For nearly 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Job Overview
The Strategic Business Specialist is a key contributor responsible for researching, designing, and evaluating advanced system and data-driven solutions to support organizational strategy as well as daily operations.
This role requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional with strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as a deep commitment to innovation within a rapidly evolving digital and scientific environment.
The position focuses on developing solutions to moderately complex business and technical challenges through rigorous data analysis, business intelligence, and systems integration. The Specialist identifies strategic opportunities and performance gaps, translates complex data into actionable insights, and ensures accurate interpretation of metrics across stakeholders. Responsibilities include defining assignment objectives, supporting long-range organizational goals, and delivering meaningful performance indicators to drive informed decision-making.
Operating under general supervision, the role exercises sound judgment and accountability, with work reviewed for quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment. The Specialist collaborates cross-functionally and engages periodically with senior internal and external stakeholders on matters requiring coordination and alignment. The role also supports business optimization, change management initiatives, and the continuous improvement of systems and processes, while mentoring associate-level team members.
The ideal candidate brings substantial experience in research or regulated environments, strong expertise in data analysis, visualization, and business intelligence tools, and working knowledge of programming and database management. A background in biotechnology, biological sciences, computer science, or related disciplines supported by equivalent professional experience—is required. Fluency in English is essential, with German proficiency and experience in GMP-regulated environments considered strong advantages.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive project management plans, ensuring clear, transparent communication across all organizational levels.
- Design, build, and refine data queries by consolidating multiple data sources within business intelligence platforms; develop complex logic to support dashboards, workflows, and analytics across systems.
- Coordinate the development of visual workflows, rigorously validate metric definitions, and enable stakeholders to accurately interpret data, minimizing misinterpretation and reducing time to insight.
- Identify key collaborators and facilitate cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and business goals.
- Establish and maintain strong, long-term partnerships to support optimized systems integration; respond to management and executive inquiries with thorough analysis, research, and actionable recommendations.
- Perform routine systems analysis and data compliance reviews to enhance performance, ensure data integrity, and proactively diagnose and resolve issues.
- Lead the delivery of key performance indicators and operational metrics to stakeholders, identifying opportunities for optimization and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote awareness of business and system requirements across organizational units, identifying and addressing process inefficiencies and underperforming systems.
- Monitor global performance metrics to detect outliers or adverse trends, proactively escalating risks to internal stakeholders and evaluating process constraints and bottlenecks.
- Train, mentor, and support associate-level team members to strengthen analytical and technical capabilities.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications – Education (either):
- A Master’s degree (M.A. or M.S.) or equivalent in biotechnology or the biological sciences, with demonstrated experience in data analysis and a strong affinity for information and computer technology. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science or software engineering, with prior experience in data analysis within a GMP environment, or a computer science degree complemented by professional experience in the biological sciences, preferably within a GMP-regulated setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in place of a degree.
- Language proficiency: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is considered an asset, as is knowledge of additional languages.
Experience
- An excellent communicator with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and executing business strategies.
- Proven capability in managing complex projects from initial conception through implementation.
- Documented success in business optimization initiatives and change management efforts.
- Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with optimization and efficiency methodologies, such as Dynamic Work Design, Six Sigma, Agile, or similar frameworks.
- Strong proficiency in Excel and Power BI is required; experience with other business intelligence tools, such as Tableau, is also acceptable.
- Proven experience with, and foundational knowledge of, at least one programming language such as C++, Python, DAX, VBA, or equivalent.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Demonstrated analytical strength, including hands-on experience with data analysis and advanced data visualization techniques.
- Proven ability to manage and analyze large datasets; experience with SQL and database management is strongly preferred.
- Experience with software implementation and system rollouts is preferred.
- Prior experience working in a GMP-regulated environment is desirable.
About Microbial Solutions
Our Microbial Solutions business group has a comprehensive portfolio of endotoxin testing, microbial detection and microbial identification products and services is unlike any other, and has been purposefully designed to meet the complex and ever-changing needs of the industry. We help clients to ensure product safety and quality with easy-to-use yet robust testing solutions that satisfy regulatory requirements, support critical decision making and improve operational efficiencies.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.
Helping you find your moment
You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.
Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and application review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our interview process by meeting with a group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and better understand how we foster a sense of belonging at Charles River.
Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.
Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest. Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and Application Review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our interview process by meeting with a group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and better understand how we foster a sense of belonging at Charles River. Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information. Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
Featured jobs
Important things are happening every moment at Charles River. This means exciting new career opportunities for you to explore. Take a look and apply today!
Looking for something else? Search all jobs.
Moment by moment
At Charles River, you’ll be able to contribute to incredible breakthroughs while experiencing exciting opportunities for growth and development.
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UX/UI Designer
Advocate for user-centered design solutions. Create distinctive, consistent, branded digital experiences across multiple platforms, devices, and channels.
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Senior UX/UI Designer
Define and drive UX/UI strategies and interaction designs – from scratch and for scale – that solve business and user problems.
