Head of Transport Operations Solutions

The Head of Transport Operations Technology & Engineering is accountable for the technology domain supporting SNCB/NMBS transport operations. The role leads the strategy, architecture, delivery and transformation of the systems enabling real-time traffic management, operational and safety incident management, transport planning, transport resource planning, operational staff planning, competency management, and transport execution, including mobile solutions used by train agents.

The role operates in a highly critical 24/7 environment in which the failure or unavailability of certain systems may directly affect train circulation, operational continuity, safety, service quality and company reputation.

As executive leader for the domain, the role holder ensures business alignment, delivery performance, architectural coherence, operational resilience, compliance and long-term sustainability of the application landscape.

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  Define and lead the technology strategy and roadmap for the domain in line with business priorities and overall IT strategy.

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  Own the end-to-end portfolio of applications, products and integrations supporting transport operations.

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  Lead the delivery of business-critical technology solutions across custom-built and COTS environments.

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  Take accountability for the architecture of the domain and for the evolution of its application and integration landscape.

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  Ensure the operational robustness, resilience, recoverability and compliance of the domain in collaboration with Infrastructure & Operations teams.

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  Drive technical debt reduction, lifecycle management and NIS2-related compliance requirements.

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  Lead the transformation of engineering and delivery practices, including the evolution of the SDLC and the adoption of AI-enabled ways of working.

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  Manage a department of approximately 200 internal and external staff through 4 direct reports.

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  Lead an annual budget of approximately EUR 40 million and manage key suppliers and partners.

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  Align continuously with senior business stakeholders at ExCom -1 level and interact regularly with Executive Committee members.

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  Contribute actively to transversal IT initiatives and enterprise-wide transformation programs, including sourcing strategy evolution.

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  Manage a highly integrated ecosystem with significant dependencies on Infrabel.

This role covers one of the most critical technology domains within Ypto. It combines accountability for mission-critical systems required to run train operations, leadership of a large and complex department, ownership of a substantial budget, and responsibility for major delivery, architecture and transformation decisions.

The impact of poor decisions in this role may result in significant operational disruption, safety or compliance exposure, service degradation, reputational damage and material financial consequences.

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience.

• Fluent in Dutch or French and in English.

• Extensive senior leadership experience in technology, engineering, application delivery or similar large-scale environments.

• Proven experience leading large teams and senior managers in complex organisations.

• Strong track record in managing critical application landscapes, large delivery portfolios and significant budgets.

• Strong expertise in architecture, integration, engineering leadership and technology transformation.

• Experience in mission-critical or operations-intensive environments is a strong advantage.

• Rail industry expertise is not mandatory, but the ability and willingness to build strong domain understanding quickly is essential.

• Executive presence, strong stakeholder management skills, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in high-impact environments.

Choosing SNCB means choosing to contribute to the digital transformation of the Belgian railways. You will have a job with social impact and ample opportunity to make your own contribution. We offer a compensation package that includes:

• Attractive salary package, including a 13th month, expense allowance, meal vouchers, eco-cheques, and bonuses.

• Flexible federal mobility budget integrated into the salary package, usable for a car, bike lease, public transport, green mobility solutions, or housing costs.

• Hospitalisation and dental insurance for you and your family, fully covered by Ypto.

• Outpatient medical care (non-hospitalisation costs) fully covered for employees; family members can be affiliated at the employee’s cost.

• Group insurance fully paid by Ypto.

• Flexible working hours, remote work options, and 35 days of annual leave.

• Internet allowance and bicycle allowance. 

• Flex Income Plan (cafeteria plan) allowing personnalisation of your benefits package.

1. You apply online.

1. We take a close look at your CV and check whether it matches the profile we are looking for.

1. We invite you for a first (online) interview where you can demonstrate your motivation, experience and expectations.

1. If the first interview is positive, we invite you for a second face to face interview where we will discuss your skills and competencies for the role in more detail. Awaiting this interview we might ask you to complete an assessment.

1. If everything goes well, we will make you a contract offer.

1. You start your new job!

1. We reserve the right to adjust or pause this procedure if necessary.

Do you have any further questions? 

1) on the selection process: Christian Smets - christian.smets@belgiantrain.be