Executive Director, Technology Procurement

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in New Jersey is seeking an Executive Director, Technology Procurement to lead the global sourcing strategy for technology across the enterprise. You will partner with senior technology and business leaders to shape procurement strategy, drive value, manage supplier risk, and support digital transformation.

The role requires strategic thinking, deep expertise in technology sourcing, executive stakeholder management, and complex negotiations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technology, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in technology procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of technology vendors, service providers, and procurement operating models.
• Demonstrated people leadership within procurement or indirect procurement.
• Experience leading enterprise technology sourcing and complex negotiations across software, cloud, infra, telecoms, cybersecurity, and professional services.
• Strong financial acumen to analyze data, build business cases, and influence decisions.
• Experience managing multiple high-visibility programs in a global, matrixed environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead global procurement strategy for technology categories (software, cloud, infra, cybersecurity, telecom, data & analytics, AI).
• Partner with the CIO and senior leaders to align sourcing with digital transformation goals.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, demand management, supplier consolidation, and innovation-led sourcing.
• Lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, supplier evaluations, and contract execution using e-sourcing tools.
• Negotiate complex global technology agreements while ensuring business requirements, risk controls, and service expectations are met.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, governance, and continuous improvement.
• Embed procurement early in technology planning and investment decisions to improve outcomes and resilience.
• Advise senior leaders on sourcing strategy, commercial structures, and market trends.

Skills

Executive Leadership

Strategic Sourcing

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Data-Driven Decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Contract Management Software

Analytics Tools

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Executive Director, Technology Procurement to lead global sourcing strategy for technology across the enterprise. In this high-impact leadership role, you will partner with senior technology and business leaders to shape procurement strategy, drive commercial value, manage supplier risk, and support the company's digital transformation agenda.

This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in technology sourcing, executive stakeholder management, and complex negotiations. You will lead a global team, oversee strategic supplier relationships, and help ensure procurement is a proactive enabler of innovation, resilience, and value creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global procurement strategy for technology categories, including software, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecom, data & analytics, AI, hardware, and professional services.
• Partner closely with the CIDO, senior technology leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategy with business priorities and digital transformation goals.
• Identify, prioritize, and deliver value creation opportunities through cost optimization, demand management, supplier consolidation, and innovation-led sourcing.
• Lead enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, supplier evaluations, commercial negotiations, and contract execution using e-sourcing tools.
• Negotiate complex global technology agreements while ensuring business requirements, risk controls, and service expectations are fully addressed.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships, including performance governance, commercial oversight, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Embed procurement early in technology planning and investment decisions to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and strengthen delivery.
• Advise senior leaders on sourcing strategy, commercial structures, supplier risk, and market trends.
• Champion modern procurement practices, leveraging analytics, automation, AI, and digital tools to improve speed, insight, and decision-making.
• Partner with Digital Strategy & Insights teams to enhance data visibility, category intelligence, and procurement effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, cybersecurity standards, regulatory requirements, and third-party risk management processes.
• Develop and execute inclusive sourcing strategies, with a strong focus on diverse supplier engagement in the U.S. and globally.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global Technology Procurement organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Technology, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in technology procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, technology operations, consulting, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of technology vendors, service providers, and procurement operating models.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience within procurement or indirect procurement organizations.
• Proven experience leading enterprise technology sourcing and commercial negotiations across software, cloud, infrastructure, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and professional services.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze complex data, build business cases, and influence decision-making.
• Experience managing multiple high-visibility programs in a global, matrixed environment.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural fluency and experience working with global, remote teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as needed.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Technology Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success partnering with senior executives, including CIO, CDO, CFO, and business leadership teams.
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, or financial services.
• Exposure to digital transformation, AI, cloud modernization, or enterprise technology strategy initiatives

Why This Role Matters

This is a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of technology, sourcing, and enterprise value creation. You will help shape how the organization invests in and governs technology-driving smarter decisions, stronger partnerships, and measurable business impact.

Required Skills

• Digital Strategy
• Digital Transformation
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Executive Relationship Management
• IT Strategic Planning
• Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management
• Procurement
• Procurement Leadership
• Sourcing Strategies
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategy Development
• Supplier Engagement
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Supplier Risk Management