Sr. Specialist, Clinical Supplies Project Manager – Inventory Manager (Hybrid) at Merck & Co.

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization is accountable for managing the 'end-to-end' integrated clinical supply chain across the full company's Research Laboratories (MRL) portfolio of clinical trials.  GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labelling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites globally. The GCS Planning (Planning) organization is the key interface between clinical development teams and the operational/executional arms within the business.    

This role works within the Planning Execution and Inventory Management Section of the GCS Planning organization.  Working independently, the Inventory Manager Clinical Supplies Project Manager (IM CSPM) creates strategic and operational plans associated with the downstream activities of clinical supplies for their assigned studies.  The primary function of the IM CSPM is planning the availability of materials and subsequent movement through our depot network and further through to distribution and management of materials to the clinical site. The incumbent is expected to have an understanding of concepts of clinical research and/or clinical supply chain activities, sound collaboration skills, and a demonstrated ability to drive/influence results in a dynamic environment. 

Primary activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Participates on the Clinical Trial Team (CTT) and collaborates closely with other functional area representatives to negotiate timelines and strategy for clinical supplies. 

• Interacts with key partners in both GCS (Logistics and Trade, Distribution, Operations etc.) as well as other organizations such as Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) Regional colleagues and Global Development Quality (GDQ) to address clinical supply related topics. 

• Responsible and accountable for establishing the timelines for clinical supply needs per protocol and ensuring a robust signal for packaging and distribution for Clinical Finished Goods (CFGs) 

• Analyzes and anticipates project risks as they relate to clinical supply chain deliverables and prepares, analyzes, and/or develops mitigation strategies for review with clinical partners and senior leaders.  

• Responsible and accountable for utilizing key technological tools in the planning and managing of clinical supplies for assigned studies such as IRT & Microsoft PowerApps.  

• Works directly in the SAP system to ensure a robust and consolidated forecast for CFGs is maintained.   

• Report clinical supply chain incidents to support the gathering of metrics in GCS to describe business health. Participate in root causing to identify areas for operational improvement. 

• Participates in critical non-pipeline activities in support of clinical supply planning group (e.g., process improvement initiatives, subject matter expert roles, cross functional projects, etc.) 

Required Experience and Skills:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain management, engineering or scientific discipline required. 

• At least 5 years of experience in project management  

• At least 5 years of experience in planning, scheduling, coordination and processing of supply chain activities, or the equivalent  

• Basic understanding of material requirements planning (MRP) systems and demand planning principles  

• Strong organizational, time management and problem solving skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication and relationship skills along with high personal integrity, credibility, and energy. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks and initiatives appropriately to mitigate supply risks. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 

Preferred Experience and Skills:   

• Results-orientation with the proven ability to execute on collaborative projects and develop subject matter expertise   

• Demonstrates ability to negotiate, resolve conflicts and engage in decision making as well as partner and influence across functional areas and organizations  

• Knowledge of project management and clinical customer relationship management.  

• Knowledge of order management, supply chain operations and document control.  

• Specific knowledge of clinical supply chains and their unique challenges.