Senior Analyst, Optimization Engineering

Senior Analyst, Optimization Engineering

Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US , and CHICAGO, IL, US

Work Location Type: Hybrid

About Grainger: W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, we keep the world working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award‑winning culture, the company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models.

In the High‑Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million MRO products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment,  offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and  offers more than 24 million products.

Compensation: The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $78,200.00 to $.

Benefits: With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and six free sessions each year with a licensed therapist.
• 18 paid time off days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and six company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) retirement savings plan each pay period, no employee contribution 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 leave for birth parents and up to four weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.

The compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Distribution Center Engineering Design & Optimization, the Senior Supply Chain Analyst partners with multiple business functions to gather inputs, criteria, and desired outcomes to deliver analytics and recommendations used for execution of projects. Depending on the project, the work could involve collaborating with multiple cross‑function teams such as DC Operations, Finance, Operations Support Team, Grainger Machine Learning Teams, Grainger Technology Group, Inventory Optimization, Branch Strategy, and Continuous Improvement Team.

This is a hybrid position that is onsite three days a week either in Lake Forest or Chicago.

This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.

Travel is estimated to be approximately 50%.

• Become a subject matter expert in DC Engineering/Operations functions and effectively apply new skills and knowledge.
• Work independently, within a team, cross‑functionally, and with outside vendors.
• Provide analytical support to the various work streams within the Operations Engineering Team.
• Partner with the DCs to create and promote an environment where team members are involved, empowered, and committed to the success of Grainger.
• Build and maintain central support for DCs during new project rollouts and network‑wide expansion.
• Manage relationships with various levels of leadership both within the DCs and other Supply Chain/Operations functions.
• Responsible for providing recommendations to DCs on how to enhance process flows, storage efficiency, and throughput efficiency.
• Provide thought leadership and business guidance to other supply chain analysts to make the team better.
• Lead planning, project, and operational activities through the following actions:
  • Assemble and analyze data for the current and future state to…