Lead Contract Specialist

Overview

We are hiring for 2 Lead Contract Specialists. These positions are hybrid (work remotely on Mondays and Fridays).

Location : Merrillville, IN

Job Type : Full time

Salary : $93,800 - $140,700

Work environment : On-site

Industry : Utilities

Job Summary

The Lead Contract Specialist on the 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 opportunities, 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.
• Provide recommendations and analysis to category teams to facilitate supplier selection and contract award.
• Develops and leads negotiations for large and complex deals.
• Provide expertise regarding contracts and terms and conditions to maximize contract value and mitigate potential risks.
• Identify and lead 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

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

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.

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 and Compliance

As a public utility, NiSource may require work outside normal hours and tasks outside of normal responsibilities to support emergency operations. NiSource participates in the E-Verify program.

For E-Verify notices and rights, see the E-Verify Poster and Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish).

Additional Notes

Posting Start Date : 2025-10-09. Posting End Date : 2025-10-24. Salary range reflects the range offered for this position and may vary based on factors such as experience and internal pay equity.

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