Bakker & Partners is working exclusively in partnership with Sabena Engineering to recruit a Base Hangar Manager for their Brussels site.
Sabena Engineering is a major player in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), operating across civil and defense sectors with more than 900 aviation professionals worldwide.
About the Role
The Base Hangar Manager will take full ownership of Sabena Engineering’s Brussels base maintenance operations. Acting as the “boss of the hangar,” you will lead all maintenance activities, ensuring they are executed safely, efficiently, and profitably.
This role is at the core of the Brussels operations, combining people leadership with technical and operational oversight. The selected candidate will bring structure, clarity, and performance to a demanding and fast-moving environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and stabilize daily base maintenance operations at the Brussels site.
* Ensure full EASA Part-145 compliance, safety, and quality standards.
* Manage a direct team of ±20 (project managers, planners, admin) and an indirect workforce of ±100 technicians via 6 team leaders.
* Strengthen and coach the team leader layer, developing autonomy and management maturity.
* Oversee the end-to-end maintenance process — preparation, execution, client communication, delivery, and invoicing.
* Improve customer communication around project progress, scope changes, and delivery timelines.
* Implement process discipline, performance monitoring, and cost control initiatives.
* Collaborate with Planning, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure efficient resource allocation.
* Act as a visible, hands-on leader driving engagement, safety, and accountability.
Your Profile
* 8–15 years of experience in aviation (MRO, airline, or OEM).
* Proven track record in base or heavy maintenance leadership.
* NATO nationality (mandatory for security clearance).
* Strong people management and coaching experience (teams of 100+).
* Deep understanding of EASA Part-145, safety, and quality systems.
* Hands-on, pragmatic, and resilient under pressure.
* Engineering background and familiarity with AMOS or similar systems.
* Fluent in English; French or Dutch is an asset.
What Sabena Engineering Offers
* A key operational leadership position within a growing MRO organization.
* The opportunity to bring structure, leadership, and performance to a crucial site.
* A fast-paced environment where your impact is visible and measurable.