Supply Chain Lead (m/f/d)

Job Description

• Overall responsibility for planning, shipping, and warehousing at the site, including continuous improvement of processes and performance
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations and standards (EHS, GMP, GDP, Export & Trade, and corporate policies)
• Actively manage inventory levels to avoid stock‑outs and lost sales while preventing overproduction, early production, and waste
• Develop and strengthen planning processes and capabilities to achieve best‑in‑class performance
• Collaborate closely with global Supply Chain Management and internal interfaces to ensure an uninterrupted and compliant supply chain
• Represent Supply Chain Management in internal and external audits, inspections, and global or external forums
• Lead, develop, and empower the Supply Chain team, ensuring the right skills, tools, and qualifications (e.g. system training, IHK certifications)
• Define and manage headcount, budget, and cost targets in line with overall site objectives
• Act as a role model for safety, quality, and compliance culture

• Extensive hands‑on experience in Supply Chain Management with proven leadership responsibility
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem‑solving skills combined with a structured and pragmatic mindset
• Deep expertise in planning and supply chain processes, ideally with solid SAP ERP experience
• APICS certification strongly preferred
• Proven experience in leading complex projects and driving sustainable efficiency improvements
• Strong financial acumen and strategic understanding
• Experience with Lean methodologies, ideally as a Lean Coach (e.g. MPS)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken)

• University degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in:
  Supply Chain Management (e.g. APICS), Project Management (PMP), Engineering or Technical Sciences (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, MSc), Economics/Business Administration or similar

• A key leadership role at a strategically important manufacturing site
• Strong interaction with global supply chain networks and decision‑making bodies
• A dynamic, ambitious team and a high level of ownership and autonomy
• The opportunity to contribute to an organization dedicated to being the most trusted supplier of biopharmaceuticals worldwide
• A collaborative, respectful working environment with real impact on patients and customers

Required Skills:

Change Management, Change Management, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Customer-Focused, Driving Continuous Improvement, Inventory Management, Inventory Optimization, Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement, Logistics Management, Materials Management, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Operational Excellence, People Leadership, People Management, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), Production Management, Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Regulatory Compliance, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), Strategic Planning, Supply Change Management, Supply Management {+ 1 more}

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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/12/2026

*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.