KFS are one of the leading forensic providers in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality service and building strong working relationships with our customer base. Our team of forensic scientists are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of a wide range of evidence types in support of criminal investigations.
We are passionate about supporting the Criminal Justice system and want to hear from potential employees who share that same passion.
Please read the requirements of the job carefully as your application will be measured against them. Please ensure you have the experience we are looking for. This is a specialist role and as such we will only shortlist those with the relevant experience and attributes.
This is a senior, diverse and challenging leadership role. The role holder will support Directors in the delivery and improvement of high quality and timely forensic biology and DNA services to the UK Criminal Justice System. They will have oversight and senior management responsibility across all biology and DNA operations, research and development teams. They will be responsible for supporting Directors in developing and delivering the KFS Strategic Plan for biology and DNA services.
Responsibilities
- Provide exemplary, leadership and direction to the KFS biology and DNA teams
- Work closely with Directors to develop and maintain the KFS Strategic Plan and quality improvement roadmap for biology and DNA. Deliver corporate objectives in line with business strategy
- Horizon scan and harness new technologies including automation and AI capability to drive scientific endeavour, business efficiency and profitability
- Work closely with the KFS Quality and Compliance Team to ensure biology and DNA processes, quality control and quality assurance systems are fully documented and comply with international quality standards and the Forensic Science Regulator Code
- Develop and implement the annual biology and DNA budget and present detailed and robust business cases to facilitate access to capital expenditure for key projects
- Working closely with colleagues in ICT and other business support functions to deliver timely and effective business solutions.
- Ensure that biology and DNA projects are managed efficiently and effectively to achieve key business targets and commercial KPIs
- Work with local managers and HR to devise and implement robust training and continuing professional development programmes
- Where required, lead engagements with key stakeholders such as police customers, UKAS, Blue Light Commercial, Home Office and the Forensic Science Regulator
- Work closely with key sub-contractors to ensure quality of service provision is maintained for KFS clients
- Represent KFS biology and DNA teams at corporate meetings, including the presentation of performance updates against key quality KPIs.
Requirements
- Exceptional people and project leadership skills
- High level of professional integrity, strong work ethic
- Strategic and logical thinker focused on providing robust but agile business solutions
- Strong commercial acumen & track record
- Quality driven with an excellent attention to detail
- Customer focused, flexible and proactive, willing to take on new tasks at short notice to support operational performance
- Experience in management and delivery of technical projects
- Able to devise and manage project budgets
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Outstanding communication skills, able to commune at all levels
The role holder will be based on the Coventry or Norwich site and will be expected to work from site on a full-time basis, with occasional attendance at other sites, business meetings and conferences.
Qualifications/Experience
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience and a strong track record in working within a technical and highly regulated sector
- Experience in a senior leadership role is highly desirable
- A degree or vocational qualification in biology/DNA or a related discipline
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of biological and DNA analyses
- Experience of working to international quality standards
- Data analysis skills and experience of automated systems would be an advantage
Terms & Conditions
Salary – Competitive
Hours – 37 per week
Holidays – 25 days per annum plus statutory holidays (pro rated) if applicable
Pension – Contributory
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work scheme
Retailer discounts
Location: Coventry or Norwich
IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STRINGENT SECURITY VETTING YOU MUST HAVE RESIDED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR APPLICATION. WE CANNOT CONSIDER APPLICANTS THAT HAVE NOT LIVED IN THE UK FOR THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS AND YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED.PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE A VALID RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK DOCUMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION
KFS is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best. One of our goals is to work within an environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice. We aim to embed this in all of our recruitment and selection policies, procedures and practices.
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The closing date for this position is 25 August 2026 at 17:30 but we reserve the right to end the vacancy earlier if we find enough suitable applicants to progress to the next stage. Please note: due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard back from us within 4 weeks of the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
