Nisource
NiSource provides natural gas and electricity services to millions across the U.S.
3 hours ago
$82,200 - $123,200
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
United States
Office Full-Time
Company Size
7,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
category analysis
strategic sourcing
negotiations
cost modeling
spend reporting
root‑cause analysis
The Senior Category Specialist – Supply Chain is a mid-level individual contributor who supports value creation through category management and supplier relationship functions. The role optimizes supply-chain operations across assigned categories by leveraging data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency and achieve long-term business goals. The specialist also serves as a subject-matter expert and may mentor team members.
Key responsibilities include conducting category-level analysis to uncover performance trends, operational inefficiencies, and strategic opportunities, and leading strategic sourcing and RFx events for complex projects. The specialist develops negotiation plans, participates in high-stakes negotiations, and collaborates with stakeholders to align category strategies with broader supply-chain objectives. Additional duties involve root-cause analysis of disruptions, network optimization, inventory modeling, and scenario planning.
The role requires reviewing raw data, building cost models, and identifying savings or avoidance opportunities using advanced spreadsheet techniques. Findings are communicated through reports and presentations that cover supplier performance, spend analytics, and market trends, and purchase requests are reviewed and approved with established suppliers.
- Lead category-level analysis to identify trends and inefficiencies
- Manage end-to-end strategic sourcing and RFx events for medium to large projects
- Develop and execute negotiation plans; participate in complex negotiations
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align category strategy with supply-chain goals
- Conduct root-cause analysis of supply-chain disruptions and implement corrective actions
- Build cost models and uncover savings/avoidance opportunities using advanced Excel
- Produce reports and presentations on supplier performance, spend analytics, and market trends
- Review and approve purchase requests with established suppliers
- Mentor junior team members and share best practices
Requirements
bachelor's
jd/master
category mgmt
excel
erp/ariba
negotiation
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Law, or a related field (JD or master’s preferred) or possess at least four years of relevant experience. They should have 1-3 years of supply-chain, procurement, or category-management experience and 3-4 years of category or contract management experience, preferably within a supply-chain environment. Required skills include problem definition, data analysis, sourcing methodology knowledge, negotiation, advanced Excel/modeling, and proficiency with ERP or Ariba systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Law or related field (JD/Master’s preferred) or 4+ years relevant experience
- 3-4 years category or contract management experience in a supply-chain environment
- Proven negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, advanced Excel/modeling, and ERP/Ariba systems
- Ability to manage multiple commodities, meet deadlines, and adapt to change
- Preferred: utility-industry supply-chain experience and CPSM certification
Benefits
Travel is minimal (approximately 15 % annually, primarily to Columbus). Preferred candidates have utility-industry supply-chain experience and CPSM certification. NiSource offers a salary range of $82,200–$123,200, a commitment to inclusion, safety, and equal employment opportunity, and the chance to serve nearly four million customers across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
- authorized to work in the united states without requiring sponsorship.
Security clearance
Overview
Founded 1912
Year of establishment
The company was established in 1912 and has since grown into a major player in the energy sector.
Millions of Customers
Customer base size
The company serves millions of households, businesses, and industries across the U.S.
- Provides reliable service by managing infrastructure for natural gas and electricity.
- Specializes in energy delivery, including transmission and distribution.
- Regularly modernizes systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Deeply rooted in innovation, integrating renewable energy into the grid.
- Involved in large-scale infrastructure projects to enhance energy security.
- Known for steady financial performance and a forward-thinking approach.
Culture + Values
- Be Safe
- Look for a Better Way
- Act with Care
- Take Accountability
- Serve our customers and our communities
- Be respectful and inclusive
- Work together
- Deliver on our commitments
- Be transparent
- Do the right thing
Environment + Sustainability
Net Zero
GHG Emissions Target
Aim to achieve net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
58% Reduction
Scope 1 Emissions Since 2005
Significant decrease in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions since 2005.
50% Methane Reduction
From Mains and Services
Targeting a 50% reduction in methane emissions from mains and services by 2025.
$3B Investment
Renewable Energy Transition
Anticipated investments in renewable energy generation transition through 2028.
- Retire 100% of remaining coal-fired electric generating units by 2026–2028.
- Exploring hydrogen blending in gas systems via an on‑site hydrogen blending skid.
- Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and to North America Index eleven consecutive years.
- Plans to conserve lands: restoring hundreds of acres through vegetation management, soil remediation and seeding.
Inclusion & Diversity
Employee Promotion Rates
Promotion Statistics (8/31/23)
Reflects the promotion rates across various demographic groups within the organization.
Executive Representation
Leadership Demographics (12/31/24)
Breakdown of executive leadership roles by gender in the organization.
Employee Population
Workforce Demographics (12/31/24)
Overall gender distribution within the organization's workforce.
- Provide energizing and inclusive culture where every employee has a voice and active seat at the table
- Support diverse and unique customers and invest in communities
- Diversify workforce partnerships through conferences (e.g., SWE, SASE, SHPE, NSBE, NBMBA)
- Commit to supplier diversity and economic inclusion initiatives