The Associate Vice President, North America Supply Chain Strategy & Ops is a key leader within the North America Supply Chain (NASC) organization, responsible for aligning and driving strategic operations, compliance, and performance across all initiatives that support operational excellence. This role ensures that departmental strategies are aligned with corporate priorities, fosters collaboration among stakeholders, and maintains clear and effective communication across functions. Working closely with the Chief North America Supply Chain Officer and senior leaders across NASC and the brands, the AVP ensures alignment to organizational goals and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.
By monitoring performance metrics, synthesizing data from multiple and often unstructured sources, and adapting strategies to meet evolving business requirements, the AVP enhances both the efficiency and effectiveness of North America supply chain operations. The role develops and manages strategies that drive continuous improvement, oversees the successful implementation of operational solutions, and positions NASC for long-term success. Additionally, the AVP leads the NASC Central Support team and strengthens change management capabilities across the organization by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures that support major organizational priorities.
Key responsibilities include developing, monitoring, and adjusting strategies based on business needs; collaborating daily with NASC and business leadership; supporting the NACSCO; managing a comprehensive program management framework; and making critical decisions regarding project prioritization. Challenges include navigating complex organizational dynamics, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic initiatives, and coordinating across a wide range of cross-functional teams and external resources.
Responsibilities
NASC Department Strategy and Operations Management
Act as a strategic thought partner to the Chief NASC Officer, providing feedback and insights to navigate challenges.
Build and maintain the department roadmap in collaboration with NASC Leadership to achieve short- and long-term goals in line with NASC Vision and Mission.
Support NASC Leadership via oversight of the category multi-year plans and scorecard, leading the overall planning and execution of top deliverables.
Lead regular executive meetings, defining clear agendas and expected outcomes, while also preparing pre-reading materials.
Ensures clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability throughout the organization, identifying issues and proposing solutions to NASC Leadership. Drive alignment across the leader's executive team.
Support organizational structure and op model efforts.
Distill varied priorities and information down to "Easy to Understand" written and video communication for distribution to the team, internal stakeholders and external parties as needed.
North America Supply Chain Process Ownership
Drive operational excellence by standardizing processes and best practices for consistent, efficient supply chain operations.
Oversee key operational initiatives to ensure efficient resource use, streamlined workflows, and compliance with standards.
Own center-led data improvement and management efforts and be very comfortable delivering results in a complex data environment.
Maintain Horizontal Work Process Ownership for key, overarching NASC efforts such as Sourcing Strategy, Procurement Excellence, Supplier Relationship Management, Demand/Supply Planning (incl.SNOP/SNOE), Logistics Operations and other relevant supply chain processes.
PMO, Process and KPI Governance and Leadership
Guide and oversee the execution of key strategic initiatives.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive program management framework to track initiatives and progress.
Lead the project management, progress reporting, issue resolution, communication, and change management efforts across NASC.
Baseline and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure timely reporting to the Chief NA Supply Chain Officer.
Analyze reports and provide actionable insights to support decision-making processes.
Support the development of a Supplier Performance Management System (SPMS)
Develop and implement improved processes for departmental financial management-both oversight of the departmental budget and the process to best link with the brands' needs for the Annual Operating Plan development and monthly cost performance reporting.
People Leadership - Alignment and Engagement
Lead and motivate a team responsible for supporting all areas of NASC as process owners for core supply chain functions--ensuring adherence to SOPs and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage external support and consultants who support NASC centrally-led improvement initiatives.
Oversee programs and efforts to drive full employee engagement across NASC.
Create a culture of collaboration and support within NASC and in NASC's relationships with brands and other stakeholders.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Background in Sourcing/Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, or other relevant disciplines strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and program/project management methodologies.
Proficiency in core data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel) and familiarity with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project).
Ability to develop, track, and analyze process performance KPIs to support data-driven decision-making.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
Demonstrated innovative and critical thinking skills, with the ability to problem-solve in ambiguous or fast-changing environments and deliver actionable outcomes.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and operate within complex organizational structures.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to influence and partner with business leaders and strategic partners.
Proficiency with advanced analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Strong technical skills across supply chain technology solutions and experience with ERP and supply chain management systems.
Strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation.
Ability to synthesize data from multiple sources and convert insights into recommendations for leadership.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences."
Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in sourcing / supply chain management, operations excellence, or related fields.
Proven track record in program management, strategic planning, and technology implementation.
Experience in a leadership role, preferably within a complex organizational structure.
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 Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their home on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.
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 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays 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
About Us
Carnival Corporation & plc is the world's largest leisure travel company, our mission to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guest through our diverse portfolio of leading cruise brands and island destinations, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America and Australia; P&O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; AIDA in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe.
Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a global community that makes a difference.
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.
Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law.
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