Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme seeks a Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement to lead packaging sourcing projects, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and drive supplier performance across a global Animal Health organization.

You will manage end-to-end sourcing, negotiate terms, and advance cost optimization while ensuring supply continuity and standardization in a dynamic, international environment. Strong project management and English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Supplier Management.
• Experience sourcing packaging categories in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English; experience with ERP systems (Ariba is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives including project initiation, business case development, stakeholder alignment, RFIs/RFPs, supplier due diligence, qualification, selection, negotiations, implementation, savings delivery, reporting, and change management.
• Partner with Technical, Quality, Operations, Finance, Legal, and other functions to define requirements and deliver sourcing projects; maintain supplier relationships through reviews and performance management.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies to maximize value, mitigate risk, and support long-term objectives.
• Draft, negotiate, implement, and manage supplier agreements with Legal and stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics (OTIF and KPIs); drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while balancing quality and continuity; coordinate with Finance for approvals.
• Manage multiple projects and change management initiatives with clear communication and timely execution.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Business Case Development

Contract Management

Cost Reduction Initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Driving Continuous Improvement

Influencing Skills

Multi-Management

Negotiation Tactics

Production Planning

Risk Management and Mitigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field

Tools

Ariba

ERP Systems

Job description

Job Description

You will lead strategic packaging sourcing initiatives and drive supplier performance, innovation, and business value across our global Animal Health organization. Are you ready to make an impact in a dynamic, international environment?

For our Animal Health location we are looking for a Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement

Welcome to our team

Our Global Supplier Management team plays a critical role in ensuring the effective sourcing and management of goods and services that support our business. Working in a collaborative and international environment, the team focuses on delivering value through strategic procurement, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

We promote a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional development, providing opportunities to work with diverse stakeholders and suppliers across the globe.

Purpose of the role

As a Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement you will support sourcing and supplier management activities with a primary focus on packaging categories. You will lead sourcing projects, collaborate with internal stakeholders, engage with suppliers, and contribute to initiatives that improve cost efficiency, supply continuity, standardization, and overall business performance.

This is a dynamic role requiring strong project management capabilities, procurement expertise, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate changing business priorities while delivering measurable results. The position is expected to support key business initiatives between 2026 and 2030.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Sourcing Project Leadership: Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including project initiation, business case development, stakeholder alignment, RFI/RFP processes, supplier due diligence, supplier qualification, supplier selection, contract negotiations, implementation, savings delivery, reporting, and change management.
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management: Partner closely with Technical, Quality, Operations, Finance, Legal, and other business functions to define requirements and deliver sourcing projects. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular business reviews and performance management activities.
• Negotiation & Value Creation: Develop and execute effective negotiation strategies that maximize commercial value, strengthen supplier partnerships, mitigate risk, and support long-term business objectives.
• Contract Management: Draft, negotiate, implement, and manage supplier agreements in collaboration with Legal and key stakeholders, ensuring commercial terms, compliance requirements, and risk positions are appropriately addressed.
• Supplier Performance Management: Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, including OTIF and other key KPIs. Drive continuous improvement, support innovation initiatives, and ensure suppliers consistently meet business expectations.
• Cost Optimization & Risk Management: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while balancing quality, service, and supply continuity requirements. Support standard cost management processes and coordinate approvals with stakeholders and Finance for cost reduction initiatives.
• Project & Change Management: Manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, ensuring effective communication, timely execution, stakeholder engagement, and successful implementation of sourcing strategies.

What we ask

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Supplier Management.
• Experience sourcing packaging categories in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and business value. Experience leading cross-functional sourcing projects and managing multiple priorities.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical, project management, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills in English; experience with ERP systems (Ariba is a plus).

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.

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.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well‑being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Business Case Development, Contract Management, Cost Reduction Initiatives, Cross‑Functional Collaboration, Driving Continuous Improvement, Influencing Skills, Multi‑Management, Negotiation Tactics, Production Planning, Risk Management and Mitigation

Preferred Skills:

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Job Posting End Date: 09/25/2026

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