Strategic Ops Leader, Technical Operations (Nonclinical)

RXinsider LTD.; Kansas; On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus incentives

401K

Health coverage

Stock purchase

Job summary

Charles River Laboratories in Stilwell, KS seeks an Associate Director of Operations to lead the Technical Operations Department, guiding strategy, staffing and process improvements for non-clinical studies. This role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize study execution and safety.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in Animal Science or related field, 8+ years of technical experience and 5+ years of progressive leadership, with LATG preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of technical experience in a non-clinical research environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience supervising managers or large technical teams.
• LATG certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Technical Operations to ensure the successful execution of non-clinical studies and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies, operational objectives, and long-range plans that support business growth, operational excellence, and organizational goals.
• Lead workforce, capacity, and resource planning activities to ensure appropriate staffing, technical expertise, and operational readiness to meet current and future business needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to coordinate study-related activities, optimize resource utilization, and support efficient study execution.
• Monitor departmental performance through key performance indicators and operational metrics; identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity, regulatory compliance, employee safety, animal welfare, and successful study outcomes.
• Champion initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, efficiency, employee engagement, development and retention, animal welfare, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a representative of Technical Operations in interactions with Sponsors, Consultants, regulatory agencies, auditors, inspectors, and other external stakeholders.
• Direct and develop managers, supervisors, and departmental personnel to achieve operational objectives and maintain high levels of performance and accountability.
• Lead talent management activities, including recruitment, succession planning, employee development, performance management, compensation recommendations, and employee relations matters in partnership with Human Resources.
• Ensure training and development needs are identified and addressed through the implementation of effective onboarding, technical training, leadership development, and career growth programs.
• Develop, manage, and monitor operating and capital budgets, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of systems, equipment, SOPs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Partner with Human Resources to maintain organizational structures, job descriptions, and role clarity that support effectiveness and employee success.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support and lead staff through hands‑on support of daily technical activities.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting

Organizational development

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Charles River Laboratories in Stilwell, KS seeks an Associate Director of Operations to lead the Technical Operations Department, guiding strategy, staffing and process improvements for non-clinical studies. This role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize study execution and safety.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in Animal Science or related field, 8+ years of technical experience and 5+ years of progressive leadership, with LATG preferred.