Business Unit Manager Forensics DNA

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for operations, people management, and scientific excellence? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can shape strategy while staying close to execution?

Join Eurofins as a Business Unit Manager Forensic DNA and take full ownership of a growing and highly impactful business unit in the Netherlands. You will lead our DNA laboratory operations and associated support functions, playing a key role in driving performance, developing teams, and preparing the business for its next phase of growth.

What team will I be part of?

You will be part of the Forensics Business Unit in the Netherlands, reporting directly to the Managing Director.

You will lead a team of approximately 25 FTEs (growing to 30–35), including laboratory operations, front office, and business support functions. You will work closely with other Business Unit Managers and cross-functional teams across Eurofins.

The role involves a combination of operational leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.

As a Business Unit Manager Forensic DNA you will:

Business Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for the Forensic DNA business unit in alignment with company objectives;
• Take full ownership of the P&L, driving sustainable growth;
• Identify opportunities to expand services, including international growth and new forensic applications;
• Act as a key contributor to the broader Forensics leadership team in the Netherlands.

Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead end-to-end operations of the DNA laboratory and associated service lines (including Front Office and support functions);
• Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of forensic services to key public sector clients (e.g. police, prosecutors);
• Drive operational excellence, efficiency, and turnaround time improvements;
• Oversee the transition to new laboratory facilities, ensuring continuity and scalability.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse and growing team, including many early-career professionals;
• Foster a strong, collaborative, and performance-driven culture aligned with Eurofins values;
• Build structure, clarity, and accountability across teams;
• Support talent development, succession planning, and long-term capability building.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across operations and service delivery;
• Drive optimization of workflows, processes, and use of technology;
• Support R&D and the implementation of new forensic techniques and services.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders;
• Collaborate closely with other Business Unit Managers and central functions;
• Contribute to strengthening relationships with existing clients and supporting future growth initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Forensics, Molecular Biology, or a related field;
• Additional business or management training is a plus.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in team leadership and operations management;
• Experience in a laboratory, life sciences, or forensic environment is highly desirable;
• Exposure to P&L management or strong willingness and ability to develop in this area;
• Experience working in complex, fast-paced, or regulated environments;
• Understanding of the forensic or public sector landscape is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to mentor and structure teams;
• Hands-on, pragmatic, and solution-oriented mindset;
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution;
• Strong organizational and change management capabilities;
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment;
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management abilities;
• Fluency in English is required (Dutch is a plus but not mandatory).

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to obtain security clearance;
• Flexibility to support operational demands and business growth initiatives.

Company

Eurofins is an international network of independent life sciences companies, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable.