Sourcing and Vendor Relationship Specialist

Job Description

The Sourcing and Vendor Relationship Specialist is responsible of initiating research, identify suitable vendors and participate in hotel, charter, and meet-greet-ground transportation or any vendor contract RFP's, negotiations and executions.  Responsible for monitoring all inventory systems and understand the operation fully. Establish service level standards and inspect supplier services to ensure standards are met with all service providers.  The position is also responsible for the maintenance of vendor integrated systems as well as the requirement gathering, testing and implementation of new features.  Serves as the first point of contact and subject matter expert for hotel and crew logistics portals to trace team members via multiple check points including monitoring vendor performance on pre-negotiated pricing, established rules and overseeing all system enhancements and troubleshooting.  Create communication plan and process flows relating to hotel and ground logistics. 

Essential Functions: 

• Manage the review and approval of contracts between hotels, charter brokers meet-greet-transportation and ad-hoc vendors and Legal, Risk Management, Tax and Finance departments according to the Contract Authorization, Administration Policy and with the Travel Services Management teams. Acts as a liaison with third party associates, various hotels, charter brokers, ground logistics providers and additional resources required for Travel Operations. Works with Legal and management to ensure contract terms are agreed upon and the contract template is accurate. Routes changes to contract template to Legal for approval.
• Creates RFP’s that clearly communicates defined requirements to all suppliers using internal system, templates and financial data. Ensuring contract requirements are aligned with operational needs. Gathers feedback from operating departments, management and personnel on terms and conditions that should be negotiated. Develop and implement vendor selection programs analyzing vendors to decide which to approach according to the business needs
• Negotiates contracts, competitive rates, desirable terms, and certifies that legal terms are met. Ensures proper distribution of contracts and addendums to the appropriate parties. Provides and maintains information for the finance team for budgeting purposes. Ensures and trouble shoots that all contracts, rules and product codes are aligned. Manages and keeps up to date a list of all vendors, rates, terms, contact information and accessible to all business units. 
• Monitors vendor relationships to ensure continuous improvement and optimize performance, efficiency and processes. Oversee all research needs and efforts for industry quality assurance standards, developments, competitive trends and best practices, as needed.
• Strategically researches and analyses new business opportunities that can provide improved service or reduce cost. Participate in industry seminars, webinars, conducts site inspections and events to strengthen relationships, ensure service accommodations are adequate and expand knowledge. 
• Lead operational performance meetings to discuss vendor performance gaps and establish corrective action plans. Takes the lead to train and coach specialist on all hotel, charter and ground logistics when deemed, ensuring that all process flows are fallowed and are aligned with vendor and service accommodations. 
• Participates and is able to take charge in leading off-shore and shore-side staff through an irregular or safety operation by ensuring guests, contractors and corporate travelers receive new travel accommodations based on established guidelines and their needs. 
• Maintains a master file for each supplier to include executed contracts and all documented activity.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Tourism/Hospitality or Business
• 3+ years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of Sabre (GDS) 
• Good interpersonal skills. Excellent presentation and communication skills to ensure vendors understand their contractual requirements. Good analytical qualities to monitor and review vendors’ financial and operational performances, team player. Excellent leadership and communication skills along with proven coaching and people development capabilities
• In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.

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

Travel: Less than 25% shore-based travel

Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

This position is classified as "in-office." As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida from Tuesday through Thursday.  Employees may work from home on Mondays and Fridays. Some positions may require additional in-office time each week and final schedule is determined by your leader.  Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.  

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

• Health Benefits:
  • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
  • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
  • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage 
• Financial Benefits:
  • 401(k) plan that includes a company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Paid Time Off
  • Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 7 company-wide holidays, plus an additional floating holiday to be taken at the employee’s discretion. 
  • Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
  • Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.  
• Other Benefits
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement 
  • On-site preschool program and wellness center at our Miami campus

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