Specialist, Procurement Buyer/Planner

Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

The Specialist, Procurement Buyer/Planner has the primary responsibility of ensuring material availability to support the production schedule. Other responsibilities include managing inventory levels, supporting material/product level revisions, interacting/coordinating with suppliers on a variety of topics, and supporting other business functions as required.

• Place purchase orders with suppliers for the procurement of production material as required by forecast and the production schedule

• Monitor status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication and mitigation of future potential problems

• Expedite or defer orders as required based on schedule/inventory changes

• Determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and material lead times

• Coordinate material flows throughout product/BOM changes, obsolescence, and the introduction of new suppliers and/or materials due to new product development

• Manage the inter-company flow or materials between warehouse locations

• Manage and resolve issues regarding PO to invoice discrepancies, returns and quality problems with suppliers

• Provide back-up support for supply chain functions including shipping, receiving, material handling and other duties as assigned

• Setup & maintain material master system planning parameters (MOQ, lead time, safety stocks)

• Collaborate with internal customers and provide a high level of customer service, including recommending solutions, resources, and alternative supply options

• Ensure and promote compliance to company and procurement policies and procedures

• Obtain and review order confirmations from vendors when required.

• Work with planners to ensure that MRP is updated and accurate for all open orders and supplier schedules

• Work with vendors and employees to insure timely delivery of requisitioned items

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• High school diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Five (5)+ years of directly related experience in one or more of the following fields required: Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, Material Procurement, or Manufacturing.

• Proficiency in SAP or ERP systems, Word, Excel, Adobe, and Documentum based applications.

• Must be highly proficient in project management, multitasking and extremely detail oriented.

Preferred Experience / Skills:

• Strong ability to interact with vendors and internal customers via various communication methods such as phone, fax, email, mail, etc...

• Strong sense of urgency, attention to detail

• Good communication and follow-up skills with a strong customer service attitude

• Ability to self-direct and take constructive action in ambiguous situations.

• Able to influence others & manage conflict

• Extremely high standards of excellence

• Analytical with a methodical approach to problem solving

• Experience establishing and employing demand-pull material planning methods

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to change

#MSJR

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Communication Methods, Cross-Functional Communications, Customer Service Management, Data Analysis, Driving Continuous Improvement, Financial Forecasting, Inbound Logistics, Internal Customers, Inventory Control Management, Logistics Management, Material Sourcing, Microsoft Word, MRP Systems, Multitasking, On Time Deliveries, Procurement, Production Planning, Project Management, Purchase Orders, SAP PP (Production Planning), Six Sigma, Statistical Methods {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

06/2/2026

*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.

Requisition ID:R398834