Manager, Talent Acquisition Operational Excellence & Vendor Management

Work Location Type: Hybrid 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 maintenance, repair and operating (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 compensation range for this position is $103,600.00 – $172,600.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 15 %, 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. Rewards and 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 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing. 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 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. For additional information and details regarding Grainger's benefits, please click on the link below: Grainger Benefits 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 for this position. 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 Details As Manager, Talent Acquisition Operational Excellence & Vendor Management, you will be responsible for the strategy, governance, and operational excellence of Talent Acquisition's (TA) external labor and vendor ecosystem. You will lead the management and optimization of contingent workforce programs, including oversight of the Managed Service Provider (MSP), vendor performance, service delivery, compliance, and workforce planning alignment. You will serve as a key liaison between Talent Acquisition, Procurement, HR, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to ensure contingent labor solutions deliver high‑quality talent, mitigate organizational risk, and support evolving business needs. The role drives accountability for all TA Vendors through KPI management, business reviews, contract oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring a value‑driven TA partner portfolio that ensures seamless hiring manager, candidate, and recruiter experience. You will report to the Director, TA Operational Excellence and be located at the Lake Forest, IL office (hybrid 2 days per week). You Will Develop and execute vendor management strategies for assigned supplier portfolios, including supplier selection support, relationship management, performance governance, and continuous improvement initiatives that align with business objectives. Design, implement, and continuously improve contingent workforce vendor programs and governance practices to optimize supplier performance, service delivery, cost effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with business needs. Lead supplier performance management activities by establishing key performance indicators, service level expectations, scorecards, and business review processes; analyze results and implement corrective actions to improve vendor outcomes. Partner with Procurement and business stakeholders to support sourcing events, supplier evaluations, contract negotiations, renewals, onboarding activities, and vendor selection decisions that balance cost, quality, risk, and service requirements. Evaluate supplier performance, market conditions, spend trends, and operational metrics to identify opportunities, risks, and recommendations that improve service delivery, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier partnerships. Establish governance processes that ensure compliance with contractual requirements, company policies, regulatory obligations, and supplier management standards while monitoring vendor adherence and remediation activities. Influence cross‑functional stakeholders and provide subject‑matter expertise on vendor management practices, supplier strategies, and purchasing decisions; lead complex projects and initiatives that enhance procurement effectiveness and business results. You Have Bachelor's Degree Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or related field. required 5+ years Experience in procurement, sourcing, supplier management, vendor management, contract administration, contingent labor / Managed Service Program (MSP) or related supply chain disciplines. required Knowledge of procurement, sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract governance, and vendor performance management practices. Knowledge and experience supporting vendor management for a Talent Acquisition space. Preferred. Experience analyzing supplier performance, operational metrics, spend data, and market trends to develop recommendations and support business decision‑making. Knowledge of supplier risk management, governance frameworks, performance scorecards, and service level management. Experience partnering cross‑functionally with business stakeholders to drive supplier performance and operational effectiveness. 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, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Grainger