Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Manager, Strategic Sourcing to support sourcing, procurement, and supply chain operations across the fleet. This role will lead both the Expediting function and a designated Strategic Sourcing category portfolio, driving process improvement, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled solutions to support Disney Cruise Line’s continued growth and the introduction of new vessels.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing, this leader will oversee a team of six Expeditors while evaluating and optimizing end-to-end procurement and supply chain processes. The role requires a strong strategic sourcing background combined with supply chain expertise, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive results across a complex and dynamic organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Expeditors supporting Disney Cruise Line procurement activities.
• Build a comprehensive understanding of current expediting processes and identify opportunities to improve supplier order confirmations, shipment visibility, delivery performance, and overall operational efficiency.
• Evaluate existing procurement and supply chain workflows and implement process improvements that enhance service levels, reduce manual effort, and improve responsiveness to business needs.
• Identify and implement technology solutions, automation opportunities, reporting tools, and process enhancements that support future fleet growth and increasing purchasing volumes.
• Develop performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to measure supplier responsiveness, order cycle times, delivery performance, and overall expediting effectiveness.
• Assume ownership of an assigned sourcing category and develop a comprehensive category management strategy.
• Conduct detailed spend analysis, contract analysis, supplier assessments, and industry market evaluations to develop sourcing opportunities and long-term sourcing strategies.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year sourcing roadmap for assigned categories that includes contract renewals, sourcing projects, supplier management activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, increase supplier performance, and mitigate commercial and supply chain risks.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms, pricing, service level agreements, warranties, and contractual protections on behalf of Disney Cruise Line.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and industry partners to support innovation, performance improvement, and long-term value creation.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business objectives, operational requirements, future demand forecasts, and emerging needs.
• Support the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing in the development and execution of long-term sourcing and procurement strategies across Disney Cruise Line.
• Assist in the training, coaching, and professional development of Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Expediting team members.
• Promote sourcing best practices, continuous improvement, compliance with procurement policies, and adherence to contracting standards.
• Act as a trusted business advisor and strategic partner to stakeholders, providing guidance on sourcing, procurement, contracting, supply chain, and supplier management matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience managing teams and delivering measurable business results.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing long-term category management and sourcing strategies.
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive spend analysis, contract assessments, supplier evaluations, and market research.
• Extensive experience leading competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier negotiations, and contract administration.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to secure favorable commercial outcomes and manage business risk.
• Proven experience evaluating supplier capabilities, financial stability, operational performance, and overall business fit.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements, automation initiatives, and technology solutions that improve operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, executive leadership, suppliers, and business partners.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, financial, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organizational change without direct authority.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including coaching, mentoring, talent development, and succession planning.
• Ability to operate with a strategic mindset while maintaining strong executional focus and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the cruise, maritime, hospitality, travel, transportation, manufacturing, or other complex operational environments is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, APICS, C.P.M., or equivalent are desirable.

Pay

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800.00–$161,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.