Manager, Operational Excellence

W.W. Grainger, Inc.•Lake Forest, IL

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Excellence (OE) team employs a consultative project management approach to plan and lead the successful business implementation of AI and automation solutions and complex strategic initiatives within MSMEA, with a strong focus on continuous improvement. As Manager, Operational Excellence (OE), you will lead and develop the OE Team with direct responsibility for ensuring the successful planning, coordination, and business implementation of AI, automation, and other strategic initiatives across the organization. Although the team does not build technical solutions, the OE Manager plays a critical role in driving the consultative project management approach that ensures these solutions are delivered on time, well-communicated, and fully adopted by the business. The OE Manager oversees end-to-end project planning, facilitates cross-functional discussions, and ensures alignment between business stakeholders, technical delivery teams, and leadership. They guide the team in managing timelines, risks, and dependencies, while maintaining clear communication channels and effective stakeholder engagement. In addition, the OE Manager champions continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to optimize processes, enhance collaboration, and strengthen organizational readiness for change. You will report to the Sr Manager, Strategic Program Operations. This is a hybrid position that is onsite in Lake Forest or Chicago 3 days a week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
5+ years of experience in project management or related field
Demonstrated leadership ability to quickly earn trust; mobilize and motivate teams; set direction and approach; resolve conflict; deliver tough messages with grace; execute with limited information and ambiguity.
Demonstrated, applied expertise organizing and delivering complex initiatives.
Experience fostering thought leadership and exploration: the ability to tease out requirements, get to the root of the customer problem, and displays end-to-end thinking.
Accomplished in and fosters the use of Continuous Improvement (CI) methods and tools to transform operations.
Core project management knowledge and skills

Responsibilities

Coach and develop team members who are accountable for defining, planning, orchestrating, and delivering AI and Automation solutions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Promote team effectiveness by utilizing each person's unique talent and skills, motivates performance, fosters communication, provides coaching, and mitigates problems.
Ensure that AI, automation, and strategic initiatives are implemented smoothly, deliver expected value, and support the organization's long-term operational effectiveness.
Navigate ambiguity and drive thought leadership and problem solving; support leaders and stakeholders in defining and reaching their vision.
Outline and operationalize models (process, tools, and governance) rooted in continuous improvement principles.
Institute project management best practices across the team to manage scope, planning, deployment, communication, training, and change management.
Ensure that milestones are identified and tracked to recognize and resolve issues and mitigate risks that may threaten delivery.
Prioritize work, drive progress, remove barriers, and communicate status to leaders and partners.

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.

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