Leadership Development in Procurement Associate

Merck & Co.; Creve Coeur (MO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer is seeking a high-potential candidate for the Leadership Development in Procurement Associate program in the United States. During this 18-month rotation, you will work in international teams across Sustainability & Risk Management, Direct Materials, and Digital Procurement to develop leadership, analytics, and strategic sourcing skills.

You will contribute to supplier negotiations, use AI-enabled tools, collaborate across functions, and travel up to 15% to gain global exposure.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD by June 2027.
• Eligible to work in the US now and in the future.
• Demonstrate passion for procurement and value creation across the supply chain.
• Willingness to travel ~15% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to project-based rotations across multiple Procurement areas.
• Prepare and support supplier negotiations and cost-saving opportunities.
• Leverage AI tools and digital innovation to enhance category management.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration within Bayer’s global Procurement community.
• Engage with mentors and senior stakeholders to drive growth.

Skills

Procurement mindset

Leadership potential

Analytical skills

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

AI tools

Job description

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ‘Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Leadership Development in Procurement Associate

The Leadership Development in Procurement (LDP) Program (all genders) is designed to cultivate procurement professionals equipped with essential skills to lead meaningful initiatives, drive innovation, and shape the future of Bayer’s global Procurement organization; during this 18-month program, you actively collaborate in international teams, gaining knowledge and experience across a wide range of subject areas while achieving learning and development objectives and delivering business results through project-based rotations in Sustainability & Risk Management, Procurement of Direct Materials, Digital Procurement, and other key procurement functions.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to project-based rotations (each approximately 3 months) across multiple Procurement areas, including Sustainability & Risk Management, Procurement of Direct Materials, and Digital Procurement, delivering defined key tasks and business-relevant outcomes;
• Prepare and support supplier negotiations, including handling pricing analysis, sourcing processes, and identification of spend and cost-saving opportunities;
• Leverage AI tools and digital innovation to enhance category management, sourcing strategies, and data-driven decision‑making in Procurement;
• Foster collaboration and build strong, cross‑functional relationships within Bayer’s global Procurement community and across other business functions to drive aligned, value‑creating initiatives;
• Enhance understanding of business operations by proactively monitoring progress toward key objectives and contributing to continuous improvement of procurement processes;
• Engage with mentors and senior stakeholders, actively building your network and driving your professional growth through structured feedback, reflection, and ownership of end‑to‑end initiatives;
• Participate in an international short‑term assignment or extended business trip to gain global exposure and broaden your perspective on procurement practices and market dynamics;
• Take part in leadership development activities and program events that strengthen your strategic thinking, communication, and influence skills as a future procurement leader.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

• Receiving a Master's degree or PhD by June 2027;
• Eligible to work in the US now and in the future;
• Are genuinely passionate about procurement and committed to driving value creation across the supply chain;
• Demonstrate learning agility, with a willingness to adapt and grow in a fast‑paced, changing environment;
• Exhibit a strong sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes and deliverables;
• Excel in building partnerships and collaborating across cultures to achieve common goals;
• Embrace a forward‑thinking attitude that leverages digital transformation and utilizes analytical skills to enhance decision‑making;
• Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present and articulate ideas to diverse audiences;
• Are fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• Are willing and able to travel domestically and internationally (~15%) as part of the program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bring initial work experience, such as internships, with international experience considered a plus;
• 3.3 GPA or higher.

This position will be posted until 9/11/2026

Employees can expect to be paid a salary of approximately between $91,200.00 - $136,800.00. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc.. This salary (or salary range) is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant’s location, market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

YOUR APPLICATION

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs.

To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders. Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location: United States : Missouri : Creve Coeur Division: Enabling Functions Reference Code: 879431 Contact Us Email: [e-mail]