Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Disney Cruise Line

Position Summary

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. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing, this role will be responsible for leading both the Expediting function and a designated Strategic Sourcing category portfolio.

The successful candidate will oversee a team of six Expeditors while driving process improvement, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled solutions to support Disney Cruise Line’s continued growth and the introduction of new vessels in the coming years. This leader will be expected to evaluate and optimize end-to-end procurement and supply chain processes, ensuring timely order confirmations and on-time delivery of goods to the fleet.

In addition, the Manager will serve as the category lead for an assigned spend portfolio, developing long-term sourcing strategies, executing competitive sourcing initiatives, negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and identifying opportunities to reduce costs, mitigate risk, and improve operational performance.

This 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.

Key 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 Cast 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 across Disney Cruise Line, providing guidance on sourcing, procurement, contracting, supply chain, and supplier management matters.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 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 Experience and 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.

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 also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. 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.