Christie Johnson
Empowered Membership
Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany
As Head of Corporate Sourcing for Investment Projects in Life Sciences at Merck KGaA, I lead global strategic sourcing initiatives that drive innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term value across our healthcare, life science, and electronics sectors. I serve on both the Life Science ISCO Engineering & Technology (E&T) Leadership Team and the Investment Projects Sourcing Leadership Team, acting as a Procurement Business Partner to align sourcing strategies with core business objectives.
My work centers on integrating cross-functional sourcing frameworks, transparent spend reporting, and sustainable value improvement processes across global investment projects. I foster strong collaboration across internal teams and supplier networks, leveraging expertise in capital expenditure and supplier relations to support major investments in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
At the corporate level, I lead global subcategories in specialized equipment and construction, serving as a market expert and strategy owner. I also head virtual category teams, ensuring consistency and excellence across sourcing strategies. My leadership focuses on creating synergies, driving strategic growth, and empowering global teams to deliver impactful results.
Fun Facts
- Interests – Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Leadership; Global Supply Chain Optimization; Capital Investment Projects; Supplier Relationship Management; Sustainable Sourcing & ESG in Procurement; Category Management (Specialized Equipment & Construction); Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement; Innovation in Life Sciences & Healthcare; Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply Strategy; Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Supply Chain; Operational Excellence in Complex Global Environments; Spend Transparency & Value Delivery; Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation; Procurement Digitalization & Transformation Initiatives; Women in STEM & Leadership Development
- Favorite Networking Moment – One of my most impactful networking experiences was during a critical phase of building out my U.S.-based sourcing team. I leveraged LinkedIn strategically to broadcast the opportunity for a highly skilled Expert Sourcing Manager. The response was exceptional—several strong connections reached out, leading to a competitive pool of top-tier candidates. Not only did I make a successful hire, but I also built a strong talent pipeline. When additional roles were approved just a few months later, I was able to move quickly, demonstrating the power of proactive networking and sustained relationship-building in talent strategy.
- Why You Joined WEW – I’m passionate about connecting with and learning from other women leaders. Empowering others on their professional journeys and providing meaningful support is deeply important to me—it’s how we elevate each other and drive lasting impact across industries.
