Senior Specialist, Merchandising

Merchandising Senior Specialist

The Merchandising Senior Specialist supports merchandising activities across onboard, shoreside, and digital retail channels to help drive revenue, guest engagement, and brand consistency. This role contributes to product development, assortment planning, visual merchandising execution, and promotional activities while leveraging data insights to support performance optimization.

Essential Functions:

• Merchandising Strategy and Product Development
• Vendor Management and Negotiation
• Category Management and Assortment Planning
• Visual Merchandising and Retail Execution
• Inventory Management and Forecasting
• Marketing, Promotions, and Cross-Functional Collaboration

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Scope:

Operates within the Guest Commerce Retail function, supporting merchandising processes and initiatives across shipboard and shoreside operations. Contributes within defined product categories and merchandising activities across physical and digital channels. Works collaboratively with cross-functional partners to support execution, alignment, and consistency across retail programs.

Problem solving:

Analytical and problem-solving skills apply to support merchandising decisions involving factors such as demand trends, inventory performance, and guest preferences. Evaluates data, identifies potential risks or opportunities, and contributes to recommendations that support business and operational objectives. Assists in addressing challenges by collaborating with stakeholders and applying structured, data-informed approaches.

Impact:

Supports category performance, guest experience, and retail outcomes by contributing to merchandising activities, product assortment decisions, and promotional execution. Provides data-driven insights and recommendations that support improvements in assortment performance, inventory efficiency, and overall retail execution across channels.

Leadership:

Partners with cross-functional teams across shipboard and shoreside operations to support merchandising initiatives and ensure alignment with business objectives. Builds effective working relationships and contributes to coordination and communication across teams. Provides input and support to initiatives without direct accountability for cross-functional outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Analytics, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience in retail merchandising, buying, or category management within a multi-channel environment. Travel industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of retail merchandising, including product development, assortment planning, pricing, and visual merchandising principles
• Understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain processes
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Proficiency in Excel and relevant merchandising, planning, or reporting systems
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills with the ability to influence outcomes
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey insights to cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across matrixed teams and influence without direct authority
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to change, leverage new technologies, and drive continuous process improvement
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset

Travel :

Work Conditions : Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Physical Demands: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

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 homes on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.

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
• On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus