Lead Contract Specialist

Lead Contract Specialist

The Lead Contract Specialist in our Direct side of the Supply Chain Department 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.
• Provides recommendations and analysis to category teams to facilitate supplier selection and contract award.
• Develops and leads negotiations for large and complex deals.
• Provides 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 For Position :

Preferred Additional Qualifications for 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.

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 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, 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 OneHR@nisource.com 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. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants : These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below :

Salary Range