• Job Description

  Req#: R0020908

  Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

  This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027.

  We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Early Career Program Lead to design, execute, and continuously improve our early talent programs. This role will be responsible for managing internship, co-op, and rotational programs that attract, develop, and retain top early-career talent aligned with our long-term workforce strategy. In addition, this role will lead the recruiting efforts for entry level hiring in key focus areas within engineering, manufacturing, sales, and other corporate functions. The ideal candidate will also lead engagement efforts across a wide range of 4-year and 2-year educational institutions, partnering closely with Talent Acquisition, HR, and business leaders to align programs with workforce planning goals and enhance our presence on campus through events, partnerships, and employer brand initiatives.

  Reports to: Manager, Talent Acquisition

  What You Will Do at Graco

  Program Strategy & Design

  · Develop and implement scalable early career programs that are aligned with business needs and talent strategy, supporting long-term succession planning goals.

  · Partner with business leaders to identify future skill needs and build talent pipelines accordingly.

  · Stay current on market trends and competitor practices, using external benchmarks to continuously evolve program design and maintain a competitive edge.

  · Establish clear program goals, success metrics, and evaluation mechanisms to measure impact and drive continuous improvement.

  Program Management

  · Oversee the full lifecycle of internship and rotational programs, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and conversion.

  · Coordinate with universities, career services, and external partners to build strong talent pipelines.

  · Build and maintain a network of internal program leads, mentors, and ambassadors to support program execution, enhance participant experience, and drive advocacy across the organization.

  Stakeholder & Candidate Engagement

  · Collaborate with HR Business Partners, hiring managers, and senior leaders to ensure early career programs alignment and success.

  · Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on early talent trends and entry-level hiring best practices.

  · Deliver a high-quality, engaging experience for early career participants through onboarding, mentorship, events, and professional development opportunities.

  · Create clarity and transparency throughout the candidate journey, including communication of conversion pathways and next steps for full-time roles.

  · Ensure alignment between stakeholder expectations and participant experiences to drive program effectiveness and long-term talent outcomes.

  Metrics & Reporting

  · Track and report on key performance indicators (e.g., conversion rates, intern offer acceptance rates, retention, diversity metrics).

  · Monitor and improve program satisfaction through surveys and feedback loops.

  · Use data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate program impact.

  What You Will Bring to Graco

  · Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, or related field.

  · 3+ years of experience in university relations, or program management.

  · Proven ability to manage large-scale projects, programs, and cross-functional initiatives.

  · Strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.

  · Passion for developing early career talent and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

  · Proven success partnering with HR, business leaders, hiring managers, and external partners to drive program success.

  · Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HR analytics tools to optimize recruiting strategies, measure program impact, and continuously improve.

  Accelerators

  · Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge.

  · Experience utilizing on campus recruiting tools like Handshake.

  · Familiarity with DEI strategies in early talent recruitment.

  · Background in corporate or campus recruiting.

  #LI-DS1

  At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

  Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

  Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

  The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.

  $64,200.00 - $112,400.00

• About the company

  Graco is an American manufacturer of fluid-handling systems and products based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Notice