Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Direct

Position Located in the Raleigh, NC Corporate Office

Step into the future with us at Merz Therapeutics, where our family roots meet a bold new vision. Together, we’re embarking on a transformative journey, blending time‑honored traditions with exciting new products. As a private, family‑owned company, we have the liberty and support to make decisions for ourselves, our customers and the patients we serve. We pride ourselves on building an inclusive culture where there is room to celebrate individual growth and contribute to a common good as a collaborative team.

Our mission is grounded in a long‑term view of making a difference for the common good, while growing together as a family. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a passionate team rooted in community, connection and camaraderie, then we’re looking for YOU! #IAmMerz Are you ready to galvanize a team around a culture of care, putting patients first to spark change?

The Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Direct will manage and execute sourcing activities for Merz – including research, vendor site visits, negotiations, contracting, and on‑going supplier management to help ensure uninterrupted supply of direct goods and related services. The position will be the focal point for all sourcing requirements and processes, with particular focus on the following categories: contract manufacturing, skin care products, energy‑based medical devices, components, cartons, packaging, and small parcel services.

The position will work integral with Corporate Strategic Sourcing colleagues to leverage global purchasing power. The position will ensure that procurement activities are in adherence with corporate policies and will work with the heads of the local Merz business units/functions to ensure that goods and services are in line with business requirements.

• Maintain knowledge of supplier landscape
• Develop broad understanding of products and services; knowledge of key supplier contract terms, termination, and expiries.
• Formulate category and vendor strategies
• Learn to formulate sourcing strategies for key categories and business‑critical vendors to support supply chain resiliency, minimize business risk, and maximize Merz global purchasing power.
• RFx
• In collaboration with business owner, prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals for evaluation.
• Draft contract language
• Draft business terms and commercial terms language for vendor agreements (e.g., Master Service Agreements, Supply Agreements, and SOWs). Work in close collaboration with Merz Legal and business owners to minimize business risks through favorable commercial terms.
• Risk mitigation
• Identify alternative supply solutions. Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and business owners to identify second source suppliers or technology to mitigate long‑term supply risks.
• Supplier visits
• Conduct supplier site visits to assess supplier business continuity and maintain supplier contacts.
• Business cost reduction
• Suggest, assist, and support business owners in identifying and implementing projects to achieve business owner’s annual cost and COGS reduction targets.
• Industry trends
• Stay current with industry trends and processes on capacity, rates, commodity pricing, acquisitions and consolidations, and other trends that impact Merz.
• Other duties as assigned

College bachelor’s degree in technical discipline / engineering required. Masters Business Administration preferred.

Minimum 2 years’ experience in general manufacturing (e.g., injection molding, metal fabrication, assembly, chemicals). Experience in medical device manufacturing could be a plus, but not necessary. Experience specifying, buying, and installing process equipment preferred.

Critical thinking and reasoning skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in English
Ability to handle a wide number and range of projects
Excellent MS Office skills with particular strength in Word, Excel, and Power Point

RFx methodology
Negotiation strategies and tactics