2026 Future Talent Program - Global Supplier Management Group Direct Material Procurement - Co-op

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Global Support Functions Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals Job Description Strategic Supplier Management is a rigorous, data-driven methodology which relies upon high quality market intelligence for suppliers, supply markets and supply chains, as well as strategic analysis and reporting of internal business requirements, supplier performance, spend and savings data. The successful candidate may support projects or programs with the following characteristics: gathers market intelligence and prepares and conducts strategic analysis; pre-negotiation planning; RFIs, RFP/Qs, e-auctions; quotation analysis and cost modeling; financial solvency analysis; risk assessments; understands (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) FCPA verification and other compliance / due diligence assessments; supplier performance monitoring and issue resolution; budget planning process support and ongoing spend, savings, and compliance metrics reporting. The role may also focus on digitization and data analytics. Direct Materials Sourcing & Procurement is responsible for the development and implementation of all supplier management strategies and initiatives, CAPEX programs, driving improvements in cost, supplier performance, and working capital, in support of manufacture and supply of our Company products.

Requirements

Currently in sophomore or junior level curriculum, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business (such as Finance or Management), Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Market Research, Communications or a Science-related discipline (Engineering, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Bioengineering). Or currently enrolled in an MBA program.
Superior interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to work successfully on cross functional teams
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to make clear and concise presentations
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to make clear and concise presentations, sensitivity to cultural differences in communication, experience with SharePoint and Enterprise Social Media (specifically Yammer), and familiarity with principles of business communication, marketing and/or journalism.
Strong data collection, analysis and reporting skills
Excellent project management skills
Ability to work independently with a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to deal with ambiguous and dynamic situations
Quick learner and motivated to cultivate technical, business and commercial skills by applying their knowledge within Our Company’s environment
Proficient in Microsoft office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Demonstrated excellent academic achievement

Nice To Haves

Prior pharmaceutical industry experience or any fortune 500 company experience
Ideal candidate should have completed two or more internships or co-ops
Experience with using , MS Teams, SharePoint or other similar collaboration websites
Experience with TIBCO Spotfire or other data analytic/visualization tools
Experience with using Excel to manage large data sets
Ability to communicate information into presentations to share with stakeholders and colleagues
Knowledge of data collection methods (polls, focus groups, surveys)
GPA 3.0

Responsibilities

Support strategic and operating objectives for the procurement function including product sourcing, supply risk management, supplier performance improvement, cost reduction, supplier diversity development, working capital improvement, and supplier relationship management
Work with cross functional teams including Legal, Finance, Procure-to-Pay, internal stakeholders, and external suppliers
Conduct detailed market analyses looking at facts and data with the objective of providing deep and meaningful insights
Implement procurement strategies and execute tactical procurement processes. Serve as a resource regarding processes, procedures and systems for procurement function.
Support selection of suppliers to ensure appropriate savings and service levels. Ensure that all legal contract requirements are met. Manage relationships with selected external contacts to ensure optimal team performance.
Enforce compliance with all Global Procurement policies and procedures by using a data driven business case approach.
Supplier and Supply Market Analysis – To conduct rigorous market intelligence and detailed supplier and supply market analyses, to provide deep and meaningful insight to sourcing teams.
Cost Modeling / Cost reduction – To construct detailed cost models/purchase price analysis of goods and services that are supplied to Our Company. At times, this will require supplier visits to create a complete understanding of the cost structure of suppliers and develop cost reduction opportunities.
Strategic Analysis – To conduct project analysis which transforms information into insightful, well-structured breakthrough options and opportunities. Examples include Portfolio Analysis, Supplier Preferencing, and Day One Sourcing.
Financial Analysis & Reporting – To prepare analysis and reporting of category spend, savings, compliance, and other metrics. To support the annual budget / profit planning process for the category at the global level. To maintain financial reporting and management systems (including SAP) with up-to-date data on an ongoing basis.
Negotiation Planning – To create detailed pre-negotiation plans, to support and participate in prolonged negotiation sessions with suppliers and to conduct post negotiation debriefs and follow through plans.
Sourcing – To create and execute RFIs, RFPs, and e-Auctions, together with subsequent structured information analysis wherever possible using electronic procurement processes.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation – To conduct effective risk assessment (including Financial Solvency Analysis, compliance with FCPA, Business Partner Code of Conduct, etc.) and establish appropriate risk mitigation plans within the supply-base pursuant to Our Company's Manufacturing Division's risk management framework.
Category Team Membership – To be an active member of one or more category teams using the techniques and content created in above as input in the creation of breakthrough strategies delivering cost reduction targets.
Sharing of Learnings – The candidate will be expected to generate high quality work and to share and transfer this to colleagues throughout GSMG