Employee Relations Specialist

Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US 60045-5201/5202 Work Location Type: Hybrid (2-3 days per week) About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with MRO products and value‑added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose‑driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit Compensation The anticipated base pay range for this position is $60,400.00 – $90,600.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change. Benefits With benefits starting 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 day one of employment and six free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support emotional well‑being. 18 paid time off (PTO) 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 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents. The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills. The anticipated 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. Position Overview The Team Member Relations Specialist supports team members and leaders in partnership with the HR Advisor team on the interpretation and application of policies, guidelines, and procedures. This role ensures standards of excellence in deliverables and business outcomes, serves as a liaison with various HR departments, and drives consistent team member experiences and positive relationships. The position is located in Lake Forest, IL (hybrid 2‑3 days per week); remote candidates outside the area may be considered. You Will In close partnership with the HR Advisor team, regularly review team member sentiment to proactively address concerns. Assist in investigating team member concerns to align with company culture. Provide guidance on team member performance and assist with the creation and amendment of improvement plans. Interpret and apply company policies to drive effective corrective action. Review and analyze established success measures for team member experience and workplace trends to partner with HR Advisors, HRBPs, Labor Relations, and CoEs to drive positive relations and reduce variation. Ensure leaders build effective relationships, skill, and capability to drive high‑performing teams through team member relations processes. Create open, multi‑way dialogue and partnerships to fully understand and embrace all implications and risks of situations and recommend outcomes. Proactively develop open, sustained dialogue, value‑added coaching, feedback, development, and growth for team members at all levels. Utilize case management tools to document and effectively manage team member relations cases. You Have Bachelor's Degree BA/BS or equivalent preferred. 1+ years progressive leadership in human resources or comparable area; specific expertise in employee relations preferred. Strong business and financial acumen. Research information and analyze data to arrive at valid conclusions, recommendations, and action plans. Strong consulting skills, influencer and coach; business leader first, offering HR leader expertise. Ability to collaborate across multiple cross‑functional stakeholder groups and within the team to drive positive impacts for the company. Problem solving and systemic thinking skills—critical analytics, diagnosis, and prioritization. Strong decision‑making skills and judgment to drive the right impact. Ability to relate to people at all levels and build trusted relationships. Courage and conviction to challenge status quo and business/HR thinking. Strong process orientation. Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and learning agility. Strong written and verbal communication skills; presents views and arguments well to a variety of levels and audiences; can explain concepts simply. Ability to navigate a complex matrixed environment. Serves as a strong champion of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Highly ethical—high integrity—does the right thing for the business and team members. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity to ask the “why” to bring the best thinking to the table and determine root causes of challenges. Exercise good judgment in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information. Must understand all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations that apply to the position and comply with the requirements. Experience in consulting and providing strategic recommendations to corporate and field clients. Experience in measurement and analytics to support fact‑based, predictive decision making. Previous success in influencing without direct authority to manage the needs of multiple stakeholders. Some travel may be required up to 10 %. Ability to lift ≤ 25 lbs. PHR or SHRM‑CP upon hire preferred. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr W. W. Grainger