Supply Chain Category Specialist

Job Summary
The Category Analyst is responsible for supporting value through the strategic sourcing and the supplier relationship management processes.
This role is a key enabler of efforts to optimize supply chain operations across assigned categories, leveraging data to inform decisions, enhance efficiency, and support long-term business goals. The Category Specialist serves as the primary support and first line resolution to enable the procure to pay process in assigned categories.
Essential Functions

• Enters and maintains accurate data in procurement systems
• Gathers data and creates reports and presentations regarding savings / avoidance opportunities, key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics, and market trends.
• Supports the procure to pay process including requisition review and purchase order management.
• Resolves complex business unit requests and inquiries related to the procure to pay process for assigned categories.
• Supports and executes strategic sourcing plans and initiatives in partnership with Category Management team
• Facilitates supplier selection with business units through RFP process and recommends solutions based on total value and total cost of ownership
• Resolves supplier issues within business unit
• Identifies, recommends and implements efficiencies and process improvements
• Vigilantly watches over job processes and tasks to ensure work products are free from errors, omissions or defects
• Communicates effectively to build and maintain internal and external relations and resolve issues
• Collect and analyze raw data to build cost models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities
• Maintain and Monitor dashboards and reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory levels, service levels, and forecast accuracy. Review, analyze, and fulfill purchase requests with established suppliers and resolving invoice disputes
• Understand savings and operational targets and developing and executing on plans to deliver on targets
• Research, evaluate, and communicate market data and execute on opportunities based on that market data
• Support category reviews with data insights and performance metrics.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience in supply chain, procurement or category management
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw well-supported conclusions
• Knowledge and understanding of sourcing methodologies
• Ability to manage multiple commodities or work streams
• Ability to negotiate
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, word, etc.)
• Planning and organizational skills
• Critical/analytical thinking skills
• Ability to support a positive work environment/work collaboratively
• Ability to execute and drive results while gaining commitment from others
• Ability to establish plans and meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt quickly to change
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results, achieve goals and business objectives
• Ability to manage and mitigate contractual risk
• Knowledge of procurement/ERP software (PeopleSoft, Ariba, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects and tasks with minimal oversight and direction
• Ability to build strategic working relationships
• Advanced Excel/modeling capabilities
• Basic knowledge of contract management & administration

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Advanced degree

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.​

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities. 

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

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