Senior Specialist - Indirect Procurement

Job Description

Do you want to join a market-leading organization dedicated to advancing Animal Health through innovative, compliant and competitive global supplier management? Then we are looking for you! For our Commercial Indirect Procurement organization, based in Boxmeer (NLD), Vienna (AUT), Prague (CZE), Madrid (ESP) or Salamanca (ESP) we are looking for a:

Senior Specialist - Indirect Procurement

Welcome to our team!

The Senior Specialist in Indirect Procurement will conduct strategic analyses of suppliers, supply markets, and supply chains within the commercial services categories of spending. This position falls under the Animal Health Global Supplier Management (AH GSM) team, specifically within the Integrated Logistics category and its sub-categories, with a primary focus on global transportation activities. You will report to the Global Category Lead of Logistics, Associate Director.

About the position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Senior Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will actively support category management, contract management, risk management, stakeholder management, and supplier value management. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and you will build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across Global Human Health Procurement, country operations leads, country finance leads, and suppliers.

Key responsibilities

Supplier and Supply Market Analysis:

Conduct in-depth analyses of suppliers and supply markets, leveraging data-driven insights to support Sourcing activities effectively. Your unique insights will be pivotal in facilitating informed decision-making processes at all levels.

Cost Modeling:

Develop and maintain comprehensive cost models and contract price analyses for a diverse range of services. This involves engaging with freight forwarders to understand their cost structures and identify areas for potential savings. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess logistics solutions and its costs, negotiate optimal freight rates, and establish key performance metrics to monitor and evaluate supplier effectiveness, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with business objectives.

Negotiation Planning and Execution:

Design and implement detailed pre-negotiation strategies, lead extensive negotiation sessions with suppliers, and conduct thorough post-negotiation debriefs to ensure alignment on follow-up actions and lessons learned to ensure best rates and market conditions.

Sourcing Strategy with Sustainability Focus:

Create, execute, and manage Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Ensure that proposals from suppliers include sustainability practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly materials. Evaluate and synthesize information with an emphasis on how suppliers' sustainability initiatives align with Scope 3 reduction goals and overall sourcing strategies.

Contract Management:

Prepare, negotiate, and finalize contracts and commitments with suppliers, including Global Freight Forwarders. Ensure contracts reflect best practices, incorporate sustainability clauses to promote environmentally responsible practices, and adhere to legal and regulatory compliance standards. Regularly review and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with agreed-upon terms and conditions.

Supplier Performance Management:

Develop and incorporate key performance metrics into supplier agreements. Continuously monitor and evaluate supplier performance, providing reports and recommendations for improvement to enhance overall supplier effectiveness.

Stakeholder Management:

Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with key stakeholders across AH country or cluster commercial operations. Proactively assess and prioritize stakeholder needs, ensuring alignment with broader company objectives.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration:

As a Senior Specialist, produce high-quality work that meets world-class standards. Actively share best practices and insights with colleagues across procurement, fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning and collaboration.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (master’s degree is preferred).
• Proven experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Transportation, preferably within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods, food, or automotive industries, with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role. Other relevant industries will also be considered.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop cost models and execute sourcing strategies effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders at various levels.
• Proficiency in procurement tools, including Ariba for sourcing and contracting, catalog management, SAP, and TSM, as well as expertise in data analysis and business intelligence (BI) tools.
• Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
• Rapid and disciplined decision-making; driven by results, with courage and candor; skilled in prioritization, alignment, and simplification.
• Currently living within a commuting distance of Boxmeer (NLD), Vienna (AUT), Prague (CZE), Madrid (ESP) or Salamanca (ESP). Relocation support is not offered.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% globally.

What we offer
We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits depend on the job location but are in any case very competitive.

For questions about this vacancy
Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to RecruitmentNL@MSD.com . Applications can only be submitted via our career site.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

02/6/2025

*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.

Requisition ID: R328987