Category, Lead

About the role

The Royal Caribbean Group's Supply Chain Team has an exciting career opportunity for a full-time Category Lead reporting to the Procurement Director. The position is onsite and based in 100 Biscayne Blvd, Florida.

Position Summary

The Category Lead - FF&E is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across FF&E categories supporting Newbuild, Refurbishment, Fleet Modernization, and other capital projects. This role serves as the commercial lead for assigned categories, partnering closely with Design, Project Management, Marine Operations, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and suppliers to deliver cost, quality, schedule, innovation, and risk-management objectives. Operating as a strategic individual contributor, this position requires strong commercial acumen, category expertise, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. The Category Manager will drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives across the FF&E portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with project timelines and business priorities
• Act as the primary procurement partner for assigned FF&E categories
• Engage early with stakeholders to influence design specifications, material selections, sourcing approaches, and project planning
• Balance cost, quality, guest experience, and schedule requirements

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Management

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFIs, RFPs, bid analysis, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract execution
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, warranties, and project-specific requirements
• Identify and deliver value through competitive sourcing, standardization, and supplier innovation
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and governance requirements

Supplier & Performance Management

• Manage strategic supplier relationships within the FF&E portfolio
• Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies related to supply, logistics, and project execution
• Support project teams by aligning procurement deliverables with project milestones

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, Interior Design, Hospitality Management, or a related field required
• Minimum of 5–8 years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience
• Experience in hospitality, cruise, construction, or FF&E sourcing environments preferred
• Proven ability to manage sourcing events, supplier relationships, and negotiations
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, project-driven environment

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is someone who is energized by the opportunity to contribute and make a meaningful impact. This individual demonstrates ownership, accountability, and integrity, and is viewed as a reliable and trusted partner by stakeholders, suppliers, and team members. They bring a positive, solution-oriented mindset, strong communication skills, and intellectual curiosity. They proactively seek to understand challenges, connect the dots, and solve complex problems, while continuously looking for ways to improve outcomes, support others, and elevate the overall performance of the function.