Business Unit Manager - Oligonucleotides - job 1 of 3

As a Business Unit Manager - Oligonucleotides at Eurofins Scientific, your primary responsibilities include overseeing daily oligonucleotide production activities, leading the staff, and ensuring adherence to quality standards. You'll work with Sales and Marketing to strategize product launches and will also define and communicate operational goals. Moreover, your role involves supporting the implementation of new manufacturing processes and automation projects to enhance productivity.

To qualify for the Business Unit Manager - Oligonucleotides position at Eurofins, candidates should ideally hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, with a Master's or PhD in Chemistry being a plus. A minimum of seven to nine years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role is required, along with familiarity in LEAN and Six Sigma principles. An MBA is also beneficial.

Succeeding as a Business Unit Manager - Oligonucleotides at Eurofins requires strong leadership, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to implement effective process improvements. Experience with automation in a manufacturing context is crucial, as is a proactive approach to problem-solving and team motivation. Developing collaborative relationships across departments will also support successful operations.

In the Business Unit Manager role at Eurofins, there is significant potential for career growth, given the company's rapid expansion and entrepreneurial environment. You will be positioned to lead major projects and improvements, fostering skills in leadership and operational management. This could lead to higher executive roles within Eurofins or specialized divisions in the future.

Eurofins Scientific offers comprehensive benefits to its Business Unit Manager - Oligonucleotides, including medical coverage, dental and vision options, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation and holidays. These benefits contribute to a supportive working environment and a balanced lifestyle.

When answering about your leadership style, consider emphasizing collaboration, clear communication, and fostering team growth. Discuss how you've successfully motivated teams in past roles, ensuring productivity while maintaining high morale.

Detail how you approach conflict resolution by encouraging open communication, addressing issues promptly, and fostering a supportive team culture. Use examples from past experiences that demonstrate your ability to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively.

When discussing a successful initiative, highlight your role in identifying the need for improvement, the steps you took to implement changes, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on metrics and data that demonstrate the impact of the improvement.

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing impact on production goals, utilizing KPIs for guidance, and ensuring alignment with overall business strategies. Discuss how adaptability can lead to effectively managing varying demands.

Share your approach to team development, including regular training sessions, mentorship programs, and asking for feedback to understand individual needs. Discuss how this contributes to their professional growth and the overall success of your unit.

Discuss your experience in implementing quality control standards, emphasizing collaboration with the Quality department and how you utilize data analysis to ensure manufacturing consistency. Pointing out how you maintain rigorous documentation can add value to your answer.

Mention specific project management tools you've used effectively to oversee production, such as Gantt charts, task management software, or Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Explain how these tools support operational efficiency and accountability.

Talk about specific automation projects you've led, the technologies employed, and the efficiencies gained as a result. Mention metrics showing how these automation efforts reduced costs, improved productivity, or enhanced product quality.

Provide a structured approach to dealing with underperformance, such as identifying underlying issues, collaborating on improvement plans, and providing necessary support through coaching or training.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the oligonucleotide market by discussing current trends, such as the increasing demand for personalized medicine and advancements in gene therapy. Show that you stay informed about market dynamics and can apply this knowledge in strategic planning.