Associate Director Supply Chain Management

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany • Millsboro, DE

135d • $126,500 - $199,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing comprehensive supply chain operations, including inventory control, long-term planning, and optimization initiatives. This role ensures alignment with business objectives, drives cross-functional collaboration, and leads a high-performing team to deliver operational excellence across the site. The Associate Director serves as a key contributor to site leadership, influencing decisions that impact supply continuity, financial performance, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; Master's or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, inventory control, and team leadership.
• 3 years of people management experience required.
• Proven track record of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and project execution.
• Expertise in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, HARP) and digital supply chain tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills with a focus on results and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inventory strategy for finished goods, intermediates, and raw materials, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Lead communication and decision-making around inventory destruction and financial implications.
• Govern material coding in HARP and ensure timely monthly IQV approvals.
• Direct inter-site material shipments and manage UIN approvals for all product levels.
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to expiring inventory and BOM accuracy.
• Represent supply chain in S&OP meetings and proactively communicate supply risks.
• Supervise Buyer/Planner activities and provide strategic oversight of procurement operations.
• Lead long-term planning and Annual Business Review (ABR) processes.
• Present operational supply metrics and strategic supply outlook to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure site readiness and timeline adherence through participation in Laund, Pit, and Transfer meetings.
• Drive annual volume and timing budget planning.
• Oversee inter-site product shipment planning and performance tracking.
• Lead mid-term planning and site supply review processes to ensure proactive decision-making.
• Champion initiatives to improve supply chain flow efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional supply and planning-related projects with measurable impact.
• Design and implement optimal supply configurations and strategies.
• Oversee value stream flow improvement and antigen-related material sourcing.
• Deploy advanced digital SCM tools to enhance planning accuracy and responsiveness.
• Provide technical leadership and coaching to the planning team, fostering continuous improvement.
• Act as a substitute for the planning lead and ensure continuity of operations.
• Manage manufacturing department schedules and raw material planning aligned with production needs.
• Promote a collaborative team culture and drive SCM technical performance improvements.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree