Some good but LOTS of bad - Account Manager Grainger Employee Review

2.0
15 Sept 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. work life balance 2. there are some very good people there (just not enough of them) 3. The company itself will continue to grow as the competition is disorganized and fractured (but intense competition via internet over the next few years will place pressure on margins)

Cons

The computer system is ancient. There are several computer networks that do not communicate with each other making the overall processes cumbersome and difficult. To get a complete history of a customer, you may dig through 6-10 different programs that do not share information making all aspects of the job more difficult. The culture is promoted as one of the best in Canada, and as long as you play the "happy smiling person" you are fine. But there is a HUGE disconnect between what they say they look for and what they actually promote. The moment you start to say "the emperor has no clothes" you are moved to "uncoachable" and your career advancement is dead. There is no accountability or personal responsibility from senior management; just smile, say the latest management buzzwords or repeat the company marketing words and you can be liked. And "liked" by your senior managers is vital. Being "liked" is more important than sales or job metrics or experience if you want to stay in the company. There are some great people who work in the company but in order to advance be prepared to agree to everything, question nothing, and network within the company (which is more important than doing your job well). The salary is acceptable but not as competitive at the Account Manager level. Also be prepared for aggressive growth targets every year, and failure to meet those target severely impacts your compensation.

Explore other reviews about Grainger

5.0
22 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work culture, flexible hybrid schedule.

Cons

Based in Lake Forest, Illinois for the rotational development program

4.0
6 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Benefits are decent and reasonably priced. They offer a 401k match, BCBS insurance, FSA, HSA, dental, vision, life insurance, and accidental D&D coverage. They also do a 3‑to‑1 match for donations to non‑religious 501(c) organizations. There’s a big emphasis on volunteering, with plenty of opportunities to get involved. The building itself is beautiful, with a free on‑site gym, a coffee shop, real trees in the atrium, a waterfall, and a large cafeteria (though the food can vary). They’re also flexible about which days you come on‑site, depending on the team’s schedule. If I needed to switch a Monday for a Thursday, it was never an issue. My manager was also supportive of remote work on days when the weather made commuting difficult.

Cons

Admins do not get an annual bonus. They're really strict on Overtime, really weird about worrying about mini costs. Like they'll spend 50k on a week-long training but freak out if people want to rent a car while being in town. Can't buy lunch for this 3 hour meeting to cut costs, but we'll drop 10k on this other thing. It's also so unfair that some people get to work remotely and others are forced to come in 3 times a week, for the exact same roles. Every meeting is basically online, so it's just silly and a power trip.

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