Head of Technical & Maintenance management

Who we are:

Once started as a local Dutch and Belgium logistics provider for companies in the fashion industry, we have grown into an award-winning international 3PL logistics company serving many renowned brands across various consumer goods industries. We leverage our experience and knowledge built over many years, passed from team member to team member, and expanded our activities ever since. Despite our growth and substantially larger business size, we have always kept our spirit of an agile entrepreneur, drive to excel, passion for logistics and culture of putting people first since 1862.

Do you believe your work can make a difference in other people’s lives and contribute to an organization’s and its customers' success? At Bleckmann, we do. Do you want to become part of an international and diverse team? If the answer is yes, then Bleckmann might be the right fit for you.

Tasks and responsibilities:

At Bleckmann, engineering excellence and innovation are at the core of our ability to deliver world-class & cost-optimized logistics solutions. The Head of Engineering Procurement & Maintenance Strategy is a key leadership role responsible for driving technical engineering excellence, leading procurement efforts for automation projects, and developing a robust company-wide maintenance strategy.

This role acts as the strategic link between Engineering, Procurement, Projects and Operations, ensuring the successful execution of automation projects while establishing best-in-class maintenance practices to enhance equipment uptime, optimize costs, and improve operational efficiency.

The Head of Engineering Procurement & Maintenance Strategy will oversee the technical definition, tendering, evaluation, and contracting of automation solutions, while simultaneously implementing a structured maintenance framework that supports Bleckmann’s long-term operational goals.

Through these responsibilities, the role ensures that Bleckmann continues to lead in logistics automation, delivering cost-effective and innovative engineering solutions that drive operational excellence.

Profile:

Leadership in Engineering Procurement & Automation Strategy

• Activities :
• Define detailed technical specifications for automation systems.
• Drive procurement efforts in collaboration with the Procurement team, including tendering (RFI, RFP, RFQ) and supplier selection.
• Lead the technical evaluation of supplier proposals, ensuring alignment with operational and business objectives.
• Ensure standardization and scalability of automation solutions across multiple sites.
• Scope of Authority:
• Own the technical decision-making in the procurement process.
• Performance Indicators:
• Successful execution of automation projects within budget and timeline.
• High-quality supplier contracts aligned with operational needs.

Maintenance Strategy Development & Implementation

• Develop and implement a company-wide preventive and predictive maintenance strategy for automation equipment (including deployment of maintenance management systems)
• Define maintenance SLAs, KPIs, and best practices to ensure maximum equipment uptime.
• Partner with site operations to deploy maintenance programs and ensure adherence to standards.
• Continuously assess and improve maintenance efficiency through data analysis and technological advancements.

• Scope of Authority:
• Define and oversee maintenance policies and execution across all operational sites.

• Performance Indicators:
• Reduction in unplanned equipment downtime.
• Improved cost efficiency of maintenance operations
• Increase of automated equipment reliability

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Act as the bridge between Engineering, Procurement, Project and Operations, ensuring smooth communication and execution of automation projects.
• Lead internal discussions on engineering procurement strategies, innovation, and process optimization.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and recommend