Category Lead

Company: Nisource Inc. ( Learn More )

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General Information
US-IN-Merrillville
N/A
Not Specified
Full-Time
Not Specified
Not Specified
False
False
Job Description Responsibilities

Purpose & Key ResultsThe Category Lead reports to the Manager of Procurement and is responsible for Business Unit focused Market Intelligence, Demand and Supply Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Critical Supplier Management and Stakeholder Management in support of the assigned Business Unit. The Lead will develop a complete Category Strategy for the Business Unit collaborating with key stakeholders, Supply Chain team members and the Manager of Procurement Operations. The individual will also be accountable for managing critical supplier agreements, strategic sourcing, monitoring and evaluating supplier performance, developing the supplier base and conducting research to support the category strategy. The Category Lead will handle all strategic sourcing processes for the Category Strategy.Essential Responsibilities:

  • Overall accountability for strategic sourcing and strategy management to support the Business Unit
  • Analyze spend management opportunities and deploy strategic plans
  • Establish, lead and support cross functional strategic sourcing teams
  • Collaborates with key stakeholders to understand their business unit requirements
  • Accountable for managing critical supplier agreements including renewals, negotiation of terms, issue identification, tracking and resolution
  • Develops successful partnerships with key business partners to achieve desired results
  • Perform market assessments to understand trends and risks and plan accordingly
  • Executes category strategies
  • Drives strategic sourcing and category plans to achieve savings and performance targets
  • Expert at strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation
  • Continuously identifies and implements strategies and improvement initiatives to reduce cost, improve quality and result in a lower total cost of ownership
  • Collaborates with Supplier Diversity Manager and Procurement Team to achieve supplier diversity goals
  • Develops forecasts and implementation plans to ensure strategic sourcing goals are achieved
  • Continuously evaluates supplier performance
  • Develops total cost of ownership analysis for Business Unit
  • Develops deep knowledge and experience within assigned spend management responsibilities
    • Qualifications

    Required for Selection:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or equivalent work related experience
  • Proven track record to deliver results and achieve goals
  • Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with others
  • Experience managing large supplier agreements
  • Experience working in a Shared Services organization
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams
  • Ability to build support and consensus
  • Proven financial acumen

    • Preferred for Selection:

  • MBA
  • CPM
  • Three years of leadership experience


    • Technical/Functional Competencies:Required for Selection:

  • Knowledge of category management
  • Knowledge of Strategic Souring processes
  • Ability to negotiate complex agreements with suppliers
  • Stays current on knowledge of leading supply chain practices and benchmarks outside of the company
  • Applies knowledge of leading supply chain practices to identify and innovate solutions
  • Works with internal business partners and suppliers across the supply chain to implement solutions
  • Is recognized as a supply chain leader and sponsor with internal business partners and suppliers
  • Shares supply chain knowledge to ensure awareness throughout the company


    • Preferred for Selection:

  • Supply Chain experience in the utility industry


    • General/Transferable Competencies:Required for Selection:

  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Exceptional analytical skills
  • Proven track record of leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Contributing to team success
  • Establishes an effective network with internal stakeholders
  • Actively plans and works with internal stakeholders to develop a long term service strategy which can benefit both parties
  • Takes full accountability for relationships (or the relationship) with internal stakeholders, as well as meeting all expectations, goals, and objectives of the internal stakeholder
  • Considers political and cultural aspects in problem analysis and decision making
  • Tackles complex problems (e.g. outside immediate scope, impacts multiple stakeholders, etc.) often mobilizing resources from other functional groups and/or geographic boundaries
  • Makes appropriate business decisions despite incomplete information, risks and pressures
    • NiSource Inclusion & Diversity

    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 and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

    Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

    How To Apply

    For immediate consideration, please apply on-line at www.nisource.jobson or before March 12th!

    Equal Employment OpportunityNiSource companies are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers and do not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. NiSource companies require all employees to adhere strictly to this policy.
    Job Requirements 
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