Intern – HBO – Supplier Development & Performance Management

MSD; Haarlem; Hybrid; EUR 4,700 - 6,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance €500/month

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an intern (HBO level) in the SD&PM department in the Netherlands. You will work hands-on to improve supplier manufacturing and processes, gaining exposure to Six Sigma and risk assessment tools.

You will travel within the region as needed and collaborate with a global team, with an emphasis on development and initiative.

Qualifications

• HBO student in 2nd/3rd year pursuing a B.S./B.A. in engineering, science, manufacturing, applied science or technical field.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Available for 40 hours per week (5 days).
• Present in Haarlem or Boxmeer site 3-4 days per week during internship.

Responsibilities

• Assist in hands-on improvement of supplier manufacturing and business processes.
• Gain exposure to Six Sigma, Lean and related methods (e.g., SPC, visual management).
• Perform risk assessments and develop risk mitigation plans.
• Support group dynamics and cross-functional collaboration.
• Potentially travel to supplier sites or company sites as needed.

Skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

HBO student (2nd/3rd year)

Engineering/Science/Manufacturing focus

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated HBO student in their second-year or third year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, applied science, or technical based degree student! Do you want to know what it's like to be part of one of the largest multinational companies in the pharmaceutical industry? We offer an internship opportunity within our Supplier Development & Performance Management (SD&PM) department.

Intern - HBO - SD&PM

Welcome to our team. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines and vaccines, as well as animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company - one that is ready to help create a healthier future for all of us. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity, and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. Our employees are the key to our company’s success. We demonstrate our commitment to our employees by offering a competitive and valuable rewards program. Our company's benefits are designed to support the wide range of goals, needs and lifestyles of our employees, and many of the people that matter the most in their lives.

The Supplier Development and Performance Management function at our company is responsible for managing the performance of hundreds of components, material, and service suppliers. These suppliers are key to our company's ability to manufacture critical medicines and vaccines used by millions of patients around the world.

Your internship assignment

As an intern, you will:

Work hands‑on improving supplier manufacturing and business processes. Gain exposure to continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma, Lean) such as Statistical Process Control, Visual Management, Capability Assessments, 5-Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Corrective Action / Preventative Action. Perform risk assessments and develop risk mitigation plans. Advance an understanding of group dynamics within working communities. Foster collaboration and innovation.

Your responsibilities

• Assist SD&PM personnel using problem‑solving skills, to conduct root cause investigations and implement Corrective Actions / Preventive Actions for supplier issues.
• Assist in the execution of Technical Capability Assessments for new and existing suppliers.
• Provide supplier up‑skilling as required.
• Assist in the management of supplier risk mitigation plans (including on‑site support, as needed) to ensure launch readiness and successful routine production.
• Perform a gap analysis between specifications, methods, and equipment at suppliers vs. our company's sites and mitigate gaps (e.g. Measurement System Analysis) to pro‑actively reduce future deviations and supply issues.
• Potentially travel to supplier sites and/or our sites within the country or region to resolve and prevent manufacturing, quality, technical and supply issues.

The described tasks form the basic package and will often be performed independently after a proper training and learning period. These tasks may be supplemented with other projects and/or tasks on your own initiative or at the request of the organization.

What is required

• HBO student in their second-year or third year pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Engineering, Science, Manufacturing, applied science, or technical based degree
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong Interpersonal and communications skills
• Available for a period of 40 hours per week (5 days per week)
• Needs to be present in Haarlem or Boxmeer site 3-4 days per week during internship program tenure

What we offer

• The chance to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• An opportunity to showcase yourself for potential opportunities after your internship period
• A challenging and dynamic work environment with plenty of room for personal development and initiative
• Good guidance from an experienced specialist
• A gross monthly internship allowance of €500, based on a 40-hour work week NLINTERN

Compensation Information

Required Skills: Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Applied Research, Capacity Assessments, Clinical Research, Communication Sciences, Continuous Improvement Principles, Continuous Improvement Techniques, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Engineering Principle, Gap Assessments, Group Dynamics, Health Economics, Interpersonal Communication, Manufacturing, Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Office Applications, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutics, Process Improvements, Project Management {+ 10 more} Preferred Skills: Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., 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.

Other Information

Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 11/25/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.