Head of Facility & Maintenance
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ROLE
As the Head of Facility & Maintenance, you are the strategic and operational leader behind the technical heartbeat of our Distribution Center. Reporting directly to the Head of DC Belgium and as a member of the DC Senior Leadership Team, you play a critical role in safeguarding daily operations while shaping long-term technical and facility strategy.
You lead and develop a multidisciplinary team that keeps our automated systems, building infrastructure, and warehouse control software running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role combines strong people leadership, high technical credibility and business ownership with an overall continuous improvement mindset. From steering automation maintenance and facility operations to guiding engineering projects and managing procurement, this role safeguards business continuity and contribute directly to operational excellence.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
What will you do:
Automation Maintenance
1. Lead, coach and develop the automation maintenance organization, building strong engagement ownership and technical capability within the team.
2. Ensure high availability, reliability and continuous improvement of automated warehouse systems
3. Own the operational performance of the warehouse control system (WCS) in close collaboration with IT and external software partners, ensuring system stability, incident resolution, change validation and effective SLA management
4. Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of conveyors, miniloads, PLCs, sensors and automation components.
5. Drive effective troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and long-term problem prevention
6. Ensure accurate documentation and usage of CMMS systems
7. Manage spare parts strategies and technical inventories
8. Coordinate external suppliers, service partners and system integrators
9. Ensure full compliance with machine safety standards and technical regulations
10. Support automation upgrades, modernization initiatives and system enhancements
11. Manage maintenance budgets and report on performance, availability and costs.
Facility Maintenance
12. Lead and mentor the facility maintenance team, fostering accountability, collaboration and development.
13. Oversee maintenance of building infrastructure, including HVAC, lighting, sanitation, fire protection systems and elevators
14. Coordinate facility services such as cleaning, waste management, landscaping, security
15. Manage facility contracts, statutory inspections and regulatory requirements
16. Drive energy efficiency and sustainability improvements
17. Ensure compliance with environmental, safety and regulatory requirements
18. Lead small renovation works and facility-related improvement initiatives
19. Manage budgeting, spend control and reporting
How will you do this:
20. Use data analytics to generate actionable insights on system performance, workload and risks
21. Set up and maintain reporting and monitoring tools to support decision-making
22. Develop team leads and managers through coaching, feedback and training
23. Act as a strong liaison between operations, automation, engineering, IT and external partners
24. Proactively track progress on improvement actions and follow up on commitments
25. Support major CAPEX projects from planning through installations and commissioning
26. Evaluate quotations and select technical suppliers
27. Oversee installation and commissioning
28. Collaborate with engineering partners and consultants
29. Procurement of parts & services: managing purchase orders, inventories, invoices, supplier selection, contract negotiations and compliance.
What success looks like:
30. Your teams are engaged, motivated and empowered, with a strong sense of belonging and clear ownership.
31. Automation systems and facilities operate safely reliably and with minimal disruption to the business
32. Technical issues are addressed, with long-term prevention in mind
33. Facilities are compliant, well maintained and continuously optimized
34. Projects are delivered on time, within budget and in strong partnership with stakeholders
35. Supplier relationships support quality, continuity and cost efficiency
36. You promote a culture of safety, ownership and continuous improvement
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
37. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field such as: Industrial Engineering, Electromechanics, Automation / Mechatronics, Facility Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology
38. 5–8 years of experience in technical maintenance, facility operations, engineering environments, ideally within highly automated distribution or industrial settings
39. Proven experience leading and developing technical and multidisciplinary teams
40. Strong people manager with a focus on engagement, coaching and team culture
41. High technical credibility in automation, industrial systems, PLC-based solutions and technical installations
42. Ability to collaborate effectively with IT, engineering teams and external software and automation partners.
43. Strategic mindset combined with hands-on-problem-solving capability
44. Strong sense of accountability, business ownership and resilience in critical situations
45. Strong understanding of safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
46. Experience with root cause analysis, continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen) and operational optimization.
47. Comfortable with digital tools and reporting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, monitoring systems, maintenance analytics).
48. Strong communication skills in English (Dutch is a strong plus).
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy, and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical, and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package such as meal vouchers, pension plan, multiple insurances, company car,…
OUR PARENT COMPANY, VF CORPORATION
VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities, and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com.
WE HAVE JUST ONE QUESTION: ARE YOU IN?
R-20260320-0013