Senior Specialist, Procurement

MSD; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement benefits (401(k))

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

MSD in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Senior Specialist to support Animal Health Global Supplier Management, focusing on packaging-related sourcing and cross-functional collaboration to drive cost savings and supplier performance. Travel up to 15% as part of a dynamic, global team.

The role is a limited-duration position through 2030, offering a hybrid work model and opportunities to influence sourcing strategy, contract execution, and risk mitigation across Animal Health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or other related fields.
• Minimum 5 or more years’ experience in procurement, supply chain or related field.
• Experience in sourcing Packaging with focus on value creation and cost optimization.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation skills.
• Proactive & Adaptive with ability to work independently and in a team.
• Flexible approach to workload and ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Experience managing projects with cross-functional resources.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ERP systems (Ariba a plus) and quick learning of new software.
• Project Management & Communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing Project Lead: manage initiation, business case, RFI/RFP, supplier negotiations, cost savings and reporting.
• Relationship Management: collaborate with internal functions and external suppliers with regular reviews.
• Negotiation Strategy & Execution: develop and implement strategies to maximize value.
• Contract Management: draft/negotiate supplier agreements with Legal oversight.
• Supplier Performance Management: establish KPIs, monitor and improve performance.
• Cost Optimization & Savings Delivery: identify and lead cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Direct Service

Packaging

Procurement

Procurement Management

Sourcing and Procurement

Sourcing Projects

Supplier Management

Supply Chain Processes

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related fields

Tools

SAP Ariba

Aera

Job description

Job Description

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and consumer health products, as well as animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company - one that is ready to help create a healthier future for all of us.

Animal Health Global Supplier Management is an organization of approximately two hundred professionals with the common objective of compliant, competitive, and innovative acquisition of goods & services from leading suppliers and partners that deliver a competitive advantage. Our company manages approximately $1.2B of third party spend through an organizational structure encompassing the global leverage of center-led categories and regional operating resources.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Job Summary:

The candidate will support Animal Health Global Supplier Management with a primary focus on packaging-related sourcing projects, while also providing flexible support across other procurement, supplier management, and business initiatives as needed. The role will support the team’s Multi-Year Optimization (MYO) initiative, contributing to project execution, supplier and stakeholder coordination, value creation, risk mitigation, and implementation of opportunities that improve cost, supply reliability, standardization, and overall business performance. The Senior Specialist will join an enthusiastic team and will contribute to sourcing strategy, innovation, supplier engagement, negotiations, and contract implementation in support of our Animal Health division. The role is diverse and dynamic, requiring strong project management skills, adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage changing business priorities. This is a limited-duration role expected to support business needs from 2026 through 2030. Travel will be expected up to 15%

Duties and Responsibilities

• Sourcing Project Lead: ownership of assigned Projects includes but not limited to project initiation, business case, cross-functional and stakeholder alignment, RFI/RFP, Supplier contract negotiations and execution, cost savings identification, delivery and reporting, sourcing strategy and award recommendation, Supplier due diligence and qualification process, change management, project management, Sponsor updates and compliance with all applicable policies.

• Relationship Management: Internally collaborate with Technical, Quality, Operations, Finance, Legal, and other functions to define requirements. Externally build and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular performance and business review meetings across key and active suppliers.

• Negotiation Strategy & Execution: Develop, lead and implement effective negotiation strategies to maximize business value.

• Contract Management: Draft, negotiate, and execute supplier agreements in alignment with business and legal requirements. Partner with Legal to review contract terms and ensure strong understanding of contractual language and risk positions.

• Supplier Performance Management: Establish and manage supplier performance metrics, including OTIF (On-Time In-Full) and other KPIs. Monitor, report, and continuously improve supplier performance while fostering innovation through regular supplier engagement.

• Cost Optimization & Savings Delivery: Identify and deliver cost saving opportunities. Possess an understanding of standard costs and standard cost setting process. Manage projects and approvals for cost reduction initiatives with Stakeholders and Finance

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or other related fields

• Minimum 5 or more years’ experience in procurement, supply chain or other related experience.

• Experience in sourcing Packaging. Strong focus on value creation, proactive risk mitigation, supplier relationship management and cost optimization.

• Demonstrated strong negotiation skills.

• Proactive & Adaptive: A self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Must be self-motivated and able to work both individually and as part of a team.

• Must have a flexible approach to workload

• Experience managing projects with multiple workstream and cross functional resources.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, knowledge of ERP systems (Ariba is a plus); as well as ability to quickly learn new software systems.

• Project Management & Communication: Ability to manage multiple complex projects, demonstrating excellent organizational skills and strong verbal and written communication in English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SAP Ariba, Aera highly desired
• Experience within the Life Sciences/Pharma/Animal Health Industry is a plus.

Required Skills: Direct Service, Packaging, Procurement, Procurement Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Sourcing Projects, Supplier Management, Supply Chain Processes

Preferred Skills: Cross-Functional Teamwork, Leadership, Life Science, SAP Ariba

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$96,200.00 - $151,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/27/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.