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 at Sint‑Niklaas. Reporting directly to the Head of DC Belgium and as a member of the DC Senior Leadership Team, you play a key role in shaping both day‑to‑day operations and long‑term strategy. You lead and develop a multidisciplinary team that keeps our automated systems, building infrastructure, and warehouse control software running safely, efficiently, and reliably. You combine strong people leadership with deep technical understanding, stakeholder management, and a continuous improvement mindset. From steering automation maintenance and facility operations to guiding engineering projects and managing procurement, you safeguard business continuity and contribute directly to operational excellence.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
What will you do
Automation Maintenance
* Lead, coach and develop the automation maintenance team
* Oversee the performance, reliability and continuous improvement of automated systems
* Management of the Warehouse Control Software (WCS): overseeing system performance, collaborating with IT and software vendors, monitoring stability, driving incident resolution, validating software updates and changes, managing support contracts and SLAs, and maintaining clear documentation of all system processes and interfaces
* Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance of conveyors, miniloads, PLCs, sensors and other automation components
* Drive troubleshooting, root‑cause elimination and knowledge sharing
* Manage spare parts and technical inventory
* Coordinate with external suppliers and service partners
* Ensure accurate documentation in the CMMS
* Guarantee compliance with machine safety standards
* Support upgrades, modernization and system enhancements
* Manage budgets and report maintenance performance
Facility Maintenance
* Lead and mentor the facility maintenance team
* Oversee maintenance of HVAC, sanitation, lighting, fire protection systems and elevators
* Coordinate facility services (cleaning, waste management, landscaping, security)
* Manage facility contracts and mandatory inspections
* Drive energy efficiency and sustainability improvements
* Ensure compliance with environmental, safety and regulatory requirements
* Guide small renovation works and facility‑related projects
* Manage budgeting, spend control and reporting
How will you do this
* Use data analytics to generate actionable insights for management
* Set up reporting tools to monitor performance and workload
* Provide training and support to team leads and managers
* Act as a liaison between operations and technology teams
* Track progress and follow up on improvement actions
* Support major CAPEX projects and cross‑functional collaboration
* Evaluate quotations and select technical suppliers
* Oversee installation and commissioning
* Collaborate with engineering partners and consultants
* Procurement of parts & services: managing purchase orders, inventories, invoices, supplier selection, contract negotiations and compliance
What success looks like
* Your team is motivated, skilled and empowered, with clear responsibilities and room to grow
* Systems and infrastructure operate safely, reliably and efficiently
* Technical issues are solved quickly, with long‑term prevention in mind
* Facilities are compliant, well maintained and operationally optimized
* Projects are delivered on time, within budget and in strong partnership with stakeholders
* Supplier relationships support quality, continuity and cost efficiency
* You foster 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
* 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
* 7-10 years of experience in technical maintenance, facility operations, engineering, or automated environments.
* Proven leadership experience managing technical and multidisciplinary teams.
* Strong people manager with coaching and development skills.
* Excellent stakeholder management across operations, engineering, IT and external partners.
* Strategic thinker with hands‑on problem‑solving capability.
* Skilled in planning, prioritization, crisis management and budget oversight.
* Strong understanding of safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
* Experience with root cause analysis, continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen) and operational optimization.
* Comfortable with digital tools and reporting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, monitoring systems, maintenance analytics).
* Strong communication skills in English (Dutch is a 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?
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