Business Optimisation Lead

About Charles River Laboratories

For over seven decades, Charles River Laboratories has contributed significantly to the discovery, development, and safe manufacturing of new drug therapies impacting global health. Our long-standing 20-year collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital enhances this mission by supporting innovative advancements affecting patient care worldwide. Boston Children's is dedicated to diversity, ensuring exceptional care for patients locally and from more than 160 countries. Joining Charles River means becoming part of a diverse family united by compassion, innovation, and the drive to improve lives globally.

Role Overview

The Business Optimisation Lead at our Dublin site will report to the site director and be accountable for driving continuous improvement initiatives and managing the project portfolio for optimal site performance. This role involves active engagement with the management team to regularly review project statuses, ensuring strategic alignment and prioritization that supports site objectives.

Acting as the site’s subject matter expert in project management, you will establish standards and methodologies for project execution and lifecycle management. Coordination with global project management teams and other microbial sites will be essential to align local practices with corporate best standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the site-wide continuous improvement program and portfolio of projects including training and mentoring project teams.
• Lead the portfolio management process to ensure timely execution and delivery aligned with business goals.
• Serve as the project management specialist, developing standards for project initiation, execution, and completion.
• Facilitate communication of project progress both locally and within the global CRL network.
• Drive change management efforts and identify risk mitigations alongside the leadership team to remove project obstacles.
• Establish and nurture a culture focused on continuous improvement and optimisation across the site.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in business improvement or project management within a commercial setting.
• Advanced stakeholder management, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Certified or trained in project management methodologies.
• Expertise in improvement methodologies such as Lean or Agile.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated capability in leading and motivating diverse teams.
• Experience working with performance metrics and data analytics.
• Change management competence and a proactive improvement mindset.
• Familiarity with portfolio management tools and reporting platforms like Power BI and MS Project.
• Experience managing projects within regulated environments is advantageous.

Additional Information

Charles River is a global early-stage contract research organization supporting clients from target identification to preclinical development, operating over 110 facilities worldwide. Our dedication to advancing health is demonstrated through our contribution to 80% of FDA-approved drugs in recent years.

We offer competitive benefits that may include performance-based incentives, retirement plans, paid leave, stock purchase options, and wellness programs aimed at supporting employee and family well-being while promoting work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement & Accessibility

Charles River Laboratories is committed to equal employment opportunities, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. This commitment extends to removing barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion.