Agent, Purchasing

About the role

A Purchasing Agent at Carnival Cruise Lines is responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services necessary for shipboard operations. Key responsibilities include sourcing and negotiating with suppliers, reviewing vendor confirmations, and addressing out-of-stock items through research and alternative sourcing. The role demands strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both shoreside and shipboard teams. Candidates should possess excellent communication and teamwork abilities, as they will liaise with various departments to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement solutions. A background in supply chain management or purchasing, along with proficiency in relevant software and systems, is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive approach to problem‑solving and possess the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Supplier Management (40%) – Manage supplier relationships, sourcing activities, and procurement transactions for food, beverage, hotel, and operational requirements. Review vendor confirmations, source alternatives for out‑of‑stock items, negotiate pricing and contractual terms, conduct supplier performance evaluations. Interface with domestic and international suppliers, support multiple vessel and shoreside operations, influence procurement spend and supplier performance outcomes. Impact: reduces supply disruptions, improves supplier accountability, delivers cost savings while maintaining service levels.

• Supply Chain & Inventory Management (20%) – Manage inventory planning and support logistics coordination for shipboard deliveries. Monitor inventory trends, forecast demand, identify replenishment requirements, coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of goods. Support multiple vessel deployments and ports, requiring coordination across procurement, logistics, and operational stakeholders. Impact: minimizes stockouts, excess inventory, emergency purchases, and operational disruptions.

• Procurement Operations & Stakeholder Support (20%) – Maintain procurement records and provide operational support to shipboard and shoreside stakeholders. Update procurement systems, maintain purchase records, monitor procurement activities, collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve supply chain and purchasing challenges. Support procurement systems, reporting requirements, and stakeholders across multiple business units and fleet operations. Impact: improves data accuracy, operational efficiency, compliance, and customer service while enabling informed business decisions.

• Continuous Improvement & Team Development (15%) – Drive process improvements, cost reduction initiatives, employee development, and special projects. Analyze procurement processes, identify savings opportunities, participate in improvement projects, train new employees, complete assigned departmental initiatives. Influence departmental performance, employee development, procurement best practices, and cross‑functional improvement initiatives. Impact: enhances productivity, increases procurement value, promotes knowledge transfer, supports organizational growth and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Manages procurement and supply chain activities for FBH operations across Carnival’s global cruise line portfolio. Collaborates with Finance, Strategic Sourcing, operational stakeholders, and domestic and international suppliers on spend consolidation, supplier qualification and segmentation, spot purchases, project timelines, and sourcing playbooks. Addresses complex sourcing challenges, supplier compliance issues, and logistics bottlenecks, requiring innovative solutions and risk mitigation strategies. Evaluates alternatives that balance cost, quality, service, supply continuity, risk, and innovation. Creates long‑term value by reducing total cost of ownership and reliance on tactical or spot buys, improving supplier performance, efficiency, quality, and supply continuity, and strengthening forecast accuracy and stakeholder buy‑in. Supports guest experience, cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and sustainability performance.

• Essential/Minimal Qualifications – Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Demonstrated knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain best practices. Understanding of compliance, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards.

• Essential Experience Required – Experience managing procurement and supply chain operations in hospitality, travel, or leisure industries. Proven track record of supplier management and contract negotiation. Experience implementing or supporting sustainability and compliance initiatives within a global supply chain. Familiarity with risk assessment and due diligence processes for suppliers.

Benefits

• Annual cash bonus program (non‑sales roles)
• Health benefits: cost‑effective medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
• Company‑paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Paid Time Off: 8 company‑wide holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Vacation: 14 days/year for manager and below; 19 days/year for director and above; part‑time benefits accrue based on hours worked (minimum 84 hours/year)
• Sick time: 80 hours/year for full‑time; part‑time benefits accrue based on hours worked (minimum 60 hours/year)
• Additional benefits: complementary stand‑by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, special rates for family and friends, tuition reimbursement, on‑site fitness center at Miami campus

Schedule

• Work primarily in a climate‑controlled office environment with minimal safety/health hazards.
• Must be able to remain stationary at a desk/computer for extended periods.
• Position classified as “in‑office”: required to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week.
• Employees may work from home on Fridays.
• Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.
• Travel: No or very little travel likely.