Operational Purchasing Team Lead - Procurement (APAC)

Merck Group; Philippines; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Group in Philippines is seeking an Operational Purchasing Team Lead to oversee end-to-end purchasing operations, validate PRs, ensure compliance, and convert to POs in line with company policies and service levels. You will supervise the team, drive SLA/KPI performance, coordinate with stakeholders, support SAP and Ariba processes, and contribute to process improvements, SOPs, and audit readiness.

You will join a learning-focused culture that values diversity and collaboration across a

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in end to end Purchasing Operations with no lessthan three (3) years on a supervisory/Team Lead level.

Responsibilities

• Supervising daily team operations to ensure efficient handling of PR validations, PO creation, and follow-up with stakeholders for approvals and clarifications.
• Ensuring all purchase requests meet policy, approval, and compliance requirements before PO issuance.
• Monitoring and driving team performance to meet SLA, KPI, and quality standards, and implementing corrective actions where needed.
• Acting as the first level of escalation for operational issues and coordinating with internal stakeholders for timely resolution.
• Supporting system-related activities in SAP and Ariba, including troubleshooting and training users on process steps and compliance expectations.
• Conducting regular coaching, feedback, and skill-building sessions to strengthen the team’s operational and analytical capabilities.
• Identifying process improvement opportunities and contributing to projects that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Maintaining up-to-date SOPs, work instructions, and compliance documentation for audit readiness.
• Preparing periodic operational reports and providing visibility to management on performance trends, challenges, and action plans.

Skills

Procurement Process Expertise

Compliance and Risk Awareness

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Stakeholder and Vendor Management

Team Leadership and Development

Planning and Prioritization

Communication and Collaboration

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Customer Service Orientation

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us. As a vibrant science and technology company, we believe in science as a force for good. We make a positive difference in millions of people´s lives every day. Our passion for science and technology is what drives our more than 64,000 employees across 66 countries to find solutions to some of today’s toughest challenges and create more sustainable ways to live.

Job Summary

As an Operational Purchasing Team Lead, you will oversee and guide the team responsible for the end-to-end operational purchasing process — from validating purchase requisitions (PRs) to ensuring compliance and timely conversion to purchase orders (POs) in alignment with company policies and service levels.

Your Responsibilities

• Supervising daily team operations to ensure efficient handling of PR validations, PO creation, and follow-up with stakeholders for approvals and clarifications.
• Ensuring all purchase requests meet policy, approval, and compliance requirements before PO issuance.
• Monitoring and driving team performance to meet SLA, KPI, and quality standards, and implementing corrective actions where needed.
• Acting as the first level of escalation for operational issues and coordinating with internal stakeholders (e.g., approvers, compliance, category managers, and suppliers) for timely resolution.
• Supporting system-related activities in SAP and Ariba, including troubleshooting and training users on process steps and compliance expectations.
• Conducting regular coaching, feedback, and skill-building sessions to strengthen the team’s operational and analytical capabilities.
• Identifying process improvement opportunities and contributing to projects that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Maintaining up-to-date SOPs, work instructions, and compliance documentation for audit readiness.
• Preparing periodic operational reports and providing visibility to management on performance trends, challenges, and action plans.

Education

• Minimum 5 years experience in end to end Purchasing Operations with no lessthan three (3) years on a supervisory/Team Lead level.

Key Competencies

• Procurement Process Expertise
• Compliance and Risk Awareness
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Stakeholder and Vendor Management
• Team Leadership and Development
• Planning and Prioritization
• Communication and Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Customer Service Orientation

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!