Job Summary:
This newly created leadership role will transform Lindblad Expeditions’ supply chain capabilities, advancing the organization toward a more strategic, integrated, and data-driven function. The Director will lead end-to-end supply chain operations for the Cruise Division, including demand and supply planning, strategic sourcing, category management, procurement operations, inventory strategy, supplier performance, and collaboration with Logistics to ensure the reliable and timely delivery of products to the fleet. Categories within the Director’s scope include food, beverage, hotel supplies, gallery and merchandising products, and medical supplies.
With responsibility for more than $20 million in annual spend, the Director will develop and execute category and sourcing strategies that improve cost, quality, availability, and supply continuity. Working closely with Hotel Operations, vessel-based Hotel Directors, Logistics, Finance, and other cross-functional partners, this leader will translate strategy into measurable improvements in forecasting, inventory management, supplier performance, and shipboard fulfillment.
Success in this role requires a strategic and analytical leader who remains closely connected to day-to-day operations and can build a resilient, scalable supply chain that supports exceptional onboard service and the overall guest experience.
Hybrid Schedule: This position follows a hybrid work model working Tuesday-Thursday in the Seattle office and 2 days per week working remotely.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Essential Duties
Planning & Inventory Management
- Strengthen planning processes, including influencing demand forecasting, warehouse vs. cross-dock vs. ship-to-port, calendar of activities per season, and resource planning.
- Warehouse inventory management, including safety stocks, reorder points, MOQs, lead times, and par levels.
- Optimize inventory across the network, balancing service and working capital.
- Influence future onboard replenishment.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Strategy for global vs. regional/local sourcing.
- Define sourcing seasons and strategies across food (dry, frozen, and produce), beverage, and hotel categories.
- Execute seasonal sourcing, TCO analysis, and negotiations.
- Partner with MXP to improve quote analysis, particularly on dry goods.
- Develop category strategies for commodities such as beef, fish, and wine.
- Develop agreements, contracts, and long-term supplier relationships.
Operational Procurement Leadership
- Oversee purchase-order execution, fulfillment, delivery, and issue resolution.
- Standardize and streamline procurement processes.
- Partner with Logistics to ensure timely, cost-effective global distribution.
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor team members.
- Manage performance through goals, reviews, and development.
- Drive a strong team culture and engagement.
Organizational Design
- Create a vision for the team and a roadmap to achieve it.
- Continuously assess workloads and adjust the organization.
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and track KPIs across service, inventory, cost, and lead times.
- Drive process improvements across planning, sourcing, and procurement.
- Collaborate on the systems and digital roadmap.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Build strong partnerships with Hotel Operations and shipboard personnel.
- Proactively manage communications.
- Cultivate supplier and partner relationships.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Hospitality, or related field; Master’s preferred
- 10+ years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement with F&B or hospitality exposure
- Experience leading end-to-end supply chain including planning, sourcing, inventory, and operations
- Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, and contract negotiations
- Experience with demand planning, inventory optimization, and supply chain analytics
- Proven leadership of high-performing teams including coaching and performance management
- Strong analytical and financial acumen
- Experience with ERP and procurement/inventory systems. MXP experience a plus
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment
- Experience in cruise or hospitality preferred
- Travel expected at less than 25%