[Hiring] Senior Sourcing Manager @The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Role Description

The Senior Sourcing Manager - Thin Films Packaging is responsible for developing, negotiating, and maintaining competitively advantageous supply arrangements as the functional expert with a key focus on cost savings and security of supply. You are primarily responsible for managing existing advanced packaging (container and associated components) supply sources within the US region and also developing new supply sources. In this position, you are expected to:

• Identify and develop sources to support the Thin Films portfolio with emphasis on diversifying sources globally.
• Develop in-depth commercial and technical knowledge of the materials and categories supported, including a detailed understanding of the associated supply, process, and value chains.
• Monitor, communicate, and respond to changing market conditions and business drivers on a global basis to maximize leverage and minimize risk.
• Challenge the status quo to create unique and lower “total cost of supply” sourcing options and processes.
• Bring innovative supplier solutions to maximize value and minimize the total cost of supply.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts with suppliers.
• Address the sourcing and cost complexity created by market and energy dynamics.
• Guide and influence regional & global supply strategies within strong multi-functional business teams, while coordinating with development and execution of global supply strategies.
• Challenge technical specifications and business inputs when purchasing capability is severely confined.
• Develop and manage key supplier relationships with both EMD and supplier organizations within the advanced packaging industry to ensure alignment with business strategies.
• Support R&D and New Product Introduction to meet packaging requirements.
• Manage supplier performance and maintain interface within supplier’s organization.
• Supply Contracts Size Range: up to $30MM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree preferably in science, engineering, or management and 8+ years of experience in Sourcing, Category Management, and/or Customer Applications in a technical field.
• 5+ years of sales, purchasing and/or commercially oriented business experience dealing with complex negotiations.
• Proven ability to analyze market dynamics, negotiate with key suppliers, and drive supplier development.
• Demonstrated experience or familiarity with advanced packaging and associated components.

Requirements

• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence across functions without direct authority.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize competing demands, take initiative, and manage time effectively with strong attention to detail.
• Skilled in complex negotiations with the ability to defuse conflict and drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to work effectively and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders across functions and business areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to electronics specialty gases, thin films, and semiconductor market is a plus.
• Solid knowledge of advanced high purity packaging industry.
• Advanced degree in science, engineering, management or other relevant field.
• Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills; able to operate across culturally diverse teams.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor industry quality requirements and systems.
• Proven track record of leading and influencing change in complex, ambiguous, and multicultural environments — including across different time zones and business cultures.
• Skilled at building strategic, long-term supplier partnerships that deliver value beyond cost — including innovation, supply security, and sustainability outcomes aligned with EMD responsible sourcing commitments.
• Structured problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset; able to turn market data and category insights into actionable strategies.
• Flexible and resilient; comfortable operating in a fast-paced, global organization with competing priorities.

Benefits

• Pay range for this position: $120,000 - $175,000.
• The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors.
• Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses.
• Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites.