Manager Category Management

The Manager Category Management reports to the Director of Supply Chain and leads a team responsible for Category Strategy, Strategic Sourcing, Critical Supplier Management and Stakeholder Management for categories and commodities assigned. The Category Manager will develop long-term business strategies aligned with key stakeholders. The individual will also be accountable for managing critical supplier agreements, strategic sourcing, monitoring and evaluating and improving supplier performance, developing the supplier base and conducting research to support the category strategy. The Category Manager will lead all strategic sourcing initiatives for the assigned Category Strategy and collaborate with other Supply Chain leaders to support department initiatives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Overall accountability for strategic sourcing and category strategy management to support the business partner goals and objectives

Leads team responsible for execution of category management strategy across the enterprise

Develops a team of highly skilled employees accountable for delivering results

Provides effective leadership to employees and is focused on their development and performance

Leads the Supplier Relationship Management program in assigned category

Analyzes category spend management opportunities and deploys appropriate strategic plans

Establishes, leads and supports cross functional strategic sourcing teams

Collaborates with key stakeholders to understand business initiatives and Supply Chains role in the success of each initiative to meet company objectives

Accountable for managing critical supplier agreements including new sources within given categories/commodities, critical renewals, negotiation of terms, issue identification, tracking and resolution

Negotiate high-level complex contracts while delivering world-class results

Develops successful partnerships with key business partners to achieve desired results

Conducts research to understand the supply market and commodity trends

Collaborates with Supply Chain Procurement leaders to ensure alignment and execution of category strategies

Collaborates with Supply Chain leaders and key business partners to gain a comprehensive understanding of business requirements

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

Leads strategic sourcing team with Supplier Diversity Manager and Procurement Teams to achieve supplier diversity goals

Develops forecasts and implementation plans to ensure category strategy goals are achieved

Continuously evaluates supplier performance and creates and leads teams to improve supplier performance as necessary

Develops deep knowledge and experience in the category

Contributes to the development of project plans and key deliverables

Lead risk management efforts for assigned categories

Deliver presentations and recommendations to Executive Leadership

Understand business impacts and align with stakeholders to effectively assess risk levels, manage supply continuity, develop contingency plans and establish risk management strategies to mitigate risk.

Required Qualifications for Position

Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or equivalent work related experience

Results-oriented mindset

Proven track record to deliver results and achieve goals

Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with others, especially in matrix leadership position

Experience managing critical suppliers and associated contractual agreements

Experience successfully leading cross-functional teams

Ability to build support and consensus

Knowledge of contract language

Experience delivering presentations and recommendations to Executive Leadership

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of category management

Knowledge of Strategic Sourcing

Ability to negotiate complex and critical agreements with suppliers

Current knowledge of leading supply chain practices and benchmarks

Ability to identify and innovate solutions

Intermediate level experience in Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking & proven financial acumen

Exceptional communication skills

Proven track record of leadership

Collaboration for success

Creating, maintaining and enhancing critical internal stakeholder relationships

Contribution to team success

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

MBA

CPSM

Five or more years of leadership experience

Three years category management experience

Management and negotiation of outsourcing agreements

Supply Chain experience in the utility industry

Disclaimer

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

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.

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, genetic information, 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.

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.

Posting Start Date: 2023-05-23 #J-18808-Ljbffr