Job Description
Under the direction of the Animal Health Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) Network Execution and Transfer Lead Associate Director, the Sr. Specialist will provide critical Supply Chain expertise as the GSCM representative on Network Strategy teams for North America. You will be responsible for scenario planning (e.g., capacity modeling and analysis) to support regional strategy, as well as the end-to-end design, risk-mitigation, and execution of complex supply chain transfer plans.
The position requires strong partnership with cross-functional teams (including Global Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Material Master Data, Finance, Quality, Tech Transfer, and Commercial) and a deep understanding of manufacturing operations, product physical and financial flows, and regulatory compliance.
Primary Activities & Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Scenario Modeling
* Serves as the GSCM interface for North America Network Strategy Workstreams to provide strategic supply chain insight.
* Conducts capacity modeling and scenario analysis to optimize asset utilization, stock levels, and support capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications.
2. Risk Management & Business Continuity
* Designs, establishes, and manages bridge-stock and safety-stock strategies to ensure zero supply disruptions during site-to-site transfers.
* Proactively identifies supply chain vulnerabilities throughout the transfer lifecycle and builds robust Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).
* Monitors and mitigates dual-sourcing transition risks, ensuring market supply is maintained during regulatory approvals.
3. Execution & Governance
* Coordinates switch plans with Donor Sites, Receiving Sites (including internal sites and CMOs), Regulatory, Quality, and Master Data teams.
* Aligns last-production dates at donor sites with first production and release dates at receiving sites.
* Manages dossier and variation submission timelines with Global Regulatory to optimize inventory ramp-down and ramp-up.
* Applies rigorous project management methodologies to track progress, establishing KPIs to measure transfer timeline adherence and budget compliance.
* Provides regular executive updates on transfer status and risk profiles to senior GSCM and manufacturing leadership.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
* B.S. degree required (preferably in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Operations, or a related technical field); MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
* Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in supply chain management, production planning, site operations, or tech transfer execution.
* Proven experience managing large-scale product transfers or network integration projects within a highly regulated industry is a strong plus (Pharmaceutical, Biotech, or Medical Devices preferred).
Technical & Professional Skills
* Strong knowledge of inventory management principles, capacity planning, and product lifecycle management.
* Proficiency with enterprise planning systems (SAP mandatory and Aera experience is a strong plus).
* APICS/CPIM or PMP certification is highly desirable.
Leadership & Soft Skills
* Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and align diverse stakeholders without direct authority.
* Excellent risk-assessment, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
* Superb communication skills, with the ability to translate complex logistical challenges into clear executive summaries.
Required Skills:
Capacity Models, Capacity Planning, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Risk Mitigation, Scenario Planning, Supply Chain Analytics, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supply Chain Risk Management, Sustainable Business
Preferred Skills:
Executive Presenting, Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI), Microsoft Power Business Intelligence (BI) Data Visualization, SAP Systems, Supply Analytics, Supply Demand Analysis, Work Collaboratively
Current Employees apply
Current Contingent Workers apply
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
Yes
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
10/2/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
