Copywriter

Primary Function:

The Copywriter is responsible for developing and implementing textual rich content strategies for assigned Grainger product categories. They research a wide range of MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) products and collaborate with merchandisers and other in-house product experts in order to develop plans for using copy to address common customer questions and optimize their discovery and selection of products. The Copywriter is also responsible for implementing the plan by writing copy that is clear, concise, and accurate and that adheres to quality standards and style guidelines. This is a complex role requiring cross-functional collaboration and diligent management of multiple concurrent workstreams spanning digital and print publications.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research assigned products to develop an understanding of how they work and how customers use them in order to ensure publications enable an effortless customer selection experience 
• Collaborate with Merchandising Strategy to develop approach for using textual rich content to inform customers about assigned products and illustrate value of assortment 
• Write product copy that meets publishing standards for digital and print publications by appropriately anticipating and addressing common customer questions in order to help customers make fast, confident purchase decisions 
• Collaborate well with business partners such as Product Information and Search, SEO, Content Strategy, Marketing, and other Publishing teams to ensure that copy produced augments and complements other presentation elements (e.g., product data, photography, CGI, and site structure) 
• Research and sufficiently document all copy statements to ensure they are supported by manufacturer literature, industry standards, product data, or Merchandising guidance 
• Maintain awareness of competitors' performance to ensure our publications exceed industry standards 
• Maintain clarity and consistency of copy style, ensuring the team’s editorial style guide reflects any revisions or additions discussed with Copy Editor 
• Manage and track workflow to ensure projects are completed on time 
• Support merchandising improvement initiatives and other special projects 
• Identify new opportunities for content to engage customers

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience preferred 
• Thorough understanding of technical product information and feature-benefit copy principles, and the ability to translate them into concise, customer-friendly language 
• Thorough understanding of rules of grammar, punctuation, and style 
• Working knowledge of direct marketing/catalog industry 
• Working knowledge of keyword research and basic SEO principles 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel 
• Ability to work in deadline-driven environment and handle multiple (often conflicting) priorities at the same time 
• Natural curiosity about how industrial products work 
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills 
• Demonstrated teamwork and facilitation skills