Head of Transport Operations Solutions

Purpose of the role

The Head of Transport Operations Technology & Engineering is accountable for the technology domain supporting SNCB/NMBS transport operations. The role leads the strategy, architecture, delivery and transformation of the systems enabling real-time traffic management, operational and safety incident management, transport planning, transport resource planning, operational staff planning, competency management, and transport execution, including mobile solutions used by train agents.

The role operates in a highly critical 24/7 environment in which the failure or unavailability of certain systems may directly affect train circulation, operational continuity, safety, service quality and company reputation.

As executive leader for the domain, the role holder ensures business alignment, delivery performance, architectural coherence, operational resilience, compliance and long-term sustainability of the application landscape.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead the technology strategy and roadmap for the domain in line with business priorities and overall IT strategy.

• Own the end-to-end portfolio of applications, products and integrations supporting transport operations.

• Lead the delivery of business-critical technology solutions across custom-built and COTS environments.

• Take accountability for the architecture of the domain and for the evolution of its application and integration landscape.

• Ensure the operational robustness, resilience, recoverability and compliance of the domain in collaboration with Infrastructure & Operations teams.

• Drive technical debt reduction, lifecycle management and NIS2-related compliance requirements.

• Lead the transformation of engineering and delivery practices, including the evolution of the SDLC and the adoption of AI-enabled ways of working.

• Manage a department of approximately 200 internal and external staff through 4 direct reports.

• Lead an annual budget of approximately EUR 40 million and manage key suppliers and partners.

• Align continuously with senior business stakeholders at ExCom -1 level and interact regularly with Executive Committee members.

• Contribute actively to transversal IT initiatives and enterprise-wide transformation programs, including sourcing strategy evolution.

• Manage a highly integrated ecosystem with significant dependencies on Infrabel.

Scope and impact

This role covers one of the most critical technology domains within Ypto. It combines accountability for mission-critical systems required to run train operations, leadership of a large and complex department, ownership of a substantial budget, and responsibility for major delivery, architecture and transformation decisions.

The impact of poor decisions in this role may result in significant operational disruption, safety or compliance exposure, service degradation, reputational damage and material financial consequences.