Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Carnival Corporation & plc is excited to announce: We are hiring a **Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Hotel Operations** to join our **Supply Chain Team**. This full-time permanent position will be based in the Chatswood district of Sydney and report directly to the **Director - Supply Chain**. In this role, you will work closely with Hotel Operations to source products, build and maintain supplier relationships, and ensure our goods meet specification and quality standards. You'll play a key part in maximising cost and logistics efficiency while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality hotel goods across Carnival Corporation brands. From managing bids and analysing costs, to stepping in during unplanned events to keep operations running smoothly, this role is perfect for someone with strong sourcing experience, commercial insight, and a solutions-driven mindset.

**First things first, check out what is on offer**
- Competitive base salary + super + bonus.
- 9-day working fortnight (compressed hours) - enjoy a long weekend every second week.
- Hybrid work model - 2 days WFH, 3 days in the office.
- Prime Chatswood location - close to shops, restaurants, gyms, and public transport.
- Amazing cruise discounts, travel perks, onboard experiences, and hotel discounts.
- Check out our website for more benefits

**Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to**:

- **Strategic Sourcing & Procurement**- Lead end-to-end procurement of non-food and beverage FOH operational supplies, including linen, cutlery, crockery, youth centre supplies (e.g., stationery, entertainment materials), uniforms, PPE, janitorial and cleaning products, and general consumables.
- Conduct cost/benefit and total cost of ownership analyses to support decision-making.
- **Supplier & Stakeholder Management**- Build strong supplier relationships and manage onboarding, pricing, and contract negotiations.
- Manage supplier performance and SLAs, ensuring compliance and value delivery.
- **Operational Support & Compliance**- Support emergency procurement and logistics to ensure continuity across hotel operations.
- Conduct product trials onboard and influence stakeholder adoption of new or replacement items.
- **Inventory & Process Oversight**- Oversee supplier setup, catalogue management, and alignment with procurement processes.
- Coordinate inventory support for 3.5 ships and seasonal vessels, ensuring supply continuity.
- **Supplier Portfolio & Improvement**- Manage a portfolio of 20-30 key suppliers with flexibility to evolve based on business needs.
- Identify and act on sourcing challenges and opportunities to improve supply chain performance.

**About You**:
You will be a proactive, commercially astute supply chain professional with a solid understanding of hospitality operations and end-to-end sourcing. With a practical mindset and strong initiative, you thrive in fast-paced, complex environments and are energised by the opportunity to drive continuous improvement. You bring a curious, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to challenge the status quo in pursuit of better outcomes.

Known for your clear communication and calm, can-do attitude, you build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring procurement processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with business needs. You balance commercial value with operational requirements and are comfortable shifting gears when the unexpected arises. Whether you're managing a bid process, onboarding a new supplier, or responding to urgent sourcing needs, you lead with purpose, professionalism, and a passion for delivering results.

**To be successful in the role, you will have demonstrated**:

- Minimum 2 years' experience in a sourcing or procurement environment, ideally within F&B or hotel operations.
- Knowledge of hospitality-related products, category management, and supply standards.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, including cost evaluation and supplier negotiation.
- Proven ability to challenge the status quo and identify transformational opportunities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with experience using inventory or ERP systems (e.g. SAP, ARIBA).
- Confidence managing procurement documentation, catalogues, and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to own and lead projects end-to-end with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Self-starter who thrives in complex environments and takes initiative to deliver improvements.
- Strong stakeholder management skills across internal teams and external suppliers.
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to work both autonomously and in close-knit teams.
- Experience sourcing directly from Asia is highly regarded.
- Curious, adaptable, and excited by the opportunity to jump into new challenges and drive change.

**About Us**:
Carnival Corporation & plc is part of the worlds' leading cruise holiday company, representing iconic brands including P&O Cruises, Princess