Manager, Talent Acquisition Operational Excellence & Vendor Management
About The Position
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 www.grainger.com. 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).
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge and experience supporting vendor management for a Talent Acquisition space. Preferred.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
- 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)
- 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
- free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
- Maternity support programs
- nursing benefits
- up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents
- up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
