Supply Chain Category Specialist

NiSource•Merrillville, IN

31d

About The Position

Job Summary The Category Analyst is responsible for supporting value through the strategic sourcing and the supplier relationship management processes. This role is a key enabler of efforts to optimize supply chain operations across assigned categories, leveraging data to inform decisions, enhance efficiency, and support long-term business goals. The Category Specialist serves as the primary support and first line resolution to enable the procure to pay process in assigned categories. Essential Functions Enters and maintains accurate data in procurement systems Gathers data and creates reports and presentations regarding savings / avoidance opportunities, key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics, and market trends. Supports the procure to pay process including requisition review and purchase order management. Resolves complex business unit requests and inquiries related to the procure to pay process for assigned categories. Supports and executes strategic sourcing plans and initiatives in partnership with Category Management team Facilitates supplier selection with business units through RFP process and recommends solutions based on total value and total cost of ownership Resolves supplier issues within business unit Identifies, recommends and implements efficiencies and process improvements Vigilantly watches over job processes and tasks to ensure work products are free from errors, omissions or defects Communicates effectively to build and maintain internal and external relations and resolve issues Collect and analyze raw data to build cost models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities Maintain and Monitor dashboards and reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory levels, service levels, and forecast accuracy. Review, analyze, and fulfill purchase requests with established suppliers and resolving invoice disputes Understand savings and operational targets and developing and executing on plans to deliver on targets Research, evaluate, and communicate market data and execute on opportunities based on that market data Support category reviews with data insights and performance metrics. Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field or equivalent experience
1-3 years of experience in supply chain, procurement or category management
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
Ability to negotiate
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
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
Advanced Excel/modeling capabilities
Basic knowledge of contract management & administration

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree

Responsibilities

Enters and maintains accurate data in procurement systems
Gathers data and creates reports and presentations regarding savings / avoidance opportunities, key business measures such as supplier performance, spend analytics, and market trends.
Supports the procure to pay process including requisition review and purchase order management.
Resolves complex business unit requests and inquiries related to the procure to pay process for assigned categories.
Supports and executes strategic sourcing plans and initiatives in partnership with Category Management team
Facilitates supplier selection with business units through RFP process and recommends solutions based on total value and total cost of ownership
Resolves supplier issues within business unit
Identifies, recommends and implements efficiencies and process improvements
Vigilantly watches over job processes and tasks to ensure work products are free from errors, omissions or defects
Communicates effectively to build and maintain internal and external relations and resolve issues
Collect and analyze raw data to build cost models (using spreadsheets, organizing data, creating graphs) and identify savings / avoidance opportunities
Maintain and Monitor dashboards and reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory levels, service levels, and forecast accuracy. Review, analyze, and fulfill purchase requests with established suppliers and resolving invoice disputes
Understand savings and operational targets and developing and executing on plans to deliver on targets
Research, evaluate, and communicate market data and execute on opportunities based on that market data
Support category reviews with data insights and performance metrics.
Other duties as assigned