At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations in a dynamic environment focused on drug development.
- Company: Join Charles River, a global leader in contract research for drug therapies.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, health coverage, and flexible work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while growing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; 8-10 years of management experience preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a team that has contributed to 80% of FDA-approved drugs in five years.
The predicted salary is between 134000 - 178000 £ per year.
For 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 Summary
Responsible for the administration and management of In-life Operations, Formulations, Necropsy, Histology, Sample Processing, Clinical Pathology, Quality Control, Training and Archives. Responsible for the financial aspect, in collaboration with Finances and the Managerial staff, for the control of expenses to meet the company budget. Incumbent will optimize resource utilization to maintain an occupancy level to meet revenue targets. Collaborate with clients and scientific staff for effective study design, problem solving, and delivery of high-quality study data. Foster a culture of continuous improvement in site operations and ensure successful audits by regulatory agencies. Duties also include delegated activities as per the individual’s Delegation of Authority memo of Test Facility/Testing Facility Management Functions.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, staffing requirements and succession plans.
- Direct activities of assigned group(s) to ensure optimum performance of the group/function.
- Responsible for personnel management activities such as: scheduling, personnel actions (hiring, promotions, transfers, etc.), training and development, providing regular direction and feedback on performance, disciplinary actions and preparing and delivering annual performance and salary reviews.
- Integrate activities with those of other major organizational units (e.g. businesses, departments, functions).
- Develop and recommend departmental budget and authorize expenditures.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of departmental training programs, including orientation.
- Ensure adherence to pertinent regulatory requirements and to departmental policies, practices and procedures (SOPs, safety procedures and biosafety protocols).
- Represent the site to government, regulatory agencies, local, state and federal officials, industry groups, key customers as required.
- Work with senior leadership to identify new service offerings and/or business.
- Contribute to the development and presentation of major business proposals for key clients and represent the site and company.
- With the Managers and Supervisors, review processes to improve efficiency and efficacy, develop tools, strategies and plan of actions to meet budget, to meet our high-quality standards, to meet or exceed our capacity, to forecast the workload, to ensure that health and safety regulations, governmental regulations such as AAALAC, CCAC etc. are met.
- Responsible for identifying and implementing best practices across the groups, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing, and adherence to site, regional and global policies and initiatives.
The pay range for this position is between $$176,000 – $230,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.
Job Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in biological sciences or related discipline recommend. Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience: 8-10 years related management experience in research or pharmaceutical environment required. Experience in maintaining AAALAC International, Inc. certification is required.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
- Certification/Licensure: No specific certifications or licensure required
- Other: Knowledge of governmental regulations and guidelines applicable to the care and use of laboratory animals. Knowledge of GLP regulations and other FDA regulations applicable to non-clinical testing programs. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines. Excellent communication (both written and verbal), leadership and negotiation skills. Ability to interact appropriately with all levels of employees, while supporting the efforts of departmental teams.
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
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.
We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
For more information, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director, Operations employer: Charles River Laboratories
Contact Detail:
Charles River Laboratories Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and guidelines related to laboratory animal care, such as AAALAC and GLP. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality in operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical and research sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in operations management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully managed teams or projects. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you improved efficiency or fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Charles River's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current focus areas will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews and show how your experience aligns with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in research or pharmaceutical environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience with regulatory compliance, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving health and well-being through drug development. Mention specific examples of how you've optimised operations or led teams to success in previous roles, aligning your experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially if you have a degree in biological sciences or related fields. If you possess any certifications or relevant training, make sure to include those as well, as they can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential for this role, consider including a section in your application that demonstrates your ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders. This could be through examples of successful collaborations or presentations you've delivered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Charles River's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to improving health and well-being will help you align your answers with their culture and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to highlight your management experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and implemented training programmes in previous roles to illustrate your capability.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your knowledge of GLP regulations and AAALAC certification. Familiarise yourself with relevant guidelines and be prepared to explain how you've ensured adherence in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The role involves collaborating with clients and scientific staff to solve problems. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in operations or project management, and be ready to share these during your interview.