Manager Category Management (hybrid)

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for the execution of category strategies as defined by the Director of Category Management. This role manages a team of Category Specialists to support the supply chain needs of NiSource stakeholders in a high-quality, consistent, and cost-effective manner. This position requires close collaboration and the ability to influence business leaders, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure effective sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization across assigned spend categories. By implementing category strategies, fostering supplier relationships, and optimizing cost structures, the Category Manager plays a critical role in maintaining a resilient and efficient supply chain.

- This will be for Enterprise Professional Services

Essential Functions

- Develop and implement complex sourcing and contracting strategies by applying advanced strategic thinking to navigate unique and challenging procurement scenarios, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and risk management practices.

- Execute category management strategies as defined by the Director of Category Management to align with overall business partner goals and objectives.

- Develop and implement category plans to achieve total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions and risk mitigation objectives.

- Conduct external market research to stay informed of industry trends and emerging supply chain strategies to implement best practices

- Drive and manage category performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and identifies areas for continuous improvement

- Integrate Economic Inclusion strategies into category management and sourcing strategies

- Collaborate with Supply Chain support functions to enable execution of defined category goals.

- Lead a team responsible for execution of category management strategy across the enterprise

- with authority to hire, terminate, promote, demote, coach, develop and performance manage

- Ensure consistency in supply chain operations by implementing standardized processes and best practices.

- Provide mentorship and guidance to Category Specialists, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.

- Build and support a culture of ownership and accountability, develops talent through an employee value proposition that supports personal and professional development.

- Some travel, less than 15%.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college

- 4-6 years of leadership experience

- 1-3 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

- Master's Degree MBA

- Supply Chain experience in the utility industry

- CPSM Upon Hire

- 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 OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320

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.

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*:

$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:

2025-12-10

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-12-31

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.