Lead IT Contract Specialist

NiSource; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

A public utility company in Ohio is seeking a Lead IT Contract Specialist. This role focuses on managing contract lifecycles, ensuring compliance, and negotiating complex agreements. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range. Apply to help drive strategic initiatives and improve contracting processes.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in contract management or procurement.
• Strong understanding of contract law and commercial terms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle.
• Negotiate high complexity contract terms.
• Collaborate with legal and business stakeholders.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field

Tools

SAP

Coupa

Oracle

Job description

Overview

We are hiring for 2 Lead IT Contract Specialists. These positions are hybrid (remote work on Mondays & Fridays). The positions are tailored specifically for candidates with a strong background in IT procurement and contract negotiation, particularly involving software, hardware, and IT services.

Job Summary

The Lead IT Contract Specialist – Supply Chain is a senior level individual contributor responsible for all activities related to contract lifecycle management for assigned categories. This role is critical in ensuring contractual compliance, mitigating risk, identifying opportunity and supporting category management outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Creating, reviewing, and negotiating high complexity contract terms and conditions ensuring they meet NiSource standards.
• Provide support for contracting activities including dispute resolution, supplier support, and audit remediation.
• Provide recommendations and analysis to category teams to facilitate supplier selection and contract award.
• Develops and leads negotiations for large and complex deals.
• Provide expertise regarding contracts and terms and conditions to maximize contract value and mitigate potential risks.
• Identifies and leads process improvement and efficiency plans related to contracting.
• Collaborate with legal, category, and business stakeholders to ensure contracts align with company policies and objectives.
• Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including renewals, terminations, and performance tracking.
• Recommend corrections to contractual risks while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide expertise and guidance to Category Specialists during strategic sourcing initiatives by providing contractual guidance and risk assessments.
• Oversee accurate contract records and documentation in contract management systems.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to align category strategies with broader supply chain objectives.
• Drive and support strategic initiatives such as network optimization, inventory modeling, and scenario planning.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on contract terms, processes, and best practices.
• Monitor market and regulatory changes that may impact contract terms or supplier relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field OR 4+ years of experience
• Minimum 4-6 years of experience in contract management or procurement, preferably within a supply chain environment.
• Strong understanding of contract law, commercial terms, and procurement processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in contract management software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa, Oracle).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• JD or Master’s preferred
• Certification such as CPCM, CIPS, or equivalent is a plus.
• The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Workplace and Legal

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection

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.

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 be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part 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

Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. This includes notices to all job applicants about rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. The following posters are available:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) – E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) – If you have the right to work, don’t let anyone take it away

Salary Range*: $93,800.00 - $140,700.00

*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: 2025-10-09

Posting End Date (if applicable): 2025-10-24