Sr. Manager, Indirect Category (Marketing)

NCL Bahamas Ltd.; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NCL Bahamas Ltd. seeks a leader for global sourcing and category management, overseeing marketing spends exceeding $300M annually. You will develop strategic sourcing initiatives that align with business goals while ensuring cost savings through negotiations and supplier optimization.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, including knowledge of best procurement practices and strong organizational skills. Additional qualifications include strong leadership presence and familiarity with procurement systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
• 5+ years of Marketing or related category experience.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and contract management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for marketing spend categories.
• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management activities.
• Optimize the global supply base through supplier rationalization and governance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Leadership presence

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

Lead the global sourcing and category management strategy for all marketing spend categories across all brands. Manage annual marketing spend of $300M+ supporting all global marketing activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global and regional category strategies across all marketing spend areas, aligning sourcing initiatives with business objectives and stakeholder requirements.
• Own strategic sourcing and supplier management for marketing categories, including creative agencies, media, digital/social marketing, events, production, sponsorships, market research, analytics, and promotional materials.
• Deliver annual cost savings targets of 5–10%+ through strategic sourcing, commercial negotiations, and supplier optimization initiatives.
• Drive value creation through cost reduction, demand management, process improvements, and innovative commercial solutions.
• Identify opportunities for spend leverage, standardization, supplier consolidation, and improved total cost of ownership.
• Monitor market trends, inflationary pressures, and industry developments to proactively manage costs and mitigate supply risks.
• Lead the end‑to‑end strategic sourcing process, including opportunity assessment, strategy development, RFx execution, supplier evaluation, negotiations, contract implementation, and performance management.
• Execute RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and competitive bidding events while ensuring sourcing initiatives meet business timelines and implementation goals.
• Negotiate complex global agreements covering commercial, legal, operational, service‑level, and performance terms.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers and agency partners, fostering innovation, collaboration, and long‑term value.
• Lead supplier relationship management activities, including Quarterly Business Reviews, performance scorecards, innovation reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement programs.
• Interface with executive leadership and supplier executives to drive accountability for quality, service, innovation, sustainability, and financial performance.
• Optimize the global supply base through supplier rationalization, capability assessments, risk management, governance, compliance, and business continuity planning.
• Establish procurement governance, policies, reporting, analytics, and KPI frameworks while partnering with Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Operations to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Lead cross‑functional sourcing and transformation initiatives, influence stakeholders at all levels, champion change management and continuous improvement, and mentor procurement team members to foster a high‑performance culture.
• Perform other job‑related functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, project management, business analysis, and change management experience.
• 5+ years of Marketing or related category experience.
• Knowledge of cruise line and duty‑free markets is a plus.
• Proficiency with automated logistics and purchasing systems preferred, preferably MXP and SAP.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Experience managing and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of best‑practice procurement processes, tools, and spend systems data and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Procure‑to‑Pay systems (e.g., Coupa, Oracle).

Competencies / Skills

• Strategic thinking and understanding of supply markets and associated dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodology with pragmatism to manage exceptions.
• Ability to develop category and sourcing strategies by identifying areas of opportunity.
• History of effectively directing and leveraging procurement spend by leading global cross‑functional teams.
• Strong leadership presence and negotiation/contract management experience.
• Knowledge and experience with best‑practice processes, tools, and procurement/spend systems data and analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and management capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills, problem‑solving, analytical and report‑summation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to apply change management and consulting skills/knowledge and expertise.
• Technical knowledge and expertise preferred; proficiency with procurement systems such as Coupa and Oracle.

Certifications / Licenses

• MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Nationally recognized professional certification preferred (e.g., Certified Purchasing Manager) or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital or veteran status. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work and are not exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, duties, or skills.

About NCLH

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company operating the Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises®, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises® brands. The combined fleet currently operates 32 ships and visits approximately 700 destinations worldwide.