Head of Procurement Operations

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. Job Summary The Head of Procurement Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing and optimizing global procurement processes, including Vendor Master Data, Operational Purchasing, and Invoice Processing. This role will ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all related functions while driving operational excellence and supporting business objectives on a global scale. The ideal candidate will lead cross‑functional teams, collaborate with stakeholders worldwide, and implement best practices to enhance procurement operations and deliver measurable value. Your Role Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a global strategy for Vendor Master Data, Operational Purchasing, and Invoice Processing, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Drive the standardization and harmonization of processes across regions to achieve operational consistency. Lead initiatives to digitize and automate procurement workflows, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams (Finance, IT, and Legal) to align processes with broader business objectives. Vendor Master Data Management Oversee the creation, governance, and maintenance of vendor master data across all global systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance with internal controls. Implement robust data governance frameworks to prevent errors, redundancies, and inconsistencies. Lead the adoption of technology solutions to streamline vendor data management processes. Operational Purchasing Management Manage the global operational purchasing function, ensuring timely, cost‑effective, and compliant procurement of goods and services. Oversee purchase order creation, approvals, and monitoring to ensure seamless purchasing operations. Collaborate with regional procurement teams to resolve escalations and address supplier‑related challenges. Invoice Processing Oversight Provide leadership and oversight for the global invoice processing function, ensuring timely and accurate handling of supplier invoices. Drive initiatives to reduce discrepancies, optimize payment cycles, and enhance vendor satisfaction. Collaborate with Accounts Payable and Finance teams to improve invoice‑to‑payment processes and reporting. Process Optimization And Continuous Improvement Champion Lean principles and best practices to optimize workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce costs. Facilitate regular problem‑solving sessions and root‑cause analyses to address operational bottlenecks. Monitor and analyze process performance metrics (KPIs) to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Team Leadership And Development Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing global team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Define clear roles, responsibilities, and objectives for team members. Provide coaching and professional development opportunities to drive individual and team success. Compliance And Risk Management Ensure all procurement operations comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards. Mitigate risks associated with vendor management, purchasing, and invoice processing by implementing robust internal controls. Conduct regular audits and reviews to ensure adherence to global standards. Stakeholder And Vendor Relationship Management Act as a global point of contact for procurement‑related inquiries and initiatives. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support seamless operations. Drive collaboration across regional teams to ensure alignment and effective communication. Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration related field. A master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPIM, PMP) is highly desirable. Experience 10+ years of experience in People Management, procurement, supply chain management, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a global leadership capacity. Experience in Procurement Transformation or Supply Chain – Preferred. Must have actual experience in Invoice processing, Vendor Master Data and Travel & Expense. Managed at least 150 people. Strong track record of leading global teams and managing complex, cross‑functional projects. Skills Strategic mindset with the ability to lead large‑scale process transformations. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a focus on data‑driven decision‑making. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software platforms. Advanced knowledge of Lean Management, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. 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 Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity About the company Merck Group #J-18808-Ljbffr