Demand & Supply Chain Planner Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking an analytical, proactive, and commercially astute Demand & Supply Chain Planner to join our Company Italia. In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end demand forecasting, inventory optimization, supply alignment, launches and IQV analysis. You will act as a pivotal bridge between Sales, Marketing, Finance and Logistics, leveraging modern ERP platforms (notably SAP) and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning tools to drive forecast accuracy, service levels, and working capital efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts across product portfolios, ensuring alignment between commercial expectations and supply capabilities.
• Lead and coordinate the monthly S&OP process, partnering with Sales, Marketing, Finance and Logistics teams.
• Monitor market trends, sales performance, customer demand patterns and forecast accuracy KPIs.
• Manage inventory levels, safety stock parameters and product availability while minimizing obsolescence and waste.
• Collaborate with manufacturing sites, suppliers and logistics partners to mitigate supply risks and ensure continuity.
• Support product launches, lifecycle management activities and business-critical supply chain projects.
• Leverage SAP, AI-driven forecasting tools and business intelligence platforms to improve planning processes and decision-making.
• Prepare analyses and dashboards, including IQV and performance reporting, to support operational and strategic decisions.

Requirements

• Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain, Life Sciences or another scientific discipline, or at least 2 years of experience in a similar Demand & Supply Planning role.
• Experience in Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Inventory Management or S&OP processes; pharmaceutical industry experience is considered a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to transform complex data into actionable insights.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP, and planning tools.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI), predictive analytics tools and digital solutions supporting forecasting and supply chain processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot Tables, Power Query, data analysis and reporting).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Fluent Italian and English, both written and spoken.
  
  

The applicable NCBA is CCNL Chimico-Farmaceutico, Classification ‘Impiegato’, Level B1

The Primary Location for this position is

ITA - Lazio - Roma

The salary range for this position is

€41,200.00 - €70,000.00

This is the lowest and highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. It is based on the applicable NCBA, as well as an individual’s experience, skills, organizational needs, and compensation levels within their peer group. If applicable, employees may also be eligible for an annual bonus, long-term incentives, or other benefits. Our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information if needed.

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Business Alignment, Change Management, Clinical Supply Chain Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Demand Analysis, Demand Forecasting, Demand Management, Demand Planning Forecasting, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), ERP Financial Systems, Excel Reports, Financial Forecasting, Forecasting Models, Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Industry Trend Analysis, Inventory Control Management, Inventory Planning, KPI Reporting, Logistics, Microsoft Excel Functions, Negotiation, Planning, Process Alignment {+ 7 more}

Preferred Skills

Current Employees applyHERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Secondary Language(s) Job Description

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.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

Visa Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving LIcense

No

Hazardous Material(s)

No

Job Posting End Date

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.