Talent Specialist

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Talent Specialist supports the execution of enterprise Talent Management programs across the talent lifecycle, partnering with HR Business Partners and internal and external stakeholders to deliver high quality programs that strengthen leadership capability, team member development, and enterprise talent pipelines. As a key member of the Talent Management Center of Excellence, the role supports the design, management, facilitation, and continuous improvement of Talent Management programs. The Talent Specialist manages end to end program delivery, including project planning, logistics, communications, participant experience, and core program operations such as nominations, tracking, reporting, and dashboard preparation. Using data, metrics, and feedback, the role provides analytical and execution support across broader Talent Management initiatives and drives enhancements that improve program efficiency, consistency, and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology, or related field required
• 2+ years in a related field required
• Knowledge and experience across Talent Management disciplines, including areas such as talent management, executive development, differentiated development, employee engagement, performance management, succession planning, or enterprise onboarding.
• Demonstrated experience leading project execution, including developing and managing comprehensive project plans with defined tasks, deliverables, timelines, and roles.
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Proven ability to learn quickly, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Skilled at navigating a matrixed environment to align stakeholders, manage dependencies, and drive program execution.
• Proven ability to build credibility and strong working relationships to collaborate effectively with business partners and cross‑functional teams.
• Process‑oriented with a focus on improving efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Power BI, and other relevant HR and analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages project plans for Talent Management programs by coordinating logistics, timelines, and day‑to‑day execution to ensure on‑time, high‑quality delivery.
• Partners with internal and external stakeholders to enable effective program administration, scheduling, communications, and seamless end‑to‑end delivery of Talent Management programs.
• Manages program operations, including participant nominations, tracking, and communications, to deliver a consistent, organized, and high‑quality participant experience across Talent Management programs.
• Collaborates with HR Business Partners and internal stakeholders by serving as a central point of coordination to ensure timely follow‑up, alignment, and issue resolution.
• Tracks, analyzes, and synthesizes data and feedback to identify trends, support reporting needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and processes.
• Prepares presentations, dashboards, and meeting materials for leaders, HR partners, and participants to clearly communicate insights while ensuring alignment with established frameworks, standards, and messaging.
• Drives continuous improvement by identifying and implementing opportunities that enhance program experience, efficiency, and impact, while maintaining documentation, processes, and tools that support consistency and scale.
• Provides analytical and execution support across broader Talent Management initiatives to enable informed decision‑making and successful implementation.

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: Entry Level