Procurement Category Manager

Where passion meets opportunity

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

Your Purpose

We are looking for a Procurement Category Manager to join MSC Cruise Management in leading the strategic sourcing across key technical supply categories within a global cruise environment. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will drive supplier negotiations, manage contracts, and build strong vendor partnerships to deliver cost-effective, high-quality procurement solutions that support fleet operations and onboard performance.

This role is suited to a commercially driven procurement professional with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. You will collaborate closely with technical and operational teams, oversee supplier performance, ensure compliance with company standards, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support overall business objectives.

Your Impact

In this role you will work closely with both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys operations team along with the Global Procurement Teams to align on Global demand and Global category strategies including:

• Understanding the operational needs while developing a short, mid and long term sourcing plan.
• Define a comprehensive, multiyear category strategy program
• Deliver Technical Portfolio performance targets, in cooperation with the operations team
• Support the development of a pipeline of Low Cost countries project
• Enable strategic connections with key suppliers, and drive a supplier relationship management plan for the key partners
• Drive effective localization of sourcing by coordinating with local teams and lead supply chain optimization of the Global Hotel Portfolio

Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Enable and drive 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:

• Support and develop 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 closely with the technical department 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.
• 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 level.
• Must have worked in the shipping industry and have exposure to technical categories such as Engine and or Deck.
• Can be effective in a constantly developing matrixed organization with both complex and evolving technology and products
• Outstanding organizational skills

Your Essentials

We're seeking candidates with a strong bias for action and a drive for continuous improvement. If you're someone who thrives on challenges, adapts quickly to change, and isn't afraid to think outside the box.

• University degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or computer sciences.
• 5+ years of strong sourcing experience with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management Procurement of Technical Categories role.
• 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.
• Excellent English (spoken and written) skills. 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!