DC Training and Standardization.
We are committed to growing team member skillsets and ensuring they have the right foundation to be successful. Upon successful completion of the program the Graduates will be eligible to become senior-level professionals within the Grainger Supply Chain. Our program is built on the following foundational pillars (1) Operations Experience (2) Analytics and (3) Professional Development/Leadership:
EXPOSURE
Participant will have the opportunity to rotate across three Supply Chain functions during the program. Responsibilities may include:
- Learning of DC Operations and Branch network key functions. Applying key learning to assist with key business initiatives.
- Analyze storage areas, ensuring slotting structure is appropriate, measure and improve efficiency.
- Responsible for providing leadership and general supervision within a specific functional area or process in a multi-shift distribution center or branch.
- Member of cross-functional project teams assisting with various project improvements.
- Ensure DCs are adhering to network standardized processes. Provide recommendations on process changes to complex and cross functional standardized processes.
- Applies problem-solving and critical thinking to defined challenges across different areas of the DC or Branch.
- Responsible for compiling, analyzing, and reporting out key department and DC metrics; and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor team member and leader training to ensure Standard Work Instructions adherence and identify opportunities for improvement.
Participant will also receive various forms of professional development. These include: a comprehensive, structured onboarding experience, ongoing coaching and mentoring, exposure to various levels of leadership, networking and community involvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, engineering or mathematics.
- Relevant internship experience.
- Intermediate level of expertise in MS Office is required.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the desire to drive results.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across varying levels of internal and external decision-makers.
- Desire to work cross-functionally.
- Ability to foster, manage and leverage relationships with stakeholders, team members, and end users.
- Self-directed with accountability to make sound business decisions while demonstrating effective time-management and multi-tasking skills.
- Ability to operate on tight deadlines with multiple priorities subject to frequent changes.
- Willingness to learn and be mentored by peers and leaders.
- No visa sponsorships.
- Expected graduation between December 2021 and June 2022.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Based out of our Illinois Distribution Center (ILDC) in Minooka, IL.
- Majority of communications in person, but also will interact with colleagues via email, and over the phone.
- Able to work in a team environment.
- Must be able to interface with a multi-shift operation and physically frequent all Team Member work areas.
- Position reports directly to a Manager and has regular interaction with other analysts and DC leaders.
The FEP team member will drive alignment of best practice methods in their area across Grainger Team Members. They will support operations leaders to improve area performance in safety, quality, and productivity, as well as promote Grainger Edge Principles.
Grainger is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.