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Key Suppliers Sourcing Manager / Direct Materials / EMEA

On-site in Mollet del Valles·Full-time·Added 23 days ago

Merck

23 open roles

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Overview

Job details

Full-time hours
Per the ad.

Requirements

Have the right to work in Spain
Merck doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.
Work in English
English is required, per the ad.
French
The ad asks for French, or counts it in your favour.
Work on-site in Mollet del Valles
No relocation package mentioned.
Have 5+ years of experience
Mid-level role.
Master's degree
“Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, or Life Sciences, or equivalent experience, engineering or technical background is of great advantage” — per the ad.

Requirements

What we're looking for

Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Management, Supply Chain, Procurement, or Life Sciences, or equivalent experience, engineering or technical background is of great advantage
Minimum of 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, or Procurement within the Life Sciences industry, with strong expertise in strategic supplier management, sourcing strategy development, and supplier relationship management; or a minimum of 5 years of experience in Supply Chain, Supplier Performance Management, or Operations, with proven expertise in supplier governance, performance reviews, continuous improvement, and supply assurance.
Experience within a multinational company in the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Devices sectors, ideally in a matrixed and international environment.
Proven ability to manage the full sourcing process end-to-end, including supplier identification, negotiations, qualification, and performance management.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all organizational levels.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and functions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, enabling data-driven decision-making in complex situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent; project management knowledge is an advantage.
Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken; Spanish is considered an asset.

The role

Your Role: At the heart of our global supply chain strategy, this role offers you the opportunity to shape how we source, qualify, and partner with key suppliers - driving measurable impact on supply security, financial performance, and sustainability across our operations within the region of EMEA.

What you'll do

As Sourcing Manager, you will lead the end-to-end strategic sourcing process for key suppliers, translating category strategies into actionable plans that directly support our business objectives. Working closely with Category Managers, you will identify opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, qualify suppliers, and build long-term partnerships that fuel growth and innovation. You will be accountable for supplier identification, performance management, and issue resolution, ensuring compliant, reliable, and high-quality outcomes at every stage.

You will develop, implement, and champion sourcing strategies aligned with industrial and commercial objectives, integrating quality and risk management considerations throughout. Balancing agility with discipline, you will deliver results at pace without compromising on standards. Drawing on your understanding of manufacturing processes and Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, you will continuously seek opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining high levels of supplier performance.

You will build trusted relationships with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders, analyze market trends, evaluate alternatives, and actively contribute to supplier diversification and supply chain resilience. This position is based in Mollet del Vallès, Spain, and requires up to 15% business travel.

Hiring process

2 steps2 interviews

Online application
Application review
Behaviour-based interviews
With HR team and hiring managers
Consistent behaviour-based questions about your experience, skills and attitude; by phone, video and/or face to face.
Assessment centre
Not every role
Half-day event assessed against behavioural criteria; may include presentations, group exercises, case studies and role plays.

Expect to hear back within about two weeks of submitting an application.
Dress code and interview details are confirmed by the recruiter with the invitation.

About Merck

Merck is a global science and technology company headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, operating across healthcare, life science, and electronics. With over 60,000 employees worldwide, it is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical and chemical companies, known for innovative medicines, laboratory solutions, and advanced materials. The company's life science division provides products and services for research and bioproduction, while its healthcare segment focuses on oncology, immunology, and neurology.

In Spain, Merck has a significant presence with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, supporting its healthcare and life science operations. The company is known for a collaborative and international work culture, offering opportunities for professionals in areas like data science, AI, software engineering, and healthcare quality. For international hires, Merck provides a dynamic environment with a strong emphasis on innovation and professional development, making it an attractive employer for those looking to advance their careers in Spain.

Industry: Life Science
Founded: 1668
Employees: 50,000–100,000
Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
In Spain: Madrid, Barcelona
Website: merckgroup.com

Good to know if you are moving

Merck is a global leader in life science and healthcare, offering international career opportunities.
The company has a strong presence in Spain, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, providing a base for professionals in the region.
Merck emphasizes innovation and research, with many roles in AI, data science, and engineering.
The company offers internships and trainee programs, ideal for early-career professionals.
Merck's work culture is collaborative and international, with English often used in professional settings.

In their own words

About the company & team

Work Your Magic with us!

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

All open roles at Merck