Regional Procurement Associate

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Chandler, AZ

2d•$73,500 - $110,300•Onsite

About The Position

This is a dual-capability procurement role combining day-to-day operational buying with targeted strategic sourcing execution for assigned materials and services within DS&S. The primary responsibility is procure-to-pay activities, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery, master data accuracy, and supply continuity across assigned spend categories. The role also executes sourcing activities for designated material groups in alignment with global category strategy, in coordination with Category and Sourcing Managers, including negotiations, supplier evaluations, and source-to-contract delivery. It partners with Sourcing Managers, Category Managers, Planning, and site stakeholders to connect operational execution with strategic sourcing outcomes. This is an onsite position in Chandler, Arizona, with travel once per year for an internal team meeting or supplier visits. The position does not offer work-authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. There are no direct reports, though the associate may provide informal guidance and coordination support to junior Buyers or shared service teams on procure-to-pay processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or a similar discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in procurement operations and/or sourcing within manufacturing or a high-tech environment.
At least 2 years of buying experience.
At least 1 year of SAP experience.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; work-authorization sponsorship is not offered.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to negotiation and sourcing events.
Communication and stakeholder management skills.
Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Data and Excel proficiency.
Supplier coordination and negotiation fundamentals.
Ability to operate effectively across transactional and strategic procurement contexts.

Responsibilities

Execute purchase requisitions-to-orders, order confirmations, changes, and closures; maintain accurate supplier and material master data.
Expedite and track open orders; resolve delivery issues, goods receipt discrepancies, and invoice mismatches with Logistics, Quality, and Finance.
Ensure contract and quotation compliance, perform spot buys within defined thresholds, and escalate complex or high-value strategic sourcing events as appropriate.
Monitor supplier on-time delivery and responsiveness; drive corrective actions and support risk mitigation and supply continuity planning.
Maintain documentation and compliance with sustainability, ethics, and EHS policies; contribute to procure-to-pay process improvements and digital enablement initiatives.
Provide KPI reporting on OTIF, lead-time adherence, and purchase order accuracy; communicate proactively with sites, operations, engineering, and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with Planning and Operations to align procurement activities with production schedules, inventory targets, and demand fluctuations.
Execute sourcing activities when a dedicated Sourcing Manager is absent, including RFI/RFP/RFQ management, supplier evaluations, and competitive bidding.
Provide feedback to Sourcing Managers, Category Managers, and Regional Heads on sourcing outcomes, market observations, supplier performance trends, supplier innovation opportunities, and emerging risks.
Provide informal guidance and coordination support to junior Buyers or shared service teams on procure-to-pay process matters.