At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic packaging sourcing initiatives and drive supplier performance in a global setting.
- Company: Join a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangements and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while working with diverse stakeholders worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Procurement or Supply Chain, strong negotiation and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
You will lead strategic packaging sourcing initiatives and drive supplier performance, innovation, and business value across our global Animal Health organization. Are you ready to make an impact in a dynamic, international environment?
Welcome to our team. Our Global Supplier Management team plays a critical role in ensuring the effective sourcing and management of goods and services that support our business. Working in a collaborative and international environment, the team focuses on delivering value through strategic procurement, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency. We promote a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional development, providing opportunities to work with diverse stakeholders and suppliers across the globe.
Purpose of the role
As a Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement you will support sourcing and supplier management activities with a primary focus on packaging categories. You will lead sourcing projects, collaborate with internal stakeholders, engage with suppliers, and contribute to initiatives that improve cost efficiency, supply continuity, standardization, and overall business performance. This is a dynamic role requiring strong project management capabilities, procurement expertise, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate changing business priorities while delivering measurable results. The position is expected to support key business initiatives between 2026 and 2030.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Sourcing Project Leadership: Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including project initiation, business case development, stakeholder alignment, RFI/RFP processes, supplier due diligence, supplier qualification, supplier selection, contract negotiations, implementation, savings delivery, reporting, and change management.
- Stakeholder & Supplier Management: Partner closely with Technical, Quality, Operations, Finance, Legal, and other business functions to define requirements and deliver sourcing projects. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships through regular business reviews and performance management activities.
- Negotiation & Value Creation: Develop and execute effective negotiation strategies that maximize commercial value, strengthen supplier partnerships, mitigate risk, and support long-term business objectives.
- Contract Management: Draft, negotiate, implement, and manage supplier agreements in collaboration with Legal and key stakeholders, ensuring commercial terms, compliance requirements, and risk positions are appropriately addressed.
- Supplier Performance Management: Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, including OTIF and other key KPIs. Drive continuous improvement, support innovation initiatives, and ensure suppliers consistently meet business expectations.
- Cost Optimization & Risk Management: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while balancing quality, service, and supply continuity requirements. Support standard cost management processes and coordinate approvals with stakeholders and Finance for cost reduction initiatives.
- Project & Change Management: Manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, ensuring effective communication, timely execution, stakeholder engagement, and successful implementation of sourcing strategies.
What we ask
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Supplier Management.
- Experience sourcing packaging categories in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract management skills.
- Proven track record of delivering cost savings and business value.
- Experience leading cross-functional sourcing projects and managing multiple priorities.
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently in a dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical, project management, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Excellent communication skills in English; experience with ERP systems (Ariba is a plus).
What we offer
We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits depend on the job location but are in any case very competitive.
For questions about this vacancy
Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com. You can only apply through our website.
Animal Health Division
Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.
Required Skills: Analytical Thinking, Business Case Development, Contract Management, Cost Reduction Initiatives, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Driving Continuous Improvement, Influencing Skills, Multi-Management, Negotiation Tactics, Production Planning, Risk Management and Mitigation.
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 09/25/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Summary
Location: NLD - North Brabant - Boxmeer; GBR - Buckinghamshire - Milton Keynes; ESP - Salamanca - Salamanca (El Montalvo Parc.39) Type: Full time
Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement in Milton Keynes employer: Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)
As a global healthcare leader, our company offers an inspiring work culture that prioritises ethical integrity and scientific excellence. Located in the vibrant city of London, the Associate Director role in External Discovery Chemistry provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with top-tier scientists across Europe. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse ideas thrive, ensuring that every employee can contribute to meaningful advances in global healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement in Milton Keynes
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist, Global Packaging Procurement in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)'s culture.
