Job Description

The Position

The Procurement Senior Specialist will independently execute and lead the Sourcing Management Process (SMP) for strategic analysis of suppliers, supply markets, and supply chains across assigned spend categories within Our Organization.

The role will lead category management execution, contract management, risk management, stakeholder management, and supplier value management within assigned categories, operating with limited supervision. 

What will you do?

• Independently conduct detailed supplier and supply market analysis using facts and data, with the objective of providing meaningful insights and recommendations to Sourcing Management teams. 
• Develop and execute detailed cost models and purchase price analyses for goods and services supplied to Our Company; this may include supplier and stakeholder interactions to ensure a full understanding of cost structures. 
• Lead the creation of detailed pre‑negotiation plans with Sourcing teams. Lead negotiation sessions with suppliers within defined approval limits and ensure post‑negotiation follow‑through. 
• Lead and execute RFIs and RFPs, including structured analysis of supplier responses and sourcing recommendations aligned with category strategies. 
• Execute supplier compliance assessments and risk management tools, including the development and implementation of mitigation strategies to ensure compliant supply and effective third‑party management. 
• Prepare, negotiate, and implement appropriate contracts and supplier commitments in accordance with company policies. 
• Own the reporting, monitoring, and management of agreed supplier performance metrics and continuous improvement actions. 
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships within GSM, Commercial Operations, and the other teams. Proactively understand stakeholder needs and priorities and provide procurement guidance. 
• Generate high‑quality procurement work and actively share learnings, best practices, and tools with colleagues across procurement and relevant stakeholders. 

Qualifications, Skills & Experience Required

• University degree.
• English and Italian fluency.
• 5+ years of sourcing, procurement, or relevant commercial operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of suppliers, commercial operations, and procurement subject matter expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage sourcing initiatives and supplier relationships.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP) and procurement tools (Ariba).
• Rapid and disciplined decision making.
• Courage and candor in communication.
• Strong results orientation.
• Appropriate escalation of issues and risks.
• Ability to prioritize, align, and simplify work.
• Enterprise mindset when supporting sourcing and category decisions.

Ready to take up the challenge? Apply now! 
Know anybody who might be interested? Refer this job!

Required Skills:

Commercial Risk Management, Contract Management, Contract Processing, Cost Analysis, Cost Modeling, Cost Structures, Procurement Management, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Avoidance, Risk Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Supplier Enablement, Supplier Negotiations, Supply Chain Processes, Vendor Management, Vendor Procurement

Preferred Skills:

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/21/2026

*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.