Job Summary
The Manager Category Management leads a Supply Chain team responsible for Category Strategy, Strategic Sourcing, Critical Supplier Management and Stakeholder Management for assigned categories and commodities. The Category Manager develops long-term business strategies aligned with key stakeholders. The individual is accountable for managing critical supplier agreements, strategic sourcing, monitoring, evaluating, & improving supplier performance, developing the supplier base, and conducting research to support the category strategy. The Category Manager will lead all strategic sourcing initiatives for the assigned Category Strategy and collaborate with other Supply Chain leaders to support department initiatives.
Essential Functions•Overall accountability for strategic sourcing and category strategy management to support the business partner goals and objectives
•Leads team responsible for execution of category management strategy across the enterprise
•Develops a team of highly skilled employees accountable for delivering results
•Provides effective leadership to employees and is focused on their development and performance
•Leads the Supplier Relationship Management program in assigned category
•Analyzes category spend management opportunities and deploys appropriate strategic plans
•Establishes, leads and supports cross functional strategic sourcing teams
•Collaborates with key stakeholders to understand business initiatives and Supply Chain’s role in the success of each initiative to meet company objectives
•Accountable for managing critical supplier agreements including new sources within given categories/commodities, critical renewals, negotiation of terms, issue identification, tracking and resolution
•Negotiate high-level complex contracts while delivering world-class results
•Develops successful partnerships with key business partners to achieve desired results
•Conducts research to understand the supply market and commodity trends
•Collaborates with Supply Chain Procurement leaders to ensure alignment and execution of category strategies
•Collaborates with Supply Chain leaders and key business partners to gain a comprehensive understanding of business requirements
•Executes category strategies
•Drives strategic sourcing and category plans to achieve savings and performance targets
•Expert at strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation
•Continuously identifies and implements strategies and improvement initiatives to reduce cost, improve quality and result in a lower total cost of ownership
•Leads strategic sourcing team with Supplier Diversity Manager and Procurement Teams to achieve supplier diversity goals
•Develops forecasts and implementation plans to ensure category strategy goals are achieved
•Continuously evaluates supplier performance and creates and leads teams to improve supplier performance as necessary
•Develops deep knowledge and experience in the category
•Contributes to the development of project plans and key deliverables
•Lead risk management efforts for assigned categories
•Deliver presentations and recommendations to Executive Leadership
•Understand business impacts and align with stakeholders to effectively assess risk levels, manage supply continuity, develop contingency plans and establish risk management strategies to mitigate risk.
•Required Qualifications For Position
•Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college
•4-6 years Five or more years of leadership experience
•1-3 years Three years category management experience
•Results-oriented mindset with proven track record of delivering results and achieving goals
•Proven track record of leadership and in successfully leading cross functional teams
•Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with others, especially in matrix leadership position
•Creating, maintaining and enhancing critical internal stakeholder relationships
•Ability to build support and consensus
•Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including experience delivering presentations and recommendations to Executive Leadership
•Knowledge of Strategic Souring
•Knowledge of contract language
•Ability to negotiate complex and critical agreements with suppliers
•Current knowledge of leading supply chain practices and benchmarks
•Experience managing critical suppliers and associated contractual agreements
•Ability to identify and innovate solutions
•Analytical thinking & proven financial acumen
•Management and negotiation of outsourcing agreements
•Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position
•Supply Chain experience in the utility industry
•Experience sourcing and negotiating IT agreements
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.
Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.
Salary Range*:
$129,500.00 - $194,300.00
•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.
Posting Start Date:
2025-06-12
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2025-06-26
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.