Operations Specialist

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Grainger is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Operations Specialist to support Corporate Affairs operations by driving process standardization, managing vendor coordination and invoicing, and creating impactful content that enhances communication across the organization. This role combines operational excellence with creative expertise, requiring strong organizational skills, advanced presentation capabilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Operations Specialist will collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure seamless execution of tasks, maintain accurate documentation, and support project management initiatives that improve efficiency and consistency. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, excel at managing multiple priorities, and demonstrate adaptability, initiative, and sound judgment. This position requires hybrid work location 3 days per week in the offce at our corporate HQ in Lake Forest, IL.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 2+ years related experience
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products speciically MS PowerPoint.
• Project management principles, governance standards, and compliance requirements to ensure consistent delivery.
• Risk management and issue resolution practices for maintaining scope, schedule, and quality.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking to identify, assess, and resolve risks and issues effectively.
• Influence and engage stakeholders without formal authority to maintain alignment and remove obstacles.

Responsibilities

• Applies project management principles and governance to ensure consistent delivery and compliance.
• Maintains project plans, schedules, and risk logs to keep timelines on track and provide visibility into issues.
• Communicates clearly and produces concise reports to enable quick, informed decisions.
• Manages risks and issues proactively to protect scope, schedule, and quality.
• Uses collaboration and productivity tools to organize work and share updates efficiently.
• Facilitates alignment and coordinates internal and external partners to remove obstacles and maintain progress.
• Executes change strategies—communications, training, readiness checks—to drive adoption and business value.
• Analyzes data and success metrics to validate outcomes and recommend improvements.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees