Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Contract Duration: 1 year (extension possible)
Target Start Date: Ideally April 1 2026
About the Role
The Global Sourcing Management Group (GSMG) plays a key role in driving efficient and compliant sourcing practices across Merck & Co., Inc.. Within GSMG, the Global Sourcing & Contracting (S&C) team ensures the seamless execution of sourcing and contracting activities worldwide.
As an Associate Specialist, Global Sourcing & Contracting, you will support end-to-end sourcing initiatives, collaborate with global Procurement Category Leads, and contribute to delivering value through optimized procurement processes and strong supplier partnerships.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals looking to build expertise in global sourcing, contract management, and stakeholder collaboration within an international environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support execution of sourcing projects (RFx) with a value of up to $5 million
- Manage end-to-end sourcing activities in SAP Ariba, including RFx creation, supplier communication, and evaluation of responses
- Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts with third parties in compliance with internal policies
- Conduct internal and external third-party risk assessments prior to contracting
- Maintain accurate documentation of risk findings and mitigation strategies
- Communicate risk assessment outcomes and mitigation plans to business stakeholders
- Collaborate with other S&C Hubs globally to ensure knowledge sharing and operational excellence
- Identify opportunities to improve stakeholder experience and sourcing processes
- Demonstrate both tactical and strategic thinking to support business objectives
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred
- 0–3 years of experience in sourcing and/or contracting Strong business acumen and understanding of procurement processes
Languages
- Fluent English
- Professional level Italian and/or Spanish (mandatory)
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Basic knowledge of SAP Ariba
- Understanding of compliant sourcing and contracting processes
- Personal Skills
- Strong customer service mindset
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Willingness to challenge existing processes and drive improvement
Additional Information
- Travel required up to 25% (domestic and international)
What we can offer
- Hybrid working model, with flexibility to work remotely and a minimum of 1 day per week onsite
- Opportunity to work in a regulated, global pharmaceutical environment, applying advanced statistics and data science to real manufacturing challenges
- Long-term cooperation, including the possibility of transitioning to an internal position within the organization
- Exposure to international projects and cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Regulatory teams
- Access to a broad range of employee benefits, supporting both personal development and work-life balance
- A stable and structured working environment with room for career growth and continuous learning
- Clear project ownership and the opportunity to see tangible business impact of your work
- A wide range of benefits, including a MultiSport card and meal vouchers.
If this opportunity has caught your interest, please send us your CV and we will be happy to discuss the role with you in more detail.
Ondřej Nešpor
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