2026 Future Talent Program - Global Supplier Management Group Research & Development Sourcing and Procurement Co-op

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d•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. This role will support several facets of the Research and Development Sourcing & Procurement organization. The successful candidate: prepares and conducts market intelligence gathering and strategic analysis; pre-negotiation planning; RFIs, RFP/Qs, and e-auctions; quotation analysis and cost modeling; financial solvency analysis, risk assessments, 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. Research and Development Sourcing & Procurement is responsible for conducting strategic sourcing initiatives in support of drug discovery and development, specifically in the areas of discovery sciences, preclinical development, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and lab supplies and equipment, within our Research & Development Division.

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 or other graduate 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, 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
Focus on process improvements and simplification

Nice To Haves

Prior pharmaceutical industry experience or any fortune 500 company experience
Experience with using 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
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 efforts 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 external contacts to ensure optimal team performance and to take appropriate actions by implementing contract negotiation, communication with suppliers and/or or modifying procedure to ensure customer satisfaction.
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.
Supplier Performance Management – supplier performance monitoring, root cause investigation, issue management, risk assessment and mitigation
Strategic Analysis – To conduct up to six types of project analysis which transforms the information gathered from 1) and 2) above into insightful, well-structured breakthrough options and opportunities. Examples include Portfolio Analysis, Supplier Referencing, and Day One Sourcing.
Financial Analysis & Reporting – To prepare analysis and reporting of category spend, savings, compliance, and other metrics data on a monthly basis. 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 lead and participate any 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 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 incumbent will be expected to generate work of world-class quality and to share and transfer this to colleagues throughout GSMG
Corporate Communications – To identify communications opportunities, provide guidance on communications best practices, and identify process improvements. Draft and edit articles, blogs, newsletters, and slides. Be a proactive member of the Change Agent Network.