Director, Global Inventory Management

Summary of Position

We are seeking a strategic and experienced professional to join our Global Supply Chain Management organization as the Director of Global Inventory Management. This pivotal role is responsible for guiding our global inventory strategy, overseeing key business processes, and supporting performance to meet our financial and operational objectives. The ideal candidate will manage a dedicated team and collaborate with senior stakeholders across the business to optimize our inventory position, enhance reporting capabilities, and implement continuous process improvements. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional to make a significant impact following the retirement of a long-standing incumbent.

Major Activities and Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee key global inventory management business processes, including joint inventory close execution with COSI, performance reporting, forecasting (LROP, budget), and variance analysis.
• Lead the annual LROP process and production tally processes to drive financial forecasts and profit plans.
• Oversee the Global IQV process, inventory reconciliation, audit support, and dispute resolution.
• Establish timelines for critical activities, generate and analyze comprehensive reports, and present data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Manage cross-functional teams and collaborate closely with E2E Planners, Product Leaders, Financial Services (COSI, FP&A), and manufacturing sites to ensure the successful execution of inventory strategies.
• Act as the primary liaison with our finance departments to analyze variances to plan, reconcile results, and ensure the highest degree of data integrity in our financial reporting.
• Support the continuous development and enhancement of our IT infrastructure, including Kinaxis Maestro, Qlik, and Power BI reporting platforms, to support inventory management processes.
• Identify opportunities for inventory reduction, process automation, and efficiency gains; lead the implementation of changes to improve supply chain results.
• Promote best practices in inventory management by communicating the impact of inventory decisions on service levels and financial metrics to internal stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship on analytical tools, inventory management principles, and key business processes.

Background and Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field; a graduate degree (MS/MBA) is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Supply Chain Management, Production Planning, or Finance, with a strong focus on inventory management.
• Proven experience in a leadership role with the ability to manage multiple projects, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with modern planning platforms, preferably Kinaxis Maestro, and proficiency with data visualization tools like Qlik and Power BI.
• Strong technical skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, advanced functions) and MS Access.
• Proficiency in batch scripting, Mantis Dbeaver, Informatica, Hana Studio, as well as an understanding of DB structure is a plus. A willingness to learn SQL for data analysis is highly valued.
• Comprehensive understanding of product lines, master data, and physical and financial supply chains.
• Excellent business acumen and strategic thinking, with outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English.

Required Skills:

Business Acumen, Driving Continuous Improvement, Finance, Financial Reports, Global Supply Chain, Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure, Logistics Management, Strategic Planning, Supply Change Management, Supply Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.  As a federal contractor, 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:

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is

$156,900.00 - $247,000.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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.