Job Description

The Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) plays a critical role in aligning business objectives with employee needs and management strategies within the Human Health Division, specifically focusing on Oncology. Acting as a trusted consultant to leadership, this role champions change and drives the development and implementation of integrated HR solutions tailored to complex business and organizational challenges. The Senior HRBP builds strategic partnerships across the organization—locally, regionally, and at the market level—to deliver impactful HR support aligned with business priorities. Additionally, this role holds a strategic responsibility in labor relations, particularly collective bargaining, collaborating closely with the HR lead and team as a subject matter expert (SME).

Key Responsibilities:
•    Serve as a strategic HR consultant to line management, providing guidance and support aligned with business unit directives (BUD).
•    Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues with professionalism and discretion.
•    Lead and mentor one direct report (intern position).
•    Provide day-to-day performance management support, including coaching, counseling, career development, and disciplinary actions.
•    Foster positive work relationships enhance morale, productivity, and employee retention.
•    Interpret and advise on HR policies to ensure consistent application.
•    Develop and negotiate contract terms for new hires, promotions, and transfers.
•    Maintain comprehensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations to minimize legal risks and ensure compliance; collaborate with the Legal department as needed.
•    Act as a consultant on legal claims and union negotiations in partnership with Legal and Labor Relations teams.
•    Provide input on organizational restructuring, workforce planning, and succession planning initiatives.
•    Identify training needs and support executive coaching programs.
•    Analyze HR trends and metrics in collaboration with local and regional HR teams to design effective solutions, programs, and policies.
•    Conduct thorough, objective investigations related to employee concerns.
•    Support international employees with expatriate assignments and related HR matters.

Education and Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Engineering or Administration; Psychology or Law considered as secondary options). Master’s degree is highly desirable.
•    Proven experience as an HR Business Partner in multinational companies, ideally within product-focused organizations.
•    Demonstrated ability to resolve complex employee relations issues effectively.
•    Broad knowledge of HR disciplines including compensation & benefits, organizational diagnosis, employee and union relations, performance and talent management, organizational design, and culture enhancement.

Core Competencies & Requirements
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
•    Skilled in negotiation and consultation.
•    Ethical practice and integrity.
•    Experience in people management and leadership.
•    Previous involvement in collaborating and co-leading Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
 

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Benefits Administration, Benefits Administration, Business, Compensation Strategies, Confidential Data Handling, Employee Relations Programs, European Labour Law, Executive Coaching, HR Information Management, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resource Management, Human Resources (HR) Technology, Human Resources Consulting, Human Resources Policies, Labor Negotiations, Learning and Development (L&D), Management Process, Oncology, Organizational Culture, Organizational Diagnosis, Organizational Performance Management, People Leadership, Personnel Administration, Qualification Development, Recruiting Processes {+ 4 more}

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/26/2025

*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.