Merck & Co, Inc

Sr. Specialist, R&D Procurement

Merck & Co, Inc$96K — $151K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5 years in strategic sourcing or supplier management in regulated industries.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience managing complex procurement projects globally.
  • Proficiency in SAP and Ariba; Aera experience is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with global stakeholders to identify sourcing opportunities and procurement solutions.
  • Develop Supplier Relationship Management Programs to enhance supplier performance.
  • Conduct market intelligence and competitive sourcing events.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with a focus on execution and compliance.
  • Support cross-functional procurement projects and issue resolution.
  • Perform operational procurement activities ensuring compliance and continuity.
  • Conduct supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation actions.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangements.
  • Flexible work schedules.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Sr. Specialist, R&D Procurement, will play a key role in supporting indirect procurement activities across Animal Health Research & Development, Manufacturing and Commercial Operations globally. Working in close partnership with global cross-functional stakeholders, the role will support procurement initiatives across business critical categories, including Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Laboratory Supplies, Equipment and Services.

The role will serve as a key liaison between internal business partners and external suppliers, helping to drive value, mitigate risk, improve supplier performance, and ensure procurement alignment with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have experience in indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement preferably within regulated industries such as Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Food or related sectors. Alternatively, candidates with experience in Quality or Research and Development within a regulated environment will also be considered. Strong analytical, negotiation, project management, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic global organization.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Partner with global stakeholders across R&D, Quality, Operations, and other business functions to understand business requirements, identify sourcing opportunities and projects, and deliver procurement solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Develop and sustain strong Supplier Relationship Management Programs, to monitor, report, manage and continuously improve supplier performance, including supplier visits, regular business review meetings, and developing key performance indicators.
  • Conduct detailed market intelligence, supplier analysis, due diligence, and competitive sourcing events.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts, including preparation of negotiation plans, execution support, and post-award implementation.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to understand needs, resolve issues, and support cross-functional procurement projects.
  • Perform operational procurement activities and support procure-to-pay processes as needed to ensure business continuity and compliance.
  • Conduct supplier risk assessments, compliance reviews, and create and implement mitigation actions.
  • Support cost reduction and value creation initiatives through sourcing, negotiations, and process improvements.
  • Analyze procurement category data and support reporting, performance tracking, and decision-making.
  • Identify opportunities to develop new suppliers and improve supply continuity.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in business, supply chain, science, engineering, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category procurement, supplier management, contract negotiation/execution within Pharmaceutical or other similarly regulated industries, OR;
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience within Quality, R&D environment with procurement project, or stakeholder-management exposure.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple simultaneous complex procurement projects and cross-functional stakeholders across global teams and different time zones.
  • Strong commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba preferred, experience with Aera would be advantageous.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Excellent English skills; additional language skills would be advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supplier performance management, or procurement project execution.
  • Background working within regulated environments such as Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Food industries.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders, navigate ambiguity, and manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced global environment.
  • Experience with procurement systems, sourcing and compliance tools, spend analytics and supplier performance management programs preferred.

Required Skills:

Contract Negotiations, Indirect Sourcing, Procurement, Research and Development, Sourcing and Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Supplier Relationship Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/21/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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