Senior Category Specialist

NiSource•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Senior Category Specialist is a mid-level individual contributor responsible for supporting value through the category management and supplier relationship management functions. This role leads and supports efforts to optimize supply chain operations across assigned categories, leveraging data to inform decisions, enhance efficiency, and support long term business goals. The Sr. Category Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and may mentor others within the team, contributing to the development of best practices. Essential Functions Leads category-level analysis to identify performance trends, operational inefficiencies, and strategic opportunities. Support and may lead end-to-end category performance analysis, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, service improvement, and operational efficiency. Leads strategic sourcing and RFx events for medium to large and complex projects. Subject matter expert in strategic sourcing for assigned categories. Supports other Category Analysts and Manager with sourcing activities. Strong communication skills with the ability to utilize data and insights to tell a story that drives value. Ability to communication with senior leaders across the business. Participates in and supports performance and process improvement initiatives defined by the category plan including strategic sourcing and other initiatives in support of supply chain excellence. Ability to lead and develop medium level negotiation plans and understands negotiation levers to achieve the best outcomes. Participates in more complex negotiations as directed by Category Manager. Collaborate with key stakeholders to align category strategies with broader supply chain objectives. Drive root cause analysis and resolution of supply chain disruptions, implementing sustainable corrective actions. Drive and support strategic initiatives such as network optimization, inventory modeling, and scenario planning. Review and analyze raw data to build cost models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities Analyze data and create reports and presentations regarding key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics and market trends. Review, analyze, and approve purchase requests with established suppliers Understand savings and operational targets and develop / execute on plans to deliver on targets Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field (JD or Master’s preferred) OR 4+ years of experience
1-3 years' experience in supply chain, procurement or category management
3-4 years of experience in category or contract management or procurement, preferably within a supply chain environment
Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw well-supported conclusions
Knowledge and understanding of sourcing methodologies
Ability to manage multiple commodities or work streams
Proven negotiation skills
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/work 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
Advanced Excel/modeling capabilities
Basic knowledge of contract management & administration
Ability to manage and mitigate contractual risk
Knowledge of procurement/ERP software (PeopleSoft, Ariba, or similar)
Demonstrated ability to complete projects and tasks with minimal oversight and direction
Ability to build strategic working relationships
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Supply chain experience in the utility industry
CPSM Upon Hire

Responsibilities

Leads category-level analysis to identify performance trends, operational inefficiencies, and strategic opportunities.
Support and may lead end-to-end category performance analysis, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, service improvement, and operational efficiency.
Leads strategic sourcing and RFx events for medium to large and complex projects.
Subject matter expert in strategic sourcing for assigned categories.
Supports other Category Analysts and Manager with sourcing activities.
Strong communication skills with the ability to utilize data and insights to tell a story that drives value.
Ability to communication with senior leaders across the business.
Participates in and supports performance and process improvement initiatives defined by the category plan including strategic sourcing and other initiatives in support of supply chain excellence.
Ability to lead and develop medium level negotiation plans and understands negotiation levers to achieve the best outcomes.
Participates in more complex negotiations as directed by Category Manager.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to align category strategies with broader supply chain objectives.
Drive root cause analysis and resolution of supply chain disruptions, implementing sustainable corrective actions.
Drive and support strategic initiatives such as network optimization, inventory modeling, and scenario planning.
Review and analyze raw data to build cost models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities
Analyze data and create reports and presentations regarding key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics and market trends.
Review, analyze, and approve purchase requests with established suppliers
Understand savings and operational targets and develop / execute on plans to deliver on targets
Other duties as assigned