Associate Director EMEA Integrated Logistics Procurement

Job Description
Are you passionate about driving strategic procurement across a global landscape? In this role, you'll lead sourcing and supplier management for Warehousing and Distribution across EMEA, delivering real impact through collaboration and innovation. Join a team where your expertise powers smarter decisions and stronger partnerships.
At location Haarlem we have an exciting opportunity for an
Associate Director EMEA Integrated Logistics Procurement
Welcome in our team
The
Integrated Logistics Procurement team
is responsible for the category strategy and sourcing execution of all logistics services. Our team collaborates across multiple functions and external stakeholders to ensure robust supplier strategy, selection, and performance management to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality services.

As part of a high-performing, collaborative, and forward-thinking global procurement organization, you'll work closely with partners in Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, Quality, Security, EHS, to deliver best-in-class supplier performance and innovative solutions that support our business growth.

It's an opportunity to influence how we move and store products across a complex and evolving landscape, while contributing to a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, agility, and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the position
As Associate Director EMEA Warehousing and Distribution Procurement, you are responsible for managing company spend and supplier relationships within the Indirect Procurement organization, specifically for the Warehousing and Distribution category across EMEA. This includes the storage, in-market distribution and road transportation (across countries) of materials and products within the Europe Middle East Africa region. The successful candidate will lead category management initiatives, develop sourcing strategies, execute sourcing projects, manage supplier relationships, contracts, and mitigate supply risks.

Key Responsibilities
Regional & Global Category Management

• Actively participate in Global Supplier Strategy Councils to shape and implement sourcing strategies that drive results at global, regional, and local levels.

Strategic Sourcing, Project Execution & Category Leadership

• Develop and execute both short- and long-term sourcing strategies aligned with business goals and compliance requirements.
• Execute sourcing projects within the region in alignment with the category strategy and business requirements to meet organization goals
• Build strong supplier networks and leverage market insights to support informed decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues across regions to support implementation of procurement initiatives and promote best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Engage proactively with business stakeholders to understand priorities and deliver aligned procurement solutions.
• Challenge existing approaches where needed and communicate effectively to gain buy-in for new ideas and initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional project teams.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Resourceful and innovative mindset with a drive for continuous improvement.

Your profile

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, or project management, ideally with cross-functional exposure.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and process improvement skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven experience in change management, business transformation, and performance metrics.
• Adaptable, self-driven, culturally aware, and effective in fast-paced global environments.

What We Offer
We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive salary and a 3% year-end bonus;
• 35,5 days of leave;
• Attractive collective health care insurance package with considerable reduction rates;
• Solid Pension Plan;
• Incentive Plan;
• Travel allowance for commuting;
• On-site sports facilities;
• Numerous training, coaching and e-learning modules for long term job opportunities and development.

For Questions About This Vacancy
Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address

Required Skills
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Adaptability, Decision Making, Financial Acumen, Inventory Control Management, Logistics Management, Packaging Procurement, Procurement Management, Production Planning, Relationship Building, Risk Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Strategic Thinking, Supplier Selection, Technology Trends

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
Hybrid

Shift
Valid Driving License
Hazardous Material(s)
Job Posting End Date
12/2/2025

• A job posting is effective until PM 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
R368531