Human Resources Internship (Summer 2027)

Work Location Type: Hybrid | Req Number: 335123

About the role

The Human Resources Leadership Development Intern supports HR and business leaders in translating business priorities into people strategies, insights, and solutions. The role analyzes workforce, operational, and financial information; contributes to enterprise HR initiatives; and develops recommendations that connect people decisions to business outcomes. The role collaborates across Human Resources, including HR Business Partners and Centers of Excellence, while gaining exposure to talent, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, leadership development, employee engagement, and emerging workforce technologies. The position is designed as an entry point into Grainger's Human Resources Leadership Development Program and provides project-based experience across the HR function.

At 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.

Responsibilities

• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to understand business priorities, identify people-related needs, and contribute to practical HR strategies and solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze workforce, operational, and financial data to identify trends, develop insights, and support recommendations addressing business and organizational challenges.
• Connect HR initiatives across talent, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, leadership development, and employee engagement to relevant business and financial outcomes.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning and Development, Total Rewards, and HR Operations to support integrated HR solutions and enterprise-wide initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, and employee experience.
• Develop executive-ready presentations, dashboards, and recommendations that communicate data-driven insights, proposed actions, and project outcomes to HR and business stakeholders.
• Research emerging HR trends, AI and other workforce technologies, and leading practices to inform innovative solutions, then present strategic recommendations and internship project outcomes to senior HR leadership.

Qualifications

Education: Master's degree or MBA currently in progress in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Labor Relations, or a related discipline — required.

Experience: Two or more years of professional experience in Human Resources or HR-related work, including experience in people leadership, talent management, organizational development, workforce planning, employee relations, change management, or other work involving meaningful people and organizational responsibilities — required. Professional experience in operations, supply chain, consulting, finance, engineering, military leadership, sales, or other business functions that provides relevant business exposure — preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of HR practices and concepts across areas such