Strategy Business Partner, Advanced Solutions

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Burlington, MA

10d

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. Working closely with BTS leadership and the Head of AS Strategy & Transformation, the role translates commercial ambition into structured, prioritized strategy grounded in market reality, financially rigorous, and aligned with the broader Advanced Solutions and Life Science agenda. The position also contributes to cross-AS strategic 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 directly shapes how BioReliance Testing Services grows, competes, and invests. Travel is 10–20% to support strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement across the AS network.

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, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to senior management.
Ability to act as a credible thought leader and sparring partner to senior leadership, challenging, shaping, and communicating 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 work authorization sponsorship.

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.
Additional fluency in German or French.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary strategy partner to BioReliance Testing Services.
Support development of the overarching Advanced Solutions Business strategy.
Lead strategy development, shape market intelligence, and build rigorous business cases.
Drive complex cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through delivery.
Translate commercial ambition into structured, prioritized strategy grounded in market reality and financial rigor.
Align strategy with the broader Advanced Solutions and Life Science agenda.
Contribute to cross-AS strategic initiatives spanning CDMO, BioMonitoring, Lab Water, and DxRM as business needs require.
Work with international stakeholders across Commercial, R&D, Quality, Operations, Finance, and LS Strategy.
Represent BTS strategy in senior leadership forums.