Senior Category Specialist
NiSource, Merrillville, IN, United States
Overview
Job Title:
Senior Category Specialist
Location:
Merrillville or Valparaiso, Indiana
Hybrid Schedule:
remote work on Mondays & Fridays
Job Summary
The Senior Category Specialist is a Supply Chain 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.
This role plays a key part in supporting generation‑focused commodities, partnering closely with generation stations and managing categories that include essential chemical and operational components.
Responsibilities
Lead 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.
Lead strategic sourcing and RFx events for medium to large and complex projects. Serve as subject matter expert in strategic sourcing for assigned categories. Support other Category Specialists and Manager with sourcing activities.
Communicate clearly with senior leaders across the business using data and insights to tell a compelling value story.
Participate in and support performance and process improvement initiatives defined by the category plan, including strategic sourcing and other initiatives in support of supply chain excellence.
Lead and develop medium-level negotiation plans and understand negotiation levers; participate 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 or 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 and execute on plans to deliver on targets.
Encapsulates duties of a Category Analyst.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field OR 4+ years of experience
3+ years of experience in information technology 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
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
Intermediate Excel/modeling capabilities
Basic knowledge of contract management & administration
Ability to manage and mitigate contractual risk
Knowledge of procurement/ERP software (Ariba, or similar)
Demonstrated ability to complete projects and tasks with minimal oversight and direction
Ability to build strategic working relationships
Preferred Additional Qualifications
Supply chain experience in the utility industry
Additional Information
Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.
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 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.
Legal and Compliance
Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Equality and Inclusion: NiSource is committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, pregnancy, or other protected status. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
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 OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320.
Safety: Promote a safe work environment by participating in our employee safety program and reporting unsafe conditions.
E-Verify: NiSource participates in the U.S. DHS E-Verify program. See notices for rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. Includes access to E-Verify and Right to Work posters.
Salary Range:
$82,200.00 - $123,200.00
Posting Start Date: 2026-04-16
Posting End Date: 2026-05-01
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
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Job Title:
Senior Category Specialist
Location:
Merrillville or Valparaiso, Indiana
Hybrid Schedule:
remote work on Mondays & Fridays
Job Summary
The Senior Category Specialist is a Supply Chain 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.
This role plays a key part in supporting generation‑focused commodities, partnering closely with generation stations and managing categories that include essential chemical and operational components.
Responsibilities
Lead 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.
Lead strategic sourcing and RFx events for medium to large and complex projects. Serve as subject matter expert in strategic sourcing for assigned categories. Support other Category Specialists and Manager with sourcing activities.
Communicate clearly with senior leaders across the business using data and insights to tell a compelling value story.
Participate in and support performance and process improvement initiatives defined by the category plan, including strategic sourcing and other initiatives in support of supply chain excellence.
Lead and develop medium-level negotiation plans and understand negotiation levers; participate 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 or 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 and execute on plans to deliver on targets.
Encapsulates duties of a Category Analyst.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or related field OR 4+ years of experience
3+ years of experience in information technology 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
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
Intermediate Excel/modeling capabilities
Basic knowledge of contract management & administration
Ability to manage and mitigate contractual risk
Knowledge of procurement/ERP software (Ariba, or similar)
Demonstrated ability to complete projects and tasks with minimal oversight and direction
Ability to build strategic working relationships
Preferred Additional Qualifications
Supply chain experience in the utility industry
Additional Information
Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.
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 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.
Legal and Compliance
Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Equality and Inclusion: NiSource is committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, pregnancy, or other protected status. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
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 OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320.
Safety: Promote a safe work environment by participating in our employee safety program and reporting unsafe conditions.
E-Verify: NiSource participates in the U.S. DHS E-Verify program. See notices for rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. Includes access to E-Verify and Right to Work posters.
Salary Range:
$82,200.00 - $123,200.00
Posting Start Date: 2026-04-16
Posting End Date: 2026-05-01
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
#J-18808-Ljbffr