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Associate Director
Work with Senior UX/IX Designers and developers to assess problems and develop solutions. Execute on plan by building coding standardizations and automating processes.
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Director, Digital Data Enablement
Lead UX management and operational teams across business units and technical teams. Identify and define fit-for-purpose strategies to integrate best practices.
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Senior Director UX/UI Design
Mentor, coach, and guide designer teams on design strategy related to research insights, execution, continuous integration, and automated deployment.
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Animal Care Technician I - V
Maintain the well-being of our animals by providing food, water, and a clean environment.
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Animal Care Technologist I - V
Provide specialized care to maintain and monitor our animals’ health and physical environment.
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Veterinary Technician
Help monitor, document, and triage all laboratory animal health cases.
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Team Leader / Supervisor
Supervise, train, mobilize, empower, and develop a high-performing team.
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Research Associate
Coordinate and plan activities according to study plan guidelines.
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Intern Level I
Support process/procedure improvement based on site and department needs. Gain knowledge of our corporate environment to navigate cross-functional department collaboration.
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Intern Level II
Complete comprehensive departmental projects incorporating mentorship of Level I interns as a professional development component.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I-III
Oversee the production, formulation, and banking of cellular products while maintaining compliance with GMP, GDP, and aseptic guidelines.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialized equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Clinical Veterinarian I-III
Responsible for delivering professional veterinary services and helping to manage all phases of health care for the animal colony.
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Senior Clinical Veterinarian
Utilize knowledge of laboratory animal medicine to optimize the scientific objectives of animal research protocols.
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Principal Veterinarian / Associate Director
Conduct veterinary consults, make treatment recommendations, communicate with study directors, and follow cases through resolution.
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Director, Laboratory Animal Medicine
Provide technical and professional oversight of all animal care and use functions involving site laboratory animals.
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Technician I-III
Follow SOP and protocols in the areas of animal handling, husbandry, and blood/urine collection.
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Technician IV-V
Handle advanced technician duties, including anesthesia, leadership and specialized sample collections.
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Project Leader (Scientific)
Serve as a scientific expert for the Lab with responsibility for staff-conducted studies.
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Team Leader (People Leader)
Oversee team activities and gain leadership skills on the path to becoming a Team Supervisor.
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Team Supervisor (People Leader)
Responsible for overall employee supervision, staff development, and team success.
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Financial Analyst I
Help analyze financial data, extract/define relevant information, and interpret data.
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Financial Analyst II
Responsible for analysis, forecasting, budgeting, accounting administration, and reporting of projects.
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Senior Financial Analyst
Handle weekly and monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation. Prepare financials and key indicators for business reviews.
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Manager, Business Finance
Partner with operating businesses to raise standards in key decision areas. Present a dynamic industry, competitor, and economic context.
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Finance Director, Operations
Support all business aspects, working with site teams to direct weekly/monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I
Support the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing).
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Biomanufacturing Technician II
Perform specialized activities in the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing). Train Biomanufacturing Technician 1.
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Biomanufacturing Technician III
Help advance the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing) while interacting with clients.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialized equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Biomanufacturing Supervisor
Oversee biomanufacturing personnel, ensuring compliance with cGMP’s, CRL quality systems, and process documents in biomanufacturing.
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Biomanufacturing Manager
Lead biomanufacturing activities in the start-up and cGMP production of novel cellular products. Schedule and manage staff, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.
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Client Manager
Ensures high-quality customer service through multi-site coordination. Deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive responses to sponsor requests.
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Business Development Director
Deliver profitable sales growth by targeting and visiting clients to build strong relationships and customer loyalty.
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Senior Business Development Director
Plan and execute a territory-based field sales strategy. Drive growth through targeted long- and short-term account plans.
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Regional Sales Manager
Manage sales team within North America's Safety Assessment sales region to achieve sales and profit goals.
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Director
Partner with site leadership to achieve performance goals, develop staff, and deliver succession planning.
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Senior Director / General Manager
Lead a multi-functional team to ensure integrated operations. Collaborate with senior leadership to form plans, objectives, and policies.
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Executive Director
Lead a global, multidisciplinary team. Develop short and long-term strategic plans to maximize growth and profitability.
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Corporate Vice President
Provide leadership, direction, and advice to leadership and finance teams. Accountable for financial planning, directing, and controlling.
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About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.
Supporting your well-being
Your dedication and passion make a life-saving difference in lives around the world. We’re committed to providing you with benefits that elevate your quality of life.
Financial
- Earnings + incentives
- Retirement benefits
- Vacation + time away
- Recognition
- Employee assistance fund
Career
- Professional development opportunities
- Career development
- Awards
- Educational support
Health and wellness coverage
- Employee well-being support
- Family support programs
- Parental benefits + family formation benefits
- Work-life balance flexibility
Social and Community
- Culture of belonging
- 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) with >4,000 members, where all employees are welcome
- Opportunities for paid volunteer time off
- Community outreach + matching gift + engagement activities
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organization (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.