Director, Vendor Partnering and Investment Planning

Costa Crociere S.p.A.; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Discounts on Cruising

Annual Bonus

Private Medical & Dental Insurance

25+ Days Holiday & Holiday Trading

Job summary

Carnival UK is seeking a Director for Vendor Partnering and Investment Planning to steer our technology direction across P&O Cruises, Cunard and head office. You will lead strategic supplier partnerships, drive investment value and shape governance across DTO while inspiring a diverse technology community.

The role blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, requiring senior stakeholder influence and a track record of delivering value through third-party collaborations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing supplier ecosystems in a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to generate value from third-party partnerships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, including contract governance and supplier performance management.
• Degree in Business/Commercial Management; CIPS or MBA considered desirable.
• Strategic thinker with ability to drive results with integrity and inspire teams.
• Data-backed decision maker who balances value, cost and risk.

Responsibilities

• Own the DTO supplier ecosystem and commercial partnerships to ensure investment delivers value and aligns with priorities.
• Lead supplier investment and ROI tracking, including business cases and cost control.
• Establish robust vendor governance across DTO with clear contracts and risk management.
• Develop a scalable vendor management operating model and strengthen frameworks, tools and processes.

Skills

Supplier ecosystem management

Vendor performance management

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder influence

Strategic leadership

Contract governance

Data-driven decisions

Mentoring & development

Education

Degree in Business/Commercial Management

CIPS or MBA desirable

Job description

As a Director, Vendor Partnering and Investment Planning, you'll play a pivotal role in steering the technological direction of Carnival UK and our ships, ensuring we continue to deliver unforgettable holiday happiness. Your leadership will not only shape our technological advancements but also inspire a community of technology professionals to excel in their roles.,

• Own the DTO supplier ecosystem and commercial partnerships, ensuring third-party investment delivers value, performance and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Lead supplier investment and commercial value management, including business cases, cost control, return on investment tracking and investment planning.
• Establish robust vendor governance across DTO, covering contract clarity, supplier performance, multi-vendor integration, risk management and escalation.
• Develop a scalable vendor management operating model, strengthening frameworks, tools, processes and commercial capability across DTO.

  This role demands a blend of strategic vision & technical expertise. We're looking for someone with:

• Extensive experience managing supplier ecosystems, commercial relationships and vendor performance within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to generate value from third-party partnerships and influence senior stakeholders across procurement, finance, legal and technology.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience in contract governance, supplier performance management and strategic partner development.
• A degree or equivalent experience in Business, Commercial Management or a related discipline, with a relevant professional qualification such as CIPS or an MBA considered desirable., Your ability to think strategically, drive results with integrity, and inspire your team is what sets you apart. You're not just a technology professional; you're a visionary person who's ready to make a significant impact.
• A commercially disciplined and strategic leader who makes transparent, data-backed decisions that balance business value, cost and risk.
• A credible and collaborative influencer who can align senior stakeholders and strategic suppliers around shared outcomes.
• A confident problem-solver who can navigate complex commercial challenges, supplier disputes and competing investment priorities.
• An inclusive leader who builds capability through mentoring, clear expectations and continuous professional development.

  Join us in shaping the future of unforgettable holiday happiness across our P&O Cruises and Cunard ships & Head Office as a key senior management person within our Technology Department. At Carnival UK, we believe in the power of diversity to drive success, valuing a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. If you're a technology professional with a strategic mindset and a track record of overseeing a technology department, let's talk. We're not just looking for qualifications on paper; we're searching for someone who can bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to our team.

  Positioned within our internal structure from CUK15 (entry level) to CUK1 (Brand President), this role is classified as a CUK05, offered as a full-time position, on a permanent basis, with an offering of hybrid work including up to two days from home.

• We're more than just a holiday company; we're a community that values work-life balance, personal growth, and wellbeing. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
• Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
• Annual bonus
• A friendly welcome with help settling in
• Company paid private medical and dental insurance and health assessment
• Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme, Aida
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