Head of Procurement, Fleet Operations

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

We have an exciting opportunity for a senior-level procurement leader to join MSC Cruise Management (UK) as Head of Procurement, Fleet Operations. Reporting to the Procurement Director, this role leads the sourcing strategy for Ship in Operations supplies and plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient, and reliable fleet operations.

Acting as the procurement business partner for the New Building and Technical teams, the role drives coordination and collaboration across the MSC Cruise Division, ensuring procurement activities are effectively managed, aligned with organizational priorities, and delivered in support of both operational and strategic objectives.

We are looking for a senior-level professional who can understand operational needs and work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a mid-term sourcing plan. The role will be responsible for defining and delivering a comprehensive, multi-year category strategy program aligned with fleet operations and newbuild priorities.

In close cooperation with the New Building and Operations teams, the role will deliver New Building portfolio performance targets while building a strong pipeline of low-cost country initiatives. The successful candidate will establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, driving effective supplier relationship management across critical partners.

Additionally, the role will lead the localization of sourcing by coordinating with local teams and driving supply chain optimization across the Global Hotel Portfolio.

Your Impact

• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead negotiations with vendors and suppliers to secure the best terms and conditions for goods and services.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality and timely delivery of products and services.
• Sourcing Strategy: Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with the department's objectives and enhance onboard revenue, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Cost Management: Monitor and manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Work to ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and legal requirements, mitigating risks associated with procurement.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze supplier performance, addressing any issues or areas for improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other department heads to understand their needs and ensure procurement supports overall business goals.

Your Journey so far

• Project management skills, and especially for what concerns technology project execution.
• Continuous improvement mind set, and the ability to impact Supply Chain processes.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Knows how to attract and keep top talent
• Must have worked on a key role in Shipping industry & or a key Capital procurement leadership role
• Can be effective in a constantly developing matrixed organization with both complex and evolving technology and products
• Outstanding influencing skills

Your Essentials

• University degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or computer sciences.
• 10+ years of strong sourcing experience with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a significant leadership global role in Procurement.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, data-driven decision making, and the ability to adjust plans based on insights amid ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty.
• Strong organizational skills, able to work autonomously, prioritize, and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Calm and resilient with a self-driving attitude.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and influencing skills, comfortable with stakeholder management in a matrix organization.
• Perfect English Language skills (spoken and written). Fluency in other languages, with Italian and French being preferential ones, would be advantageous.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!