Associate Director, Logistics Procurement, Asia Pacific at Merck

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

1. 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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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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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

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