Operations Manager – DNV Business Assurance Netherlands

Overview

DNV Business Assurance Netherlands is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and further strengthen our national operational delivery across multiple sectors in a service-driven environment.

This is a country-wide leadership role with accountability for operational performance, resource planning, quality, and delivery across a portfolio of well over 20.000 chargeable days. You will directly lead six Sector Leaders, each responsible for their respective sector teams, covering auditors, planners, and back-office colleagues. In addition, you will oversee a team of Service Center and Data Quality Stewards, led by the Process Manager, ensuring operational data integrity and transparency. All Overseas Delivery and Key Accounts fall under the responsibility of a dedicated manager who also reports directly into this role, further expanding the scope and strategic importance of the position.

You will be accountable for managing the end-to-end operational process, ensuring efficient resource planning, high-quality service delivery, and strict compliance with global standards. This position is pivotal in driving operational excellence, empowering teams, and delivering outstanding results for our customers. You are a member of the Local Unit Management Team and report directly to the Area Manager Benelux.

What you will do

• Operational strategy. Align local operations with global objectives and contribute to the Annual Operating Plan. Drive initiatives that support strategic and operational excellence.
• Performance management. Take ownership of KPIs and targets. Monitor forecasts, lead business reviews, and implement actions to secure delivery commitments and continuous improvement.
• Service delivery improvement. Simplify processes, share best practices, and enhance efficiency across all operational functions in close collaboration with the global unit. Promote a culture of innovation and customer focus.
• Leadership and team development. Coach and support your team, foster engagement, and create a high-performance culture. Role-model DNV’s leadership principles and empower team members to grow and succeed.
• Resource and tool management. Recruit and coordinate subcontractors, optimize the use of CRM/ERP systems, and ensure accurate data handling to enable transparency and informed decision-making.
• Financial collaboration. Work closely with Business Controlling to manage costs, improve profitability, and achieve EBITA targets. Provide data-driven insights to support operational planning and decision-making.
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). Embed a safety-first culture across all activities. Ensure compliance with HSE standards and promote proactive risk management for internal teams and subcontractors.
• Compliance and accreditation. Uphold accreditation requirements and ensure auditor qualifications meet global standards. Maintain strict adherence to internal and external compliance frameworks to mitigate operational risks.

What we offer

• A meaningful role with an impact on trust, safety, and sustainability.
• Opportunities for learning and development through global programs and mentoring.
• Flexible working arrangements and autonomy in how you deliver results.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

About you

• You are an experienced operational leader with a proven track record in assurance, certification, professional services, or a similarly complex, service-driven environment.
• You are comfortable balancing strategic direction with hands-on execution and delivering results at scale.
• You bring strong expertise in resource planning, KPI management, and operational performance improvement, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality or compliance.
• You have experience leading leaders and know how to build, coach, and sustain high-performing management teams.
• You are digitally and data-savvy, with hands-on experience using CRM/ERP systems and operational dashboards to drive transparency and informed decision-making.
• You have a strong quality and compliance mindset and understand the importance of accreditation, integrity, and risk management in regulated environments.
• You communicate clearly and credibly in Dutch and English, and you can engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams to senior leadership and global counterparts.

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.