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. The 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.

• 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%.

• 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.

• 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.

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

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.

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.

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