Simera Sense is a leading global provider of high-performance space cameras and mission-critical imaging solutions. As they undergo rapid international growth and industrial scale-up, they are evolving their operations to meet the demands of global defence and commercial programs. Therefore they are looking for a COO.brAny additional information you require for this job can be found in the below text Make sure to read thoroughly, then apply.brStrategic and hands-on driver of industrial scale-upbrAs COO, you are the executive owner of end-to-end execution across the Simera Sense Group operations, serving as the CEO's natural second-in-command.brYou are responsible for translating high-level strategy into predictable, scalable execution while ensuring that industrial and operational systems are fit for sustained growth and rigorous investor scrutiny. In other words:brYou will lead and scale all operational functions - including supply chain optimization and resilience, assembly, integration, testing, and production - while translating company strategy into actionable operational plans, KPIs, and capacity roadmaps.brYou drive production throughput, yield, and quality across global sites by leading local Managing Directors and establishing a central Group Project Management Office (PMO) to ensure delivery predictability and cross-site coordination.brEnsure high performance and resilience across the global supplier ecosystem while maintaining rigorous quality assurance, compliance, and industrial discipline.brYou'll serve as a permanent member of the Defence Programme Office (DPO) to enforce export control. Represent the company's operational strengths to partners, investors, and institutional stakeholders.brAnd finally you lead the transition to a digitally integrated operating model using AI-supported tools and live reporting to establish an Industry 5.0 organization.brYou understand that a company is driven by its values, and as an executive leader you understand and accept that you have a key role to live out and also constantly help refine our binding values.brYou have a technical or engineering background, ideally complemented by an MBA or equivalent qualification.brYou are an executive leader with a hands-on approach and the authority to drive decision-making at the center of a fast-growing organization.brYou possess the strategic insight to navigate complex, regulated environments and the pragmatic discipline necessary to maintain quality during rapid scale-up.brYou have strong communication skills to align diverse cross-functional teams and represent the company effectively in high-stakes environments.brYou have 10+ years of senior operational leadership experience within the aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing sectors.brYou have a proven track record of scaling production, industrial operations, and supply chain systems in international settings.brYou have deep expertise in program execution, quality management systems, and operational compliance in mission-critical environments.brYou are willing and able to travel regularly to international sites, including South Africa, France, and the UK. This role is based in Leuven (Belgium).brSimera Sense offers an entrepreneurial and high-authority role at the core of a global space-tech pioneer.brYou will join an international team where the culture is driven by innovation, digital integration, and the empowerment of people through intelligent systems.brA key position providing the autonomy to (re)shape the operating model of a Group that is positioning its European headquarters as the high-value core of its global footprint.brA core seat on the executive leadership team with delegated decision-making authority and the opportunity to act as the CEO's proxy in critical operational, industrial, and program matters. xirbnpk brProfessional growth within an organization rapidly expanding from approximately 126 to 280 employees over the next three years.brPracticality, Operating Models, Scale production, Expertise, Defence, Bookbinding, Innovation, Aerospace, Execution, KPI, Operating systems, Team Culture, Delivery, Strategic Insight, Practicality, Stress tolerance, Business Strategy, Export Controls, Decision Making, Road Map, Management, Career Development, Stakeholders, Supply chain, Headquarters, Quality assurance, Coordination, Ecosystems, Pragmatism, High tech, Industrial, Intelligent Systems, Assembly, Production, Reporting, Group Project, Operations, Testing, Translation, Quality assurance, End to End, Team Leadership