Sr. Spclst, Fin. Planning & Analysis

Merck; Ireland; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Ireland seeks a Senior Specialist, Financial Planning & Analysis on a 23‑month contract. You will partner with the finance and operations teams to develop and report key financial metrics, drive cost optimization, and support site initiatives.

You will lead internal controls, audits, and grant/subsidy submissions while contributing to capital investment decisions. The role emphasizes strong analytical capability, cross‑functional collaboration, and ability to prioritize in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in FP&A within pharma or similar environments.
• Strong business partnering and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with SAP and BPC for planning and reporting.
• Proven budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis capabilities.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and monitor internal financial controls and procedures.
• Lead preparation of R&D Tax Credits submissions and Government Grants claims.
• Provide financial business partnering to senior leaders and departments.
• Support capital investments and site productivity initiatives.
• Perform monthly performance reporting and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with GES and S&T teams on cross-site finance projects.
• Drive continuous improvement and Six Sigma initiatives across the site.

Skills

Financial planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Six Sigma

Lean

Costing

Financial controls

Tools

SAP

BPC

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Sr. Spclst, Fin. Planning & Analysis (23 month contract). Our Finance team brings together our financial perspectives into our overall strategic and tactical decision making. We use state-of-the-art techniques for financial analysis, planning, accounting, reporting and performance evaluation. This allows the organization to continue advancing medical innovation and improve lives.

Reporting to the Site Finance Director, you will work with the Finance team and Operational areas to support the analysis and development of the financial information required to successfully support the company's endeavors. You will work with people at all levels of the organization to develop, report, monitor and manage key financial and non-financial performance indicators.

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

• Develop, implement and monitor internal financial controls and procedures of the company and facilitate both internal and external audits including SOX compliance.
• Lead the preparation of R&D Tax Credits submissions and Government Grants claims.
• Contribute to site management operational and strategic initiatives e.g. costing new products / initiatives. Participate in selected strategic projects with relevant business partners.
• Provide financial business partnering to selected leadership team members and their departments, including planning activities for the budget and forecast cycles, analysis of results and exploration of productivity opportunities.
• Perform Monthly Performance Reporting and explanation of variances, including the completion of dashboard & oversight on monthly close activities.
• Participate in monthly Finance Council & drive Financial Stewardship and Governance at site.
• Develop & embed the finance performance metrics within the business and take accountability for analysis & commentary.
• Promote and maintain focus on site productivity initiatives. Regular reporting required on same.
• Drive continuous process optimization, standardization and stability.
• Responsible for driving a culture of Continuous Improvement by deploying Six Sigma tools.
• Work with the leadership team and partners in GES (Global Engineering Services) and S&T (Science and Technology) to support capital investments at this strategic site.
• Actively contribute as a member of the Manufacturing Division Finance Team on cross-site finance process and system improvement projects, manufacturing productivity and staff training and development.

What skills you will need:

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have:

• At least 5 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry or a similar operating environment.
• Business partnering experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of and experience in applying Six Sigma and Lean methodologies with a continuous improvement focus.
• Experience in preparing applications for Irish grants, subsidies, tax incentives.
• Experience in planning, budget and forecasting processes.
• Understanding of inventory accounting and manufacturing variances.
• Knowledge of SAP and BPC preferable.
• Knowledge of MS Office products, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience in supporting major capital expenditure/start-up projects.
• Leadership skills.
• Technical knowledge.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proactive and innovative.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work to tight deadlines.
• Highly Self Motivated with ability to work independently.

First established in 1976, our Ballydine facility develops and supplies the active ingredients and final formulated product for a range of innovative medicines at its manufacturing and R&D facilities. Ballydine was our Company's first site in Ireland, the Ballydine site is our Company's primary small molecule pipeline commercialisation facility globally, operating as a European hub for quality, manufacturing, and engineering. Its highly skilled teams lead the way in the development of new medicines, including innovative treatments for Hepatitis C, HIV and immuno-oncology, the site exports to over 25 countries around the world.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together.

Required Skills:

• Adaptability, Adaptability, Budgeting, Budget Management, Budget Projections, Business Performance Management, Cash Management, Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Data Visualization, Finance Strategy, Financial Acumen, Financial Analysis, Financial Budgeting, Financial Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Financial Oversight, Financial Planning, Forecasting Models, Forecast Management, Gener