NMBS Technics plays a key role in the maintenance and modernization of Belgian railway rolling stock. For the high-speed train (HST) traction workshop in Forest (Brussels), we are looking for an experienced and driven Senior Manager to lead this unique site through an ambitious transformation phase.
The workshop in Forest holds a distinctive position within Europe and specializes in the maintenance of high-speed train rolling stock for international clients such as Eurostar Group and SNCF. With a workforce of approximately 300 employees, the site is a critical link in European high-speed rail operations. The workshop is at a turning point and is evolving into a competitive, market-driven environment.
The Role
As Senior Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the entire operation of the HST workshop. You will lead a complex organization through 11 direct reports, combining operational leadership with strategic and commercial insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a site with more than 300 employees.
- Assume full P&L and budget responsibility for the workshop, including personnel, operational resources, and investments.
- Drive a fundamental cultural and operational transformation, with a strong focus on safety, performance, and competitiveness.
- Initiate continuous improvement and innovation projects.
- Ensure operational continuity throughout an investment program of approximately €50 million.
- Actively manage industrial relations, maintaining constructive relationships with trade unions and other stakeholders in the industrial maintenance sector.
- Build and maintain strategic customer relationships.
- Support commercial initiatives and negotiations for new contracts, in line with European RRS regulations.
Your Profile
- Master’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Industrial Engineering), preferably in Electromechanics or Electrical Engineering.
- At least 8–10 years of leadership experience in complex industrial environments.
- Proven experience in leading and developing operational teams.
- Experience with P&L responsibility, budgeting, and performance management.
- Demonstrated track record in change management and organizational transformation.
- Experience in industrial relations and working with social partners/trade unions.
- Hands-on, results-oriented leader with a strong focus on safety and operational KPIs.
- Service- and customer-oriented, with the ability to operate effectively at a strategic level.
- Languages: excellent command of French and at least a good command of Dutch.
- Affinity with railways, rolling stock, or other complex technical environments.
What We Offer
- A Senior Management position within NMBS, an innovative and dynamic organization undergoing significant transformation.
- Full responsibility for a complex industrial site with substantial impact, combining operational and strategic management with customer relationship management.
- A key role in delivering this transformation and building a sustainable future for the site.
- An attractive compensation package, including extensive fringe benefits and 33 days of annual leave.
- Additional benefits such as free rail travel throughout the Benelux and advantages for international travel.
Interested?
Would you like to help shape the future of high-tech train maintenance in Europe and lead an organization through a critical transformation? We look forward to receiving your application.
This search is managed exclusively by Bakker & Partners. Please apply via the application button or send your CV to the responsible consultant, Katrien Hadermann, at Katrien.Hadermann@Bakker.
