Manufacturing Network Supply Planning Lead

Job Description

Our company is launching a high‑impact global Supply Planning Transformation and seeking a Manufacturing Network Supply Planning Lead with a strong pharmaceutical or drug development manufacturing background to help shape how we plan and supply across a multi‑site network. In this role, you will lead the process and solution design of an enterprise‑wide Advanced Planning System (APS), identifying and closing gaps in current supply planning practices, harmonizing ways of working across sites, and building scalable, future‑ready planning models. You will work end‑to‑end—from design through deployment and hyper‑care—driving change adoption, elevating planning capabilities, and partnering with cross‑functional and global teams to deliver a step‑change in service, agility, and reliability for our global manufacturing network.

This role is for a builder—someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves with speed, and brings the intensity required to reshape how we plan, operate, and deliver. If you bring bold ideas, an entrepreneurial mindset, and relentless curiosity, this is where you can make a significant mark.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Process & Solution Design
  • Own the end‑to‑end Process & Solution Design workstream for the Supply Planning Transformation program.
  • Ensure the solution design reflects the specific needs of pharmaceutical manufacturing and multi‑site supply networks.
• Manage Complexity, Scope, and Risk
  • Proactively manage scope, risks, issues, and key dependencies across business and IT.
  • Escalate decisively to keep the program on track and maintain delivery momentum.
  • Anticipate and neutralize program risks, ensuring solution resilience across the transformation journey.
• Identify Gaps & Drive Continuous Improvement
  • Continuously identify and challenge inconsistencies, gaps, and inefficiencies in existing supply planning practices across sites.
  • Develop and prioritize a transformation backlog aligned with business strategy, future growth, and network constraints.
  • Implement standardized, scalable improvements that raise planning maturity across the global network.
• Design Scalable Operating Models
  • Fuse business strategy, process design, data, and technology into robust operating models for supply planning.
  • Integrate planning processes across demand, supply, inventory, and S&OP/IBP to support end‑to‑end network optimization.
  • Ensure solution and process design support both strategic and tactical planning needs (e.g., scenario planning, capacity balancing, risk mitigation).
• Champion Change & Capability Build
  • Lead onboarding and change adoption efforts with clarity, energy, and empathy.
  • Define training strategies and support the development of training content and documentation to accelerate capability building across manufacturing sites.
  • Serve as a visible champion for new ways of working, helping planners and stakeholders see the “why” and “how” behind the transformation.
• Build Cross‑Functional Connectivity
  • Create strong connectivity across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and IT to align on process, data, and system changes.
  • Integrate supply chain initiatives and align the planning transformation with other digital and operational excellence programs.
  • Navigate diverse cultures and working styles, driving alignment in a multinational environment.
• Operate with Agility and Resilience
  • Embrace ambiguity and evolving requirements, turning changes into opportunities for smarter design.
  • Maintain speed and momentum while protecting solution quality and long‑term scalability.
  • Model an innovative, learning‑oriented mindset that encourages experimentation and continuous improvement.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree and/or APICS certifications (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) preferred.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in:
  • Supply chain planning, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotech, or drug development manufacturing; and/or
  • Advanced Planning System (APS) solution design, implementation, or related consulting roles.
• Advanced Planning Systems (APS) Expertise
  • Hands‑on experience with at least one leading APS platform (e.g., OMP, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, or similar).
  • Demonstrated capability to translate business requirements into APS design, configuration, and planning parameter strategies.
  • Experience designing or supporting APS deployments across global or multi‑site networks.
• Supply Chain Planning Fundamentals
  • Strong command of:
    • Demand planning and statistical forecasting
    • Supply and constraint‑based planning
    • Inventory optimization and policy design
    • S&OP / IBP processes and integration with planning systems
• Multi‑Site / Global Network Experience
  • Demonstrated success leading end‑to‑end process and solution design for global or multi‑site implementations.
  • Ability to recognize site‑specific nuances while driving standardization and global design principles.
• Stakeholder & Change Leadership
  • Exceptional engagement, facilitation, and communication skills across both business and IT stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in project and change management, with the intensity and resilience needed for large‑scale transformation.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across diverse cultures, time zones, and functions, demonstrating cultural agility and respect.
• Mindset & Leadership Attributes
  • Forward‑thinking, innovative, and comfortable challenging traditional assumptions.
  • Entrepreneurial in approach—able to envision new possibilities, build consensus, and move initiatives from concept to execution.
  • Models a learning mindset—asks insightful questions, seeks new tools and knowledge, and elevates team capability.

Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)
• Change Management
• Critical Thinking
• Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Operations
• Manufacturing Supply Chain
• Planning Systems
• Solution‑Oriented
• Supply Network Planning (SNP)
• Supply Planning

Preferred Skills

• Experience with leading APS platforms beyond those listed.
• Additional certifications in supply chain or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of digital transformation initiatives in pharma manufacturing.

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in‑person attendance is required for, field‑based positions; facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

Salary Range

$129,000.00 - $203,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at

Application Information

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Search Firm Representatives

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

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

Yes

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

03/24/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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