Procurement Specialist

Description

Job Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for helping drive value through the strategic sourcing and the supplier relationship process. The Specialist must be highly analytical and self-driven with a proven ability to collect and analyze data, build out cost of ownership models, draw conclusions, present findings to drive procurement decisions and track and manage supplier performance metrics. The Procurement Specialist is responsible for meeting sourcing fulfillment needs for NiSource business units. The Procurement Specialist is also accountable for reviewing and analyzing order requests, helping resolve invoice disputes and other required tasks to meet business unit sourcing needs. The Procurement Specialist must possess an ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and still meet business performance measures, including timelines for procurement activities and plan for future sourcing needs of the business units. The Procurement Specialist reports to the Manager, Procurement Operations.

Essential Functions

- Lead procurement and sourcing projects

- Independently lead the RFP process, which includes but is not limited to: supplier communication, development of business requirements and decision/evaluation criteria, document creation and distribution, response analysis, negotiation analysis, and supplier selection.

- Facilitate supplier selection with business units through RFP process and recommends solutions based on total value and total cost of ownership

- Collect and analyze raw data to build total cost of ownership models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities

- Partner with business units to plan, negotiate, and execute agreements and purchase order terms and conditions with suppliers

- Review, analyze and fulfill purchase requests with established suppliers and resolves invoice disputes

- Understand savings and operational targets and develop and execute on plans to deliver on targets

- Research, evaluate, and communicate market data and executes on opportunities based on the market data

- Analyze data and create reports and presentations regarding key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics and market trends

- Proactively take prompt action to accomplish work goals and to achieve results beyond what is required

- Identify, recommend and implement efficiencies and process improvements

- Vigilantly watch over job processes and tasks to ensure work products are free from errors, omissions or defects

- Adhere to Supply Chain policies and procedures

- Communicate effectively to build and maintain internal and external relations and resolve issues

- Support positive work environment

- Perform Procurement Consultant roles in the absence of a Procurement Consultant

- Quarterly travel to data centers or to Columbus, OH for team meetings (10% at most)

Required Qualifications For Position

- Bachelor's Degree From an accredited college or university or equivalent work related experience

- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw well-supported conclusions

- Ability to perform negotiations

- 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/working 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

- Knowledge and understanding of sourcing methodologies

- Knowledge of procurement/ERP software (PeopleSoft, Ariba, or similar)

- Advanced Excel/modeling capabilities

- Demonstrated ability to complete projects and tasks with minimal oversight and direction

- Ability to build strategic working relationships

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

- 1-3 years procurement experience

- Project management

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*:

$67,900.00 - $101,900.00

- 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:

2025-12-05

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-12-13

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