Specialist, Channel Contracts and Communications

Job Description Position Summary The U.S. Channel Contracts & Communication Specialist is a highly tactical individual contributor responsible for two core functions: (1) managing the drafting, coordination, and administration of channel partner contract agreements and related obligations, and (2) driving strategic channel partner communications across Companion Animal, Equine, and Livestock portfolios. Responsibilities Channel Communications Lead the development and distribution of coordinated channel partner communications, including promotions, announcements, pricing updates, product specifications, and program notices. Collaborate cross-functionally with U.S. Commercial stakeholders to gather, verify, and approve information prior to internal and external communication deployment. Ensure communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with established standards, target audiences, and business objectives. Own and maintain the channel communication platform, Channel Content site, and Product Specifications site, ensuring content, collateral, and product information are current, accurate, and consistently managed. Identify and implement opportunities to enhance communication effectiveness and strengthen channel partner engagement. Contract Administration Draft channel partner agreements, amendments, and supporting documentation, including exhibits and scopes of work, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business and legal requirements. Develop and maintain standardized agreement templates and supporting resources to improve consistency and efficiency. Create and refine contracting processes and tools, while identifying and implementing improvements to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and simplify execution. Manage the full contract lifecycle for channel partners, including initiation, execution, renewal, and termination. Track contract terms, renewal timelines, and key milestones; proactively communicate upcoming expirations and required actions. Maintain a centralized, organized repository of all partner agreements and related documentation. Ensure agreements are properly routed, executed, and accessible to relevant stakeholders. Identify and elevate contract discrepancies, compliance gaps, and risk areas. Advise business stakeholders on communication obligations, notice requirements, and contractual provisions, ensuring alignment between agreements and external communications. Support internal stakeholder enablement by providing guidance on contract processes, expectations, and key terminology. General & Project Support Provide project support to U.S. Channel Operations team members to support execution of key business initiatives and priorities. Required Experience 3-5 years of professional experience in contract or agreement management Familiarity with agreement management systems, including electronic signature systems Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated attention to detail Experience drafting, reviewing, and organizing business agreements or contracts Self-starter with a proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective partnerships across teams Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Preferred Experience Experience in contract administration, legal operations, or paralegal support Experience within animal health or a related industry Experience managing content within cloud-based communication platforms Content development or marketing writing experience Required Education Bachelor's degree required (business administration, agribusiness, communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, paralegal studies, or a related field preferred). Travel & Location Requirements Candidate will report to either our Company's Lenexa, KS or Rahway, NJ office Minimal travel required ( Skills Agribusiness Benchmarking Business Administration Business Initiatives Business Process Analysis Business Process Improvements Business Requirements Management Change Management Channel Partner Management Data Analysis Developing Others Information Technology Applications Interpersonal Relationships Legal Operations Livestock Production Manufacturing Automation Operational Quality Oral Communications Policy Development Problem Solving Product Specifications Project Management Project Management Support Public Relations (PR) Salary The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 - $137,400.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at Equal Opportunity Employer As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.