Senior Specialist, Clinical Supply Project Manager - Inventory Manager – Hybrid

Merck Merck · Pharma · NJ

Merck is seeking a Senior Specialist, Clinical Supply Project Manager with a focus on Inventory Management. This role is responsible for end-to-end planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging, and delivery of clinical supplies for clinical trials. The Inventory Manager will create strategic and operational plans for downstream activities, manage material availability, and oversee movement through depot networks to clinical sites. Key responsibilities include collaborating with clinical development teams, managing timelines, analyzing risks, utilizing supply chain systems (SAP, IRT, SWMS, Veeva), and reporting incidents. The role requires a Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field, at least 5 years of project management experience, and 5 years of supply chain experience.

What you'd actually do

  1. Participates on the Clinical Trial Team (CTT) and collaborates closely with other functional area representatives to negotiate timelines and strategy for clinical supplies.
  2. 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) headquarter and regional colleagues and Global Development Quality (GDQ) to address clinical supply related topics.
  3. 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)
  4. Analyzes and anticipates clinical study 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.
  5. Responsible and accountable for utilizing key tools/systems such as IRT & Microsoft PowerApps, SWMS, Veeva, MEDS, MyLearning, and other Microsoft Applications in the management of clinical supplies for assigned studies.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain management, engineering or scientific discipline or High School Diploma with 10+ years equivalent industry experience in Pharmaceutical Clinical Supply (packaging, labeling, logistics and clinical supply inventory management)
  • 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
  • Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills: ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at various levels, including cross-functional teams, senior management, external vendors, and clinical sites. Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills to ensure alignment and collaboration in the supply planning process.​
  • Project Management Skills: strong knowledge of the principles of project management and clinical customer relationship management.
  • Technical Proficiency: familiarity with supply chain systems and software (e.g. SAP or Oracle) and demand planning principles as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
  • Strong Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize supply chain processes.
  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrates ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the capability to adapt quickly to changing business needs and priorities.​
  • Detail Oriented & Organized: strong attention to detail in managing complex supply chain activities; ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.​
  • Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive approach to identify process inefficiencies, develop solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the clinical supply planning function.
  • Proficiency in using supply chain management systems and software, including experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), demand planning tools, and inventory management systems.
  • Proven record in project / portfolio managem