VP Procurement

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. 

Orient Express Silenseas

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Silenseas. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruiseship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026.

Shipping HoldCo

For legal matters, the Orient Express Silenseas vessels will belong to the Shipping HoldCo Company, a subsidiary of Accor Luxury & Lifestyle, which owns and is responsible for the Silenseas vessel construction and operation.

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven VP Procurement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, supply chain management, and vendor relations within the maritime or hospitality sectors. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing comprehensive procurement strategies. This executive will lead the procurement function, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services necessary for the operations of our luxury yacht lines (Silenseas and future vessels).

Strategic Leadership:

- Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.

- Lead and mentor the procurement team to ensure high performance and professional growth.

- Collaborate with senior leadership to align procurement activities with overall business strategies and objectives. Ensures the consistency of the procurement policy throughout the company.

Procurement Operations:

- Oversee the procurement of all goods and services required for the maritime division, including (ship supplies, ship operations, onboard purchases, support purchases, major service contracts, maintenance materials, and other operational necessities.

- Supervise the procurement needs of the division. Identifie purchasing requirements, organize the supply through the most suitable partner while maximizing synergies.

- Ensure the logistical monitoring of supplies.

- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and sustainability initiatives.

- Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure the best value for the company.

Vendor Management:

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors (internal partners within the group and external partners, purchasing centers, and suppliers.)

- Evaluate supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, and cost-efficiency.

- Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

- Establish, implement, and monitor procurement SOPs to ensure efficiency, compliance, and consistency across all procurement activities.

- Ensure the continuous improvement of processes to enhance procurement performance.

Budget / Cost Management:

- Develop, manage and oversee the procurement budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial targets.

- Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising on quality or service standards.

Reporting and Recruitment:

- Use data analytics to drive decision-making and improve procurement processes.

- Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives to senior management.

- Lead the recruitment process for the procurement team.

- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.

- 10+ years of progressive experience in a procurement related field with at least 5 years of experience in a leadership role within the maritime, luxury, travel or hospitality industry.

- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful procurement strategies.

- Strong people management and mentorship capability.

- Effective leader with ability to inspire and communicate at all levels.

- Strategic thinkers with high degree of emotional intelligence

- Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship skills.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

- Skillful communicators with strong leadership and team management skills.

- Adaptable, resilient & pragmatic

- Passion for our brands and business

- Fluent in English and French ( and Italian would be a plus.)