Operational Purchasing Team Leader

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; San Juan; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck KGaA seeks an experienced Supervisor for Operational Purchasing in the Philippines. You will oversee a team, ensure SLA-driven service, and align daily activities with priorities across purchase requisitions and PO creation.

The role emphasizes coaching, English fluency, and strong process improvement within a multicultural Shared Services environment. SAP and Ariba proficiency are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in end to end Purchasing Operations with no less than three (3) years on a supervisory/Team Lead level.
• With extensive background in Purchasing Operations concepts.
• Has strong working background with SAP and Ariba systems.
• Experience working within a Shared Services environment is required.
• Fluent in English and can communicate well both in oral as well as in written form.

Responsibilities

• Supervise direct reports in Operational Purchasing to ensure efficiency and meet SLA.
• Plans and prepares daily operational activities and priorities, contingency plans and work schedules of the Team ensuring coverage in key areas as Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Order creation.
• Manage and resolves escalated customer complaints or queries within the turn-around time agreed.
• Monthly review of KPI reports to track the Team’s Performance and drive corrective actions.
• Ensures accurate and timely submission of reports and other requirements.
• Manage and communicate individual associate performance and provide coaching and mentoring for growth and development.
• Execute training or arrange training requirements and update training plans for new hires.
• Manage behavioral issues of Team and recommend corrective actions.
• Drive process improvements and projects to align with the Organization’s objectives.
• Provide operational visibility to management and key stakeholders through performance reviews.
• Collaborate with internal/external teams to address issues and challenges.
• Drive SOP, Policy and Work Instruction completion and updates for compliance.
• Execute other Procurement tasks and projects as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s/college degree in Procurement, Finance, Business Administration or related fields

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

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. Thats why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Your Role:

• Supervise direct reports assigned to Operational Purchasing to ensure efficiency and meet a high quality of service according to Service Level Agreements (SLA) set.
• Plans and prepares daily operational activities and priorities, contingency plans and work schedules of the Team ensuring coverage in key areas as Purchase Requisitions, and Purchase Order creation.
• Manage and resolves escalated customer complaints or queries within the turn-around time agreed.
• Monthly review of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports to track the Team’s Performance. Execute corrective actions to maintain adherence to KPIs.
• Ensures accurate and timely submission of reports and other requirements.
• Manage and communicate individual associate performance and areas for improvements. Do regular coaching and mentoring to ensure associate growth and development.
• Execute training or arrange training requirements as deemed necessary. Review and update training plan and training materials for new hire to ensure coverage of whole process and country specific requirements.
• Manage behavioral issues of Team and recommends appropriate corrective action.
• Able to drive process improvements and projects to align with the Organization’s objectives.
• Provide operational visibility to management and key stakeholder thru periodic operational performance review.
• Collaborate with other internal or external Teams to address operational issues and challenges.
• Drive SOP, Policy and Work Instruction completion and regular updates for compliance.
• Execute other Procurement tasks and projects that may be assigned.

Who you are:

• Minimum 5 years experience in end to end Purchasing Operations with no less than three (3) years on a supervisory/Team Lead level.
• With extensive background in Purchasing Operations concepts.
• Bachelor’s/college degree or comparable education and significant experience in Procurement, Finance, Business Administration or other neighbouring business-related fields.
• Has strong working background with SAP and Ariba systems.
• Experience working within a Shared Services environment is required.
• With good interpersonal and organisational skills – able to prioritise, can manage multiple tasks and work and adapt rapidly to changing priorities.
• Strong strategic and leadership capabilities focusing on people management.
• Coaching skills and experience a must.
• Is willing to take a challenge and work in a multi‑cultural environment
• Has sound planning and time management skills
• Has experience working on process improvements and quality management
• Dedicated and results oriented.
• Fluent in English and can communicate well both in oral as well as in written form.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety 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!