Procurement Category Specialist

Where passion meets opportunity

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

Your Purpose

MSC Cruise Management are seeking a Procurement Category Specialist to play a pivotal role in supporting the procurement strategy for both our growing newbuild programme and global fleet operations.
In this role, you will drive strategic sourcing, procurement planning, supply chain coordination, and logistics activities to ensure the seamless delivery of products and services across multiple high-profile projects and operational requirements. Working closely with internal stakeholders and international suppliers, you will secure best-value solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality, supplier performance, cost efficiency, and operational continuity.

Your Impact

•    Procure goods and services for newbuild projects and existing fleet operations in accordance with MSC procedures and policies. 
•    Support the development and continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes, and category strategies. 
•    Collaborate with internal stakeholders across multiple locations to develop category and sub-category sourcing plans aligned to business objectives. 
•    Conduct supply market analysis, contract management activities, commodity tracking, and procurement reporting. 
•    Support the establishment and management of framework agreements with strategic suppliers. 
•    Develop and execute negotiation strategies to secure optimal commercial, payment, and INCOTERM agreements. 
•    Ensure effective inventory planning and delivery management to support operational requirements and avoid supply disruptions. 
•    Manage RFQ processes and competitive bidding activities through the MSC’s procurement system. 
•    Manage procurement requisitions and ensure timely processing of purchasing requirements. 
•    Produce supplier performance and procurement reports, monitoring KPIs and expected delivery schedules.

Your Journey so far

•    Minimum 5 years' experience within procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or a similar commercial role. 
•    Experience managing sourcing projects, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities. 
•    Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline. 
•    CIPS qualification or actively working towards CIPS certification is preferred. 
•    Experience using ERP and procurement systems such as Oracle, SAP, or equivalent platforms. 
•    Strong analytical skills with experience producing procurement and supplier performance reporting. 
•    Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders and managing supplier relationships. 
•    Exposure to project management and change management initiatives. 
•    Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency across Microsoft Office applications. 
•    Experience within an international, fast-paced procurement environment.

Your Essentials

•    Previous procurement experience gained within Cruise, Maritime, Hospitality, Transportation, Manufacturing, or similarly complex international industries. 
•    Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification. 
•    CIPS qualification (preferred) or commitment to obtaining professional procurement accreditation. 
•    Fluent English, both written and verbal. 
•    Advanced PC skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and procurement systems. 
•    Strong negotiation, relationship management, analytical, and commercial skills. 
•    Demonstrated ability to challenge existing practices and identify process improvements. 
•    Resilient, proactive, and results-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities. 
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within cross-functional teams. 
•    Existing right to live and work in the UK.

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!