Procurement Specialist, Data Analyst & Support (remote)

Global Capital Procurement Procurement Specialist

We are seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to join our Global Capital Procurement (GCP) team. This role is pivotal in providing operational support and ensuring the smooth functioning of the procurement processes. Reporting to the Global Capital Procurement PMO Lead, the Specialist will collaborate closely with the Regional Capital Procurement Execution teams, Global Capital Procurement Category teams, and various internal and external stakeholders to drive the success of the capital projects. The Specialist will serve as a system and process support lead, acting as a subject matter expert for the procurement tools, particularly SAP Ariba. This role involves providing comprehensive end-user and supplier support, managing procurement queues, and maintaining dashboards and data sets. The Specialist will also play a crucial role in standard management, process improvement, and compliance, ensuring that the teams adhere to updated guidelines and standards. Additionally, the Specialist will facilitate team coordination and communication, supporting onboarding processes, audits, and relevant communication efforts. The ideal candidate will be proactive and rigorous, data-literate, and capable of driving change to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the procurement function. This position offers the flexibility of being either hybrid or remote, with teams based in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Key Role Responsibilities

1. System Support and Subject Matter Expertise:

• Serve as SME to the team and partners for all deployed Ariba modules, troubleshooting errors related to purchase orders, contracts, e-sourcing, and procure-to-pay processes.
• Provide comprehensive support for Ariba issues, inquiries, order routing, and RFP activities including training and vendor issue resolution.
• Monitor and manage procurement queues, review purchase orders, change orders and marketplace purchases, assist suppliers with PO and invoicing issues, manage expedited payment requirements per regulatory requirements.
• Process purchase orders for contractors, support teams with time entry into CATS, troubleshoot system issues as needed.
• Provide support for emerging tools including project databases, Power BI dashboards, and digitized procurement processes; Represent the GCP team in future SAP module implementations and other system changes.

2. Reporting and Data Analytics:

• Update and maintain dashboards for monthly reviews, act as gate keeper on savings and coordinate entries into Ariba across teams and regions, manage reporting tier-1 and tier-2 impact spend, maintain GCP project tracker.
• Conduct data mining and data conditioning for the teams, build ad-hoc reports with data extracted from existing systems, identify reporting gaps and develop and drive action plans.
• Help generate and maintain budget reports on actuals and forecast for procurement activities (contractor, travel expenses).

3. Standard Management and Process Improvement:

• Help team members in keeping guidelines and standards up to date, manage MEDS uploads and process database, drive schedule for process verification, action plan development, and guideline updates.
• Support the teams in understanding policy changes and updating working standards and guidelines.
• Provide support for Corporate audits and other compliance inquiries.

4. Team Coordination and Communication:

• Facilitate weekly tactical calls with SPOCs and category teams as needed.
• Support new employee onboarding processes, facilitate onboarding of contractors.
• Provide SPOC backup support during absence.

Basic Qualifications

Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain procurement, business administration, Engineering, or a related field.

Desirable: Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CPIM, CIPS).

Experience

3-5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business operations.

Strong proficiency in SAP Ariba platform and modules.

Experience with Qlik, Power BI, or similar business intelligence tools.

Experience in process continuous improvement, project management and contract management.

Knowledge of pharmaceutical or life sciences industry and Capital projects procurement practices.

Knowledge and Skills

Procurement Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of procurement practices, contract management, strategic sourcing, category management, and capital project lifecycle processes.

Technology and Systems: Advanced proficiency in procurement software (SAP/Ariba platforms), ERP systems, MS Office Suite with advanced Excel capabilities, and digital collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, Power BI).

Data Analysis and Performance Management: Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, reporting, KPI measurement, and supplier performance evaluation.

Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex topics to diverse internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and industry organizations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across departments, regions, and time zones while influencing cross-functional leaders and supporting global teams.

Systems Thinking and Process Optimization: Ability to understand complex procurement processes, drive continuous improvement, and optimize workflows for efficiency gains.

Change Management and Problem-Solving: Capability to challenge current processes, solve complex problems, drive transformational changes, and lead improvement initiatives.

Adaptability and Service Orientation: Flexibility to navigate dynamic, fast-paced environments with changing priorities while maintaining a customer service mindset.

Attention to Detail and Organization: High level of detail-orientation with strong organizational skills and ability to deliver high-quality, timely outcomes.

Sustainability and Inclusion Knowledge: Understanding of diversity/economic inclusion, environmental sustainability concepts, regulations, and industry best practices (desirable).

Work Environment

This role is either remote or based at one of the large manufacturing sites.

Required Skills

Adaptability, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Business Intelligence (BI), Capital Projects, Category Management, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Collaboration Tools, Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), Contract Management, Cross-Functional Communications, Data Analysis, Driving Continuous Improvement, Inventory Control Management, Logistics, Microsoft Office, Onboarding, Procurement, Procurement Contracts, Procure-to-Pay, Production Planning, Project Management, Project Procurement Management, Purchasing Management, SAP Ariba

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $77,700.00 - $122,300.00. 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.

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.