Associate Director, Logistics Procurement, Asia Pacific
Job Summary
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bachelors degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
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
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 ManagementPreferred Skills:
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Merck & Co. Inc. Rahway NJ USA also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway NJ USA does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place introductions are position specific. Please no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
05/28/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more