Purchasing & Partnership Director (F/M/X)

ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS 

Artisan of Travel since 1883 Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion.  

Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveler to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury; Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a train embodying the 'Made in Italy' way; Orient Express Silenseas - the world’s largest sailing ship; and hotels coming to Rome and Venice.  

Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express is focusing on employee journey and growth. 

ABOUT ARSENALE

Arsenale is a multi-brand Group capable of providing a comprehensive service to the largest and most renowned luxury global market operators who wish to expand in Italy. Founded and supported by internationally renowned entrepreneurs and investors, Arsenale aims at creating the leading luxury hospitality group in Italy. To pursue this ambition, the Group launched an impressive investments plan to boost tourism and made-in-Italy through the re-development and enhancement of iconic hotels and hospitality solutions in the most beautiful locations of the country. 

ORIENT EXPRESS LA DOLCE VITA  

Orient Express La Dolce Vita has been officially launched by Arsenale SpA in collaboration with Trenitalia SpA – Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato. The Train has been conceived to show up the beauty of Italian peninsula and its territory through a luxury offer based on a new hospitality concept of the highest level.  

A strategic partnership has been settled between Arsenale SpA and ORIENT EXPRESSinvolving Trenitalia SpA and Fondazione FS Italiane further enhancing the luxury trains project as “Orient Express – Il Treno della Dolce Vita”. Two Trains will be operating in 2025 and the entire fleet of 6 trains will be operating by the end of 2026. The trains will cover more than 16.000 km of railway, 15 Regions will be crossed, and 128 cities will be reached. Each trip will be of 1-3 nights with the highest comfort and quality standard. 

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome 

Considered as the beloved capital of the Orient Express legend, Rome will be home to the first Orient Express hotel, Minerva, in 2024. Orient Express, in partnership with the Italian luxury hotel group Arsenale S.p.A, has entrusted the interior architecture and artistic direction of the hotel Hugo Toro. The former Palazzo Fonseca is a sumptuous 17th-century palace with a huge, majestic façade. A place of memory still adorned with its Roman columns, sculptures by Rinaldi Rinaldo, a disciple of Casanova, and the fascinating goddess Minerva. At the end of 2024, a new décor and interior inspired by the Roman domus and the riches of the "Eternal City" will be revealed with a new touch of contemporary elegance. 

Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Venice 

Architect and interior designer Aline Asmar from Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture has been chosen to enhance the decor of the former Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Located just ten minutes from Venice's Santa Lucia train station, close to the Cannaregio shopping district and rooted in the origins of the Doge's City, the Venetian palace is a treasure trove built in 1400 by the architect Filippo Calendario, who famously designed the Doge's Palace. Formerly the residence of the Duke of Urbino, a patron of the arts, it has been renovated twice by the architect Gian Battista Meduna. The hotel will offer 45 rooms and suites, all overlooking the gardens and canals of Venice. 

The Purchasing & Partnership Director will play a crucial role in sourcing, procuring, and managing the inventory of goods and services essential to maintaining the luxury standards of our hospitality establishment, Hotels and Trains, property of Arsenale and operating under Orient Express management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in procurement, vendor management, and negotiation within the luxury hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's luxury standards and budgetary requirements.
• Identify and establish relationships and partnership with high-quality suppliers, vendors, and distributors capable of providing premium goods and services.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry developments to stay informed of changes that may impact purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with department heads to understand their procurement needs and requirements, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
• Manage the procurement process from sourcing to delivery, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and vendor agreements, utilizing procurement software and tools as necessary.
• Implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels, minimize waste, and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to purchasing and procurement activities.
• Evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular vendor assessments to ensure adherence to quality standards and service level agreements.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality Management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management within the luxury hospitality industry, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successfully securing favourable terms and pricing from suppliers.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

Proficiency in procurement software, Microsoft Office Suite, and inventory management systems.

Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Knowledge of industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices in procurement and purchasing.

Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.