Equipment & Automation Procurement Manager

MSD • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Sourcing Specialist – Equipment & Automation plays a strategic role within the Global Capital Procurement team, leading sourcing activities for equipment and automation categories that support major investment projects across the Human Health division globally. This position requires strong commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage complex, high-value procurement initiatives in a dynamic, international environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Required. For candidates outside the US, education requirements to align with in-country guidelines.
• Minimum of 3 years in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation, preferably on capital investment projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in SAP-Ariba and advanced Excel. Strong understanding of procurement processes and electronic sourcing tools.
• Core Competencies: Excellent negotiation and commercial skills. Project management and change management experience. Ability to manage multiple complex projects independently. Strong communication skills in English (written and verbal).
• Other Requirements: High degree of flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments. Ability to work cross functionally and with many cultures. Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills to support strategic decisions.
• Change Management: Experience driving organizational change and process improvements.
• Supplier Innovation: Capability to foster supplier-driven innovation and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management: Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing for Equipment & Automation categories globally, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and implement category strategies that deliver cost savings, mitigate risk, and drive innovation.
• Conduct market intelligence, competitive analysis, and supplier benchmarking to identify best-in-class solutions.
• Engage with Equipment Management Teams and project stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, tier reviews, and routine updates to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal partners across regions.
• Establish and maintain Supplier Relationship Management programs, including KPIs, scorecards, and regular business reviews.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive innovation and knowledge-sharing with strategic suppliers.
• Prepare detailed pre-negotiation plans and lead complex negotiations to secure optimal commercial terms.
• Draft, review, and execute contracts in collaboration with Legal and ensure compliance with corporate standards.
• Manage all contractual obligations and maintain accurate documentation.
• Identify, track, and deliver cost reduction opportunities, including managing Purchase Price Variance (PPV).
• Support working capital improvement initiatives through payment term optimization and inventory reduction programs.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in ongoing reviews of procurement practices and enforce adherence across stakeholders and suppliers.
• Lead cross-functional teams within the Center of Excellence to support investment programs.
• Act as procurement expert in risk mitigation and strategic sourcing projects.
• Contribute to global category strategies and participate in LT+1 management initiatives.
• Support delivery of critical department KPIs, including on-time/in-full delivery, cost reduction, and working capital improvements.
• Provide accurate reporting and analysis to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level