Operational Leader - the Netherlands

Operational Leader (the Netherlands)

Reporting to: Operations Director (Western Europe)

Location: based around the Amstelveen office (hybrid role with regular presence in the office and regular site visits)

Company Overview

Our client is a global leader in service-based systems integration. They are built upon a solid foundation of 10 values and beliefs which drive their unmatched culture and they aim to be their customers' best service provider. They take great pride in protecting their customers and the lives and assets of their communities with their innovative solutions, specialising in physical security solutions and other critical infrastructure.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an Operational Leader to drive operational excellence and support growth within their business in the Netherlands. This key role requires a hands-on approach combined with tactical insight. You will be crucial in optimising operational processes, ensuring efficient project delivery, and contributing to client satisfaction. As an Operational Leader, you will work closely with teams, providing guidance and troubleshooting support, whilst focusing on process improvement and tactical execution. This role offers significant growth potential towards future leadership opportunities and requires a proactive and results-driven professional who thrives on improving efficiency and delivering high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the optimisation of operational processes within the Netherlands, focusing on efficiency and quality
• Provide hands-on support and tactical guidance to operational teams and projects
• Ensure efficient project execution and delivery from initiation to closeout, meeting scope, schedule, and budget objectives
• Implement and support the application of operational best practices and standards
• Monitor project financials, including budgets and potentially supporting cash management processes
• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges and project roadblocks with agility and grit
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Service, and Project teams to ensure seamless sales-to-operations turnover and coordinated delivery
• Contribute to maintaining high levels of client satisfaction by ensuring operational delivery meets expectations
• Support the development and training of operational colleagues as needed
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures relevant to operations
• Conduct regular site visits to support project teams, assess operational needs, and ensure standards are met
• Ensure operations adhere to safety standards and regulatory requirements

Skills Required

• Strong operational management skills with the ability to implement and optimise processes
• Exceptional problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking ability combined with a tactical, hands-on approach
• Excellent leadership qualities and ability to influence others, with potential to coach and develop teams
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Fluent in both Dutch and English
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities
• Strong financial acumen to manage budgets and evaluate opportunities
• Highly energetic, self-motivated, and results-driven; thrives under pressure
• Strong team player with a collaborative attitude
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and comfort with relevant operational / project management tools (e.g. CRM, Wrike, iTrac, D365)
• Tech Savviness: Familiarity with systems integration, security solutions, or related technical fields is advantageous
• Experience in operational management, project management, or a customer-facing technical / service role
• Proven track record of driving operational efficiency, project delivery, or service excellence
• Experience with hands-on involvement in operational processes, troubleshooting, or project execution
• Experience or familiarity with sector knowledge (security systems, fire alarms, and systems integration) is a strong preference, but experience from adjacent industries is also possible
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage complex situations
• Experience in bid writing or contributing to proposals is advantageous

Education & Certifications

• College degree, trade school or equivalent experience; a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field is desirable
• Relevant industry-specific or IT certifications are required; product-specific certifications are advantageous
• PMP or equivalent certification is desirable

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role primarily based around the Amstelveen office. It requires regular office presence and site visits to client locations within the Netherlands. Occasional travel within the EMEA region may be required. A valid driving licence and a clean driving record are required.

Company Culture & Benefits

Our client's culture values service, integrity, and innovation. They foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive. Guided by their core values, they prioritise their customers and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. They offer opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, flexible working arrangements, community engagement programmes, annual performance-based salary reviews, and engaging employee events. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Ready to make an impact? This is a high-priority role. If you are a proven operational leader with the required experience and skills, are fluent in Dutch and English, and are ready to drive operational excellence in the Netherlands, we encourage you to apply promptly.