AD - HR Services Procurement

Associate Director, Global Category Manager

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled global category manager to join our HR Services Procurement team. As a member of Corporate Site Services Procurement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the global sourcing strategy for our global Talent Acquisition, HR Service Center, Rewards & Recognition, and Outplacement programs. You will be part of a collaborative, international team dedicated to ensuring the effective procurement of critical HR services that support our company's mission to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines worldwide.

In this fast-paced and dynamic environment, you will lead cross-functional teams and work closely with Global Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Global Compensation, and business leaders to manage key supplier relationships and contracts. Your expertise will help drive cost efficiencies, mitigate risks, and foster innovation through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence global HR procurement practices, while working with a diverse team of procurement professionals across multiple countries. If you thrive in a complex, global setting and are passionate about making a meaningful impact through strategic procurement, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Category Strategy: Develop multi-year plans leveraging market trends and business needs to drive innovation and value.
• Manage Sourcing Process: Guide cross-functional teams through sourcing events, vendor selection, negotiation, and contracting.
• Negotiate & Manage Contracts: Lead complex negotiations and manage agreements to reduce risk and maximize value.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build strong partnerships with suppliers, track performance, and foster innovation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years in global procurement, strategic sourcing, or related business management roles.
• Proven success in developing strategies that deliver cost savings and operational improvements globally.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and governance across multiple stakeholders.
• Comfortable working with international, remote teams.

Skills:

• Expertise in indirect procurement and global category management, preferably in HR or professional services.
• Customer-focused service: Prioritize customers' needs (internal and external) and deliver reliable, helpful service.
• Business awareness: Know how the company and industry operate and use that knowledge to improve results.
• Planning and prioritization: Set clear priorities, timelines, and resource plans to complete work on time.
• Adaptability: Stay effective through change, try new approaches, and work with others to make transitions successful.
• Courageous problem-solving: Tackle tough issues, propose creative options, and take decisive action when needed.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Category Strategy, Commercial Contract Negotiations, Data Analytics, Driving Continuous Improvement, Event Sourcing, Fast-Paced Environments, Global Sourcing, Inventory Control Management, IT Demand Management, Logistics, Logistics Management, Market Trends, Negotiation, Outsourcing Management, Prioritization, Procurement, Production Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Negotiations, Strategic Procurement, Strategic Procurement Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills:

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

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.

The salary range for this role is $126,500.00 - $199,100.00. 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.

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.

Regular

No relocation

No VISA Sponsorship

25% Travel Requirements

Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Indicated Shift

No Valid Driving License

n/a Hazardous Material(s)

Job Posting End Date: 10/23/2025

Requisition ID: R369238