Manager Category Management - Electric Generation/Renewables

NiSource • Merrillville, IN

107d • $129,500 - $194,300 • Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in category management or strategic sourcing within a supply chain organization.
• 5+ years of experience leading teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of individual contributors and build high performing teams.
• Deep knowledge of complex sourcing and contracting strategies with the ability to apply strategic thinking to adjust to unique and challenging scenarios.
• Ability to analyze complex data and translated into actionable reports and presentations to stakeholders and supply chain leadership, communicating category performance, risks, and recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Proficiency in ERP and supply chain applications (e.g., Ariba, Coupa, SAP).
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Category Management experience in the Utilities or Telecommunications industries.
• Experience or certification in performance improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• PMP certification.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree