Global Strategic Sourcing IT Manager

The Manager Global Strategic Sourcing, IT role will be responsible for sourcing related activities in connection with the cross-brand procurement of information technology related products and services including Hardware, Software, Telecommunication Services, and Professional Services. This position is responsible for working on a daily basis with technology vendors and with technology professionals from all Carnival Corporation IT departments (including the operating companies.)   This individual must be able to effectively manage the sometimes-competing interests of the operating companies towards a holistic solution which will benefit the organization as a whole

Essential Functions:

• Manage and strategically source a portfolio of products and services in accordance with established Carnival Sourcing processes.
• Develop and issue RFQs/RFIs/RFPs for information technology related goods and services.  Evaluate suppliers and analyze bids as part of RFI/RFP or bid processes based on such criteria as cost, quality etc
• Partner and collaborate with Carnival leadership and Operating Companies in order to effectively leverage scale, simplify the supplier base, reduce total cost of ownership, improve guest and crew satisfaction and create value in the Global Sourcing area.
• Ensure strong involvement with all key stakeholders to gain intricate knowledge of their needs and leverage points for each area.
• Participate in developing and ensuring business analytics and reporting is established for targeted areas of responsibility.
• Perform project management duties which will include overseeing and ensuring quality delivery of assigned projects; collect, measure, report and communicate progress with key stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain close relationships with senior level business unit management to understand key business strategies, annual goals/objectives and economic challenges/ opportunities.
• Assist each Operating Companies’ Sourcing teams with strategically planning and procurement needs and executing strategic sourcing plans.
• Leverage a market perspective to quickly assimilate external information (e.g.  market drivers, macroeconomic conditions, etc.)  to anticipate its impact across the business and develop associated strategies and action plans to maximize the opportunity.
• Deliver against materials savings and “total cost of ownership” targets and goals with a focus on managing internal demand and behavior around procurement of goods and/or services

Qualifications:

• Education:  A Bachelor’s degree in IT Related (Cloud/Cybersecurity/Network/Connectivity or Finance/Business Administration/Supply Chain or related.  Advanced degree preferred.  CPM certification or equivalent is preferred
• Years & or Area of Professional experience: Bachelor’s Degree plus 7-10 years related experience, or Masters or other Advanced Degree plus 5-10 years related experience
• Critical Professional Related Technical/Computer Skills:  Strong experience in sourcing strategy creation and execution (e.g. 7 Step sourcing methodology).  Experience with Sourcing/Procurement systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in sourcing/purchasing for innovation-based and/or complex environments.  Experience/Knowledge in one or more, IT related disciplines: Cloud/Cybersecurity/Network/Hardware/Connectivity, etc.  Demonstrated ability to create strategic supplier partnerships that create a competitive advantage for the corporation.  Expertise in conducting complex analyses and distilling into a clear, concise business allocation. Strong facilitation and project management skills. Strong ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels including Sr. Executives.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Solid understanding of Information Technology ecosystems and products.  Ability to negotiate and optimize commercial terms.  Strong understanding of best practices with respect to technology related contract terms and conditions.

Decision-Making:

• Operational:  Decisions focus on day-to-day activities within the company. Decisions made at this level help to ensure that daily activities proceed smoothly and therefore help to move the company toward reaching a strategic goal. They have short term consequences. Examples are: Handling employee conflicts, purchasing materials needed for operations. (Typically Professional, Individual Contributors, up to Managers)

Physical Demands:  Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. 

Travel:   Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions:  Work primarily in a climate-controlled e