Associate, GOglobal Graduate Program (International)

About the Program

Merck Group’s Inhouse Consulting team in APAC is hiring early-career professionals for its Associate role within the GoGlobal Graduate Program (GGP). This international track is designed as a leadership development pathway for high-potential talent and sits within the company’s internal management consulting function.

The in-house consulting group supports all functions and business areas across the organization. Its work covers strategy and execution, process improvement, integration, innovation, business development, R&D, organization development, and PMO activities. The team operates globally, with offices in Darmstadt, Germany; the Boston area in the USA; and Singapore for APAC.

As an Associate in the 24-month program, you will work on management consulting assignments and also complete functional secondments, referred to as Stations, across Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics businesses. During the program, overseas placement may be required for up to 6 months.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to client-facing projects with other consultants, supporting work from strategy through implementation and helping deliver strong business impact.
• Take ownership of projects independently during Stations starting in the second year, while working with Station managers to execute functional priorities.
• Collaborate with the broader Inhouse Consulting team to strengthen capabilities, expand client relationships, and improve cross-team cooperation.

Profile and Experience

Candidates should hold a PhD or Master’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or business; an MBA is considered an advantage.

Applicants from science or engineering backgrounds need to show a clear interest in business through professional experience or internships in consulting or strategy, especially in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, bioprocessing, biology, chemistry, or semiconductor solutions.

Applicants from business backgrounds should also demonstrate relevant interest through experience or internships in the same industry-related areas.

A background of 2–4 years in a corporate regional or global role within a multinational company, or experience in a leading management consultancy, would be beneficial.

The role calls for strong technology awareness and the ability to build or use data and AI capabilities to improve productivity and create value.

You should bring strong analytical thinking, the ability to structure project work, carry out detailed analysis, and challenge assumptions constructively.

Success in this role also depends on building trusted relationships across the organization, showing cultural flexibility from having worked or lived internationally, especially in western markets outside your home country, and demonstrating maturity, openness, collaboration, and a growth-oriented mindset.

Applicants must be willing to travel to international markets for up to 6 months outside Singapore during the program and should be interested in a long-term global career, with the next assignment expected at the company’s headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

English fluency plus proficiency in one additional language is required.

Candidates should be ready for behavioral and analytical business-case interviews, both individually and in group settings.

Compensation and Benefits

The company offers competitive pay, performance-based bonuses, a strong benefits package, and support for health and wellbeing.

Benefits mentioned include medical coverage, insurance, fertility support, flexible allowances, assistance programs, health screening, and special leave.

The workplace follows a hybrid model with an average of 3 days per week in the office. The hiring team will explain the policy and eligibility during recruitment.

Culture and Inclusion

Merck Group describes its workplace as one that values curiosity, inclusion, and diverse perspectives. The organization aims to create opportunities for people to learn and grow while contributing to science, technology, and human progress.