Job Description
We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Logistics Procurement Leader to oversee end-to-end logistics sourcing across the Japan, China and Asia Pacific (JCAP) region. This role plays a critical part in enabling a resilient, compliant, and cost-effective pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of life-saving medicines to patients.
You will lead procurement across transportation (air/ocean/road), warehousing & distribution, cold chain and thermal protection systems, and distributor management, while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders across Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams.
This role requires strong expertise in GxP-compliant logistics, supplier management, and regional market dynamics, combined with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Logistics Category Leadership (JCAP)
- Define and execute regional sourcing strategies aligned to global procurement and supply chain priorities
- Lead category management across Transportation (air, ocean, road, multimodal freight) Warehousing & distribution (3PLs, last-mile delivery, hub networks) Cold chain & thermal protection systems (passive/active packaging, qualification, lifecycle management) Distributor sourcing and management
- Align JCAP strategies with global frameworks while adapting to local regulatory and market requirements
- Pharmaceutical Logistics Sourcing & Compliance
- Lead strategic sourcing, RFPs, negotiations, and contract execution across logistics sub-categories
- Ensure suppliers meet GxP / GDP compliance requirements, including temperature control, traceability, and quality standards
- Partner closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure full compliance in all logistics operations
- Drive cold chain integrity and risk mitigation strategies across the distribution network
- Supplier & Distributor Management
- Develop and manage a high-performing network of logistics service providers, cold chain solution providers, and distributors
- Implement robust supplier governance, segmentation, and performance scorecards
- Monitor KPIs such as OTIF, temperature excursions, service reliability, cost, and ESG metrics
- Lead business reviews and continuous improvement programs with key suppliers
- Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, capability enhancement, and innovation partnerships
- Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted partner to Supply Chain, QA, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams
- Translate business priorities into actionable procurement strategies
- Support key initiatives such as Network design and optimization Product launches and market expansions Distribution model evolution
- Effectively influence stakeholders and challenge the status quo with innovative, value-driven solutions
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Lead cross-functional projects including Logistics network optimization Distributor rationalization and performance improvement Cold chain standardization and packaging optimization Cost-to-serve and operational efficiency initiatives
- Drive digitalization, data analytics, and automation in logistics procurement
- Integrate sustainability (ESG) goals, such as carbon footprint reduction in transportation and packaging
- Governance & Global Collaboration
- Represent JCAP in Global Supplier Strategy Councils and Procurement forums
- Ensure alignment with global category strategies and best practices
- Contribute to the development of procurement capabilities, tools, and governance frameworks
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
Experience
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or logistics
- Strong experience in pharmaceutical / healthcare logistics (highly preferred)
- Demonstrated expertise in Logistics sourcing (transportation, warehousing, cold chain) Thermal protection and cold chain solutions Distributor sourcing and management models
- Experience working in GxP-regulated environments (GDP/GMP)
- Proven track record in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization
- Experience in business transformation, change management, and process improvement
- Exposure to regional (APAC/JCAP) logistics market dynamics and regulatory environments
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including senior leadership engagement
- Advanced analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrix organization
- High degree of cultural agility, with experience working across diverse JCAP markets
- Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
- Self-starter with resilience, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset
Required Skills
Adaptability, Commercial Contract Negotiations, Data Analytics, Driving Continuous Improvement, Global Sourcing Strategies, Inventory Control Management, Packaging Procurement, Production Planning, Raw Material Sourcing, Results-Oriented, Risk Management, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Thinking, Supply Chain Processes, Vendor Management
Preferred Skills
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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
05/28/2026
- 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 R397992
