Specialist, Operations Planning (Hybrid)

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d • $87,300 - $137,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Specialist, Operations Planning is a P2 individual contributor responsible for reliably executing assigned activities and supporting larger programs, projects, or workstreams. The role communicates status and issues clearly and escalates matters in a timely manner with appropriate guidance. It works independently on standard assignments and seeks guidance from a manager or senior colleagues on non-routine issues, conflicting priorities, or decisions outside its assigned responsibility.

The Specialist applies standard planning processes, tools, systems, and SOP/GMP expectations to complete routine to moderately complex assignments. The role tracks inputs, dependencies, constraints, priorities, and open items; monitors assigned work for schedule, quality, compliance, capacity, or data-related issues; and contributes to stakeholder communication, knowledge sharing, and approved improvement or transformation activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Candidates with a high school diploma or associate degree may be considered with more than 8 years of direct clinical supply chain experience.
• Proven English proficiency, with the ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English.
• Initial relevant professional experience in supply chain, operations planning, clinical supply, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, or a related business environment.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to manage assigned deliverables, track priorities, and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and international team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and ability to follow defined processes and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with planning processes, business systems, data tracking, documentation, or cross-functional coordination.
• Basic understanding of GMP, SOP, quality, or regulated business requirements.
• Interest in continuous improvement, standardization, digitalization, or process optimization activities.
• Familiarity with clinical supply chain operations, packaging activities, labeling processes, or related regulated operations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assigned planning tasks and portions of programs, projects, or workstreams in line with agreed priorities, timelines, and procedures.
• Apply standard planning processes, tools, systems, and SOP/GMP expectations to routine to moderately complex assignments.
• Organize work, follow agreed priorities, and keep the manager or senior colleagues informed about progress, constraints, and support needs.
• Escalate conflicts, decisions, trade-offs, risks, or other matters outside assigned responsibility promptly and follow guidance on next actions.
• Support planning execution for assigned portions of programs, processes, or workstreams.
• Track required inputs, dependencies, constraints, and open items related to assigned tasks.
• Communicate progress, missing information, workload concerns, and potential business continuity risks early.
• Monitor assigned tasks for schedule, quality, compliance, capacity, or data-related issues.
• Flag conflicts, deviations from agreed plans, missing inputs, and blockers, providing relevant facts to support resolution.
• Communicate status, open items, constraints, and support needs within assigned scope; collect and clarify required inputs from business and functional partners.
• Provide accurate updates and factual input to meetings or discussions when requested.
• Share practical learnings, process updates, and useful information with colleagues.
• Support documentation, knowledge transfer, or onboarding activities when requested and within the employee's experience.
• Collaborate constructively, seek feedback, apply team expectations, and raise questions early.
• Identify practical improvement ideas in assigned tasks, processes, documentation, or tools and share them with the manager or senior colleagues.
• Complete assigned actions supporting approved standardization, digitalization, or transformation activities.
• Apply new ways of working within assigned responsibilities and provide feedback on implementation challenges.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level