Retail Operations Associate Jobs in Sarnia, ON (NOW HIRING)

Work Location Type: Onsite

About Grainger

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.  

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role ranges between $21.61 - $29.72, with eligibility for an incentive target of $1,800.00, which is contingent upon achieving both individual and company performance objectives.

The pay range above is not a guarantee of compensation but reflects the potential total compensation for this role at the time of this posting based on the assigned job grade.  Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as geographic work location, relevant experience and individual skills.  The stated range is a reasonable estimate and may change over time; final compensation may fall above or below the range provided.  Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or discontinue its compensation and benefits programs at any time, in accordance with applicable law.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Position Summary

This unique hybrid KeepStock / Branch role supports both business functions in a particular market.  The Field Operations Associate will have the ability to serve key customers both in the branch and on customer’s sites. All aspects of this role will involve customer-facing activity, and a strong ability to remain agile and organized. The individual objective is to capitalize on sales/service opportunities, create customer loyalty, and exceed customer expectations by using their guidance, knowledge, computer acumen, and winning attitude. The individual will have excellent all-around communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. 

As a hybrid  role the individual will be required to work in Grainger Canada branch and also be on the road servicing customer accounts . 

You Will

The duties and responsibilities of this position can be broken down into two categories (KeepStock & Branch), and include but are not limited to: 

Branch 

• Ownership of the entire customer experience.  This includes appropriate product selection based on customer requirements, accurate order entry and maintenance, accurately and safely picking product, and safely loading customer vehicle as needed. 

• Consistently performs actions with branch sales focus to capitalize on sales opportunities and encourage customer loyalty to deliver revenue targets. 

• Promote Company products and services to customers and provide substitutions where required 

• Maintain well-rounded knowledge of products and tools sold including the completion of the required certification. 

• Processing customer transactions. 

• Providing customer updates when required on delivery, lead times, quotes, etc. 

• Management and tasks related to filling vending machines and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). 

• Collaborating with KS customers on program/product updates for vending/VMI program. 

KeepStock 

• Service the customer’s specific needs, included but not limited to Vendor Managed Inventory, vending unit replenishment etc. 

• Ensures proper product stocking levels at customer locations by scanning for orders as inventory is depleted. 

• Oversee customer inventory locations by ensuring proper labeling and quantities on hand are accurate. 

• Meet regularly with a schedule of key customer contacts to ensure needs are being met and products are available. This includes scanning, put away and spot buys of products.   

• Resolve customer problems promptly and accurately in a manner that will retain and promote customer loyalty. 

• Follow designated customer route as defined by routing software tools. 

• Document standard operating procedures at customer locations to provide direction to back-up resources to ensure continuity of service. 

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities in productivity, process improvement, and cycle time with all sales and services activities. 

• Comply with the safety and inspection requirements of the facility where the service is being provided. 

You Have

• High school diploma 

• 1-3 years’ experience in retail/selling  or customer service (i.e. counter/retail sales/ telephone/warehouse) environment. 

• Some flexibility required to working hours to accommodate branch operations. 

• Ability to safely learn and operate powered industrial equipment, forklift 

• Successful and timely completion of initial and ongoing training as required. 

• Self-motivated, with high energy and dedication to customer service and sales growth. 

• Ability to effectively collaborate with tact and diplomacy with internal and external customers and cross-functional partners. 

• Demonstrated ability to apply strong judgment, independent problem-solving skills, and understanding of Grainger’s Core Value Proposition. 

• Handle various technical and operational issues. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Background checks and drug screening may be required (as warranted by Company or customer requirements in working on-site and/or operating equipment) 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in province of residence. 

• May be required to use a personal vehicle for transportation which meet’s Grainger’s standards. 

This role may require you to attend customers’ sites and adhere to safety requirements in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation, as it relates to wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) on certain customer sites. This may include: a hard hat; steel-toed safety boots, clean shaven or trimmed moustache/beard in order to wear a close-fitted N95 mask or other required PPE. Details of these requirements will be provided during the recruitment process.  

Some customers may have alcohol and drug screening policies for on-site contractors and vendors. You may be required to submit to such customer screening procedures as and when requested as a condition of being permitted on such sites. 

Rewards and Benefits
Our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet your individual needs. Check out some of the benefits available to you with Grainger (may vary based on hours worked):

• Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and up to 12 company holidays per year (dependent on home province)
• Life insurance coverage, including spousal and dependent life insurance.
• Employee Family Assistance Program to help team members with physical, emotional, mental, financial and other concerns
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan & Defined Contribution Pension Plan to help you save for your financial future
• Educational & Professional Membership Fee Assistance program
• Employee discounts, team member perks and more!

DEI Statement

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match this job post as you may still be the right candidate for this role or others. We aspire to create a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are, can learn and grow to realize their full potential, and is recognized and rewarded for their impact.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. Should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so we can provide appropriate assistance.

Pre-employment background checks are required for all external candidates. Internal candidates undergo a background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role.