Lead Category Specialist

012 NiSource Corporate Services Co; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource is seeking a Lead Category Specialist – Supply Chain in the United States to own analytical strategy, drive category performance, and lead cross-functional initiatives with planning, logistics, operations, and finance. The role informs senior leadership with data-driven insights and guides strategic category direction.

The position emphasizes end-to-end analysis, cost reduction opportunities, and performance improvement through strategic sourcing and RFx events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, supply chain, law, or related field (JD or Master’s preferred)
• 4+ years of experience in contract management or procurement, preferably within a supply chain environment
• Experience leading cross-functional teams with the ability to influence and drive results
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with proven track record
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and build consensus

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end category performance analysis and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency
• Serve as primary analytical resource for high-impact projects like inventory optimization and risk mitigation
• Lead cross-functional working groups ensuring alignment and execution of category strategies
• Mentor junior and senior team members to foster analytical excellence
• Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership to shape category direction

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Data-driven decision making

Strong written/verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field

JD or Master’s degree preferred

MBA preferred

Job description

Job Summary The Lead Category Specialist – Supply Chain is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for owning the analytical strategy and performance optimization of assigned product categories. This role serves as a thought leader within the supply chain organization, driving complex analysis, leading cross-functional initiatives, and influencing strategic decisions. The Lead Category Specialist partners closely with planning, logistics, operations, and finance to ensure category strategies are data-driven, scalable, and aligned with enterprise goals.

• Own end-to-end category performance analysis, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, service improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the primary analytical resource for high-impact projects, including inventory optimization, demand variability analysis, and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Lead cross-functional working groups and initiatives, ensuring alignment and execution of category strategies.
• Mentor and coach junior and seniorteam members , fostering analytical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, presenting insights and recommendations that shape category direction and investment.
• High impact communicator and story teller.
• Ability to utilize data and insights to form a story that drives value.
• Ability to communication with senior leaders across the business.
• Leads strategic sourcing and RFx events for large and complex projects.
• Subject matter expert in strategic sourcing for assigned categories.
• Develops spend/performance and external market analyses to monitor category performance and identify performance improvement opportunities.
• Developing spend and savings/performance improvement forecasts to monitor progress and ensure goals are achieved.
• Collaborating with stakeholder groups to develop consensus on the appropriate category plans and priorities.
• Initiates and leads performance and process improvement initiatives defined by the category plan including strategic sourcing and other initiatives in support of supply chain excellence.
• Establishing, leading/facilitating and supporting cross functional strategic sourcing/performance improvement teams as needed/prescribed by category plans to achieve savings and performance targets (e.g. reduce cost, improve quality and result in a lower total cost of ownership, meeting supplier diversity goals).
• Partners with contracting specialists to develop and execute negotiation plans for large and complex deals.
• Manages supplier relationships including developing material and conducting Quarterly Business Reviews with critical suppliers and NiSource Executive Sponsors.
• Develops successful partnerships with key stakeholders / business partners to achieve desired results.
• Developing and managing cross-functional category management and strategic sourcing teams as needed.
• Encompasses duties of Category Specialist & Sr Category Specialist.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications For Position Bachelor's Degree

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field (JD or Master’s preferred) or 4+ years of experience
• 4-6 years
• 5+ years of experience in contract management or procurement, preferably within a supply chain environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams
• Ability to influence and drive results independently.
• Demonstrates deep knowledge and experience within assigned spend management responsibilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record to deliver results and achieve goals
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with others
• Ability to build support and consensus
• Proven financial acumen and analytical abilities
• Demonstrated experience in category management and strategic sourcing practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree MBA 1-3 years
• Three years of leadership experience
• Experience managing large supplier agreements
• Experience working in a centralized supply chain organization
• Supply Chain experience in the utility industry
• Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position Master's Degree MBA

Physical Demands

• Standing
• Frequently Walking
• Frequently Sitting
• Frequently Lifting
• Rarely Carrying
• Rarely Pushing
• Rarely Pulling
• Rarely Climbing
• Rarely Balancing
• Rarely Stooping
• Rarely Kneeling
• Rarely Crouching
• Rarely Crawling
• Rarely Reaching
• Rarely Handling
• Rarely Grasping
• Rarely Feeling
• Rarely Talking
• Frequently Hearing
• Frequently Repetitive Motions
• Rarely Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination
• Rarely

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 provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners. We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

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 also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320 Safety Statement Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*: $96,600.00 - $144,900.00 *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: 2026-10-01 Posting End Date (if applicable): 2026-10-07 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.