Global Supply Chain Intern

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

1d • $24 - $27 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a 10-week paid internship opportunity designed to provide intensive, hands-on experience and explore career options within Grainger's Global Supply Chain. Interns will work on meaningful projects, present their findings to leadership, and participate in professional development sessions, learning sessions with the Grainger Leadership Team, and social events. The program offers exposure to modern supply chain practices, including data utilization, automation, and emerging technologies. Successful interns may be offered a full-time position leading to a three-year rotational development program focused on business analytics, continuous improvement, and leadership in supply chain operations.

Requirements

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Currently enrolled in a college or University, working towards a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Business Analytics, Marketing, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related majors.
• Intermediate proficiency in Excel required (e.g., data analysis, pivots, formulas).
• Proven communication (written / verbal), interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proven analytical skills including an ability to synthesize information, reach logical conclusions, evaluate and improve processes.
• Expected graduation between December 2027 – June 2028.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to or interest in tools such as SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or other analytics/visualization tools is a plus, but not required.
• Coursework or project experience in data analytics, SQL, Python, R, or statistical analysis
• Familiarity with automation, AI tools, or process digitization concepts
• Experience working with large datasets or building dashboards through class projects or internships
• Curiosity about how technology and analytics improve supply chain efficiency and customer experience

Responsibilities

• Develop reporting and provide data-based insights to leadership to drive profitable walk-in revenue growth, unparalleled service, operationally sound processes, and a culture of safety and team member engagement throughout the US and Canadian Branch Networks.
• Assess, design, and build solutions through process/technology changes aimed at improving customer experience and increasing the effectiveness of customer service agents.
• Optimize inventory storage, reduce costs, and improve operational process flows by analyzing inventory and order data, partnering with local distribution center leadership, and researching alternate techniques with external vendors.
• Partner with the overseas sourcing team to manage purchasing and availability of inventory for globally sourced items. Work closely with suppliers to ensure they comply with and execute to Grainger’s Performance Metrics for all Purchase Orders.
• Determine where to stock, how much to stock, and when to replenish over 500k planned items across hundreds of North America Grainger locations. Partner with the branch network and distribution centers to plan inventory with a focus on the customer experience while driving increased revenue and reduced excess.
• Determine and develop supply chain network strategy capabilities to accommodate current demand and future growth, leveraging forecasting tools, data analysis, and order routing logic.
• Drive customer experience improvements by analyzing order data and customer information to identify trends; partner cross-functionally to find and roll out solutions.
• Work cross-functionally in support of projects that align to the Global Supply Chain/Customer Experience/Operations strategic roadmap focusing on reducing our cost to serve while maintaining/improving customer experience.
• Support Transportation Operations by enhancing current reporting, addressing current service issues, identifying cost reduction opportunities, and supporting operational design to deliver to customers at the right time for the right cost.

Benefits

• 10-week paid internship
• Meaningful project with formal presentation to leaders
• Professional development sessions
• Learning sessions with the Grainger Leadership Team
• Social events to connect with other interns
• Opportunity to participate in a three-year rotational development program if a full-time offer is extended

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern