Strategy Business Partner, Advanced Solutions

Merck•Burlington, MA

About The Position

The Advanced Solutions Strategy Business Partner serves as the primary strategy partner to BioReliance Testing Services (BTS) and supports development of the overarching Advanced Solutions (AS) business strategy. The role leads strategy development, builds rigorous business cases, shapes market intelligence, and drives complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through delivery. It combines strategic depth with hands-on execution, translating commercial ambition into structured and prioritized strategy grounded in market realities, financial analysis, and alignment with the broader Advanced Solutions and Life Science agenda. Working closely with BTS leadership and the Head of AS Strategy & Transformation, the role also contributes to cross-AS initiatives spanning CDMO, BioMonitoring, Lab Water, and DxRM as business needs require. This is a US-based role with a global remit, working across international stakeholders in Commercial, R&D, Quality, Operations, Finance, and LS Strategy, and representing BTS strategy in senior leadership forums. The work will help shape how BioReliance Testing Services grows, competes, and invests. Travel of 10–20% is required to support strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement across the AS network. The role does not offer work-authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Requirements

MBA, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a quantitative field.
At least 7 years of experience in a strategic or analytical role within management consulting or the Life Sciences industry.
Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives from development through execution.
Strong experience building M&A, partnership, and licensing business cases, including rigorous financial modelling and P&L analysis.
Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain, drug development process, and CDMO/CRO or bioprocess services landscape.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly to senior management.
Ability to act as a thought leader and sparring partner to senior leadership, and to challenge, shape, and communicate strategy at senior levels.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and deliver independently in a fast-paced, global environment.
Eligible to work in the US; the role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Life Sciences BioManufacturing processes and/or testing services, including mAbs and novel therapeutics.
Experience working across multiple business units with distinct commercial models and customer bases.
Prior experience at a top-tier management consultancy with a Life Sciences sector focus.
Familiarity with analytics platforms such as Tableau, ERP systems, or financial planning tools.
Change management experience and the ability to drive organizational alignment behind new strategic directions.
Fluency in German or French.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary strategy partner to BioReliance Testing Services (BTS).
Support development of the overarching Advanced Solutions business strategy.
Lead strategy development and shape market intelligence.
Build rigorous business cases, including M&A, partnership, and licensing cases, with financial modelling and P&L analysis.
Drive complex cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through delivery.
Translate commercial ambition into structured, prioritized strategy grounded in market realities and aligned with the broader Advanced Solutions and Life Science agenda.
Work closely with BTS leadership and the Head of AS Strategy & Transformation.
Contribute to cross-AS strategic initiatives spanning CDMO, BioMonitoring, Lab Water, and DxRM as business needs require.
Collaborate with international stakeholders across Commercial, R&D, Quality, Operations, Finance, and LS Strategy.
Represent BTS strategy in senior leadership forums.
Travel to support strategic initiatives and engagement with key stakeholders across the AS network.