Operations Manager

Our client is an innovative technology company operating at the intersection of hardware, software, AI and public sector services. The organisation develops and delivers mission-critical technology solutions, combining proprietary software, hardware deployment, operational services and long-term customer partnerships.

Following a successful growth phase, the company is entering its next stage of development, focused on professionalisation, scalability and international expansion. To support this journey, the organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Manager who can take ownership of the local operation, strengthen leadership, and build the structure required for continued growth.

The Role

business. You will lead the local team of 6 employees plus various subcontractors, oversee operational performance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure that customers receive a consistently high-quality service.

This is a broad leadership position that combines operational management, people leadership, commercial awareness and stakeholder engagement. You will act as the link between senior leadership, customers, suppliers, government stakeholders and internal teams.

The organisation is looking for a true hands-on leader who takes ownership, solves problems before they become crises, and creates the structure and accountability necessary to support a growing business. This is not a role for someone who simply manages a task list. It requires an individual who can anticipate issues, challenge the status quo, make decisions and drive execution.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Take full responsibility for the daily operation and performance of the business.
• Provide leadership, direction and support to the local team.
• Establish operational discipline, clear priorities and accountability.
• Monitor performance and ensure operational objectives are achieved.
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions before issues escalate.Service Delivery & Operations
• Own the successful delivery of the organisation’s products and services.
• Ensure projects, deployments and operational activities are delivered on time and to the required quality standards.
• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Resolve operational challenges and customer issues in a pragmatic and effective manner.
• Drive a culture of execution and accountability.

Contract & Supplier Management

• Take ownership of contract management activities.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, service partners and external stakeholders.
• Oversee contractual obligations, performance levels and risk management.
• Support commercial proposals, tenders and procurement activities.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted representative of the organisation with customers, public sector bodies, regulatory authorities and strategic partners.
• Manage day-to-day external relationships and ensure effective communication across all stakeholders.
• Navigate complex operational and regulatory matters with professionalism and confidence. Project & Compliance Management
• Lead operational improvement initiatives and business-critical projects.
• Coordinate audits, compliance programmes and certification activities.
• Improve processes, reporting structures and governance frameworks.
• Support the ongoing professionalisation of the organisation.

People Leadership

• Lead, develop and coach the local team.
• Take responsibility for recruitment, onboarding, performance management and workforce planning.
• Conduct performance reviews and address underperformance where required.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will bring greater structure, ownership and operational rigour to the business. They will ensure that:

• Operational issues are identified early and resolved quickly.
• Team members are held accountable for commitments and performance.
• Customers receive a consistently high level of service.
• Projects and initiatives are executed effectively.
• The organisation is prepared for future growth and expansion.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of operational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in people management and team leadership.
• Experience within an SME, scale-up or entrepreneurial business environment.
• Strong background in operations, project management, supplier management and contract management.
• Affinity with technology-driven businesses, preferably involving both hardware and software solutions.
• Experience working with public sector stakeholders, regulated environments or government-related projects would be advantageous.

Personality & Leadership Style

The ideal candidate is first and foremost a self-starter with a strong sense of ownership. They are:

• Proactive and highly action-oriented.
• Comfortable operating in an environment where not everything is fully structured.
• Able to anticipate problems rather than simply react to them.
• Confident in holding people accountable and addressing mistakes directly.
• Pragmatic, resilient and solutions-focused.
• Professional, sharp and commercially aware.
• A natural leader who combines empathy with high standards.
• Comfortable making difficult decisions and having challenging conversations.
• Hands-on and willing to roll up their sleeves when required.
• Focused on outcomes and execution rather than bureaucracy.
• Able to bring energy, urgency and momentum to a team.
• Capable of building trust across customers, suppliers, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Fluent in both Dutch and English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Most importantly, this person demonstrates a genuine “get things done” mentality. They do not wait to be told what to do. They identify opportunities for improvement, take ownership of problems and ensure actions are followed through to completion.

Interested?

The search & select for this position is being conducted by HPW Executive Search. To apply or for more information please contact Caroline van der Beek on info@hpwexecutivesearch.com or +31-20-520 7599.