Specialist, Strategic Sourcing - Food and Beverage

Private Destinations•Miami, FL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Carnival Corporation is seeking a strategic-minded Category Specialist to support sourcing activities within Food & Beverage. The position develops and implements category strategies, optimizes the supply chain, and drives cost-saving initiatives. It conducts market research, analyzes spend data, collaborates with cross-functional teams, manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, monitors supplier performance, and reports category performance and sourcing activity to senior management. The role develops long-term sourcing plans for complex categories and projects that create value while supporting brand objectives, supply continuity, risk mitigation, and innovation. It applies category-management practices and tools, maintains project timelines and deliverables, partners with Finance on forecasting and scenario modeling, and leads supplier qualification, segmentation, and certification. It also uses data, metrics, and feedback to manage supplier relationships and improve supplier performance; negotiates strategic contracts and pricing models; and documents results and best practices for sourcing teams. This is an in-office position based at a designated Carnival office in South Florida. Employees work from the office Monday through Thursday and may work from home on Fridays. Candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. Travel is less than 25%, with shipboard travel likely. The work is primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety or health hazard potential. The position requires remaining stationary at a desk and/or computer for extended periods.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, and/or category management.
Food, beverage, or hotel category sourcing experience and/or experience in the cruise, hospitality, or foodservice industry.
Intermediate negotiation and contract-management skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Intermediate knowledge of specific categories or the ability to develop knowledge of new categories.
Strong attention to detail and process orientation.
Ability to build strong supplier relationships and hold suppliers accountable in challenging situations.
Ability to analyze information and interpret results into actionable steps.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong people-management skills, with the ability to lead effectively in a cross-functional team environment and resolve problems efficiently.
Well-developed influencing and stakeholder-management skills, including supplier relationship management experience.
Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.
Ability to remain stationary at a desk and/or computer for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
CPSM, CPM, or APICS credential.

Responsibilities

Develop and expedite category strategies that meet company objectives.
Develop long-term strategic sourcing plans for complex categories and projects, supporting value creation, brand objectives, continuity of supply, risk mitigation, and innovation.
Apply category-management best practices, tools, and techniques to assess opportunities and develop and implement integrated sourcing strategies.
Collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to secure engagement and support for category projects and initiatives; serve as a trusted sourcing partner and subject matter expert.
Manage project timelines and deliverables to meet business goals and objectives.
Partner with Finance to forecast the impacts of category strategies, including through scenario modeling.
Research best practices and conduct due diligence to identify savings, reduce total cost of ownership, improve efficiency and quality, and improve sourcing-team service.
Lead supplier qualification, segmentation, and certification programs.
Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships within assigned categories.
Use data, metrics, and internal feedback to manage supplier relationships; provide and review scorecards and work to improve supplier results.
Develop early supplier involvement and encourage supplier contributions to low-cost, efficient, quality goods and services.
Influence change and build support among stakeholders and leadership.
Implement standardized contracts across the strategic supplier base and negotiate strategic supplier contracts, pricing models, and agreements that deliver value to brands.
Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
Manage risk and ensure continuity of supply within the category.
Prepare and present reports on category performance and sourcing activities to senior management.
Document activities, share results and best practices, and develop a playbook for sourcing teams.
Promote an ethical and compliant culture, act with integrity and honesty, treat others respectfully, and speak up about misconduct or concerns.

Benefits

Cost-effective medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources.
Company-paid term life insurance and disability coverage.
401(k) plan with company match.
Employee Stock Purchase plan.
Annual cash bonus program for non-sales roles.
Eight company-wide holidays and two floating holidays for eligible employees.
Vacation time, with additional vacation earned with tenure.
Annual sick time for eligible employees.
Complimentary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, and special rates for family and friends.
Personal and professional learning and development resources, including tuition reimbursement.
On-site fitness center at the Miami campus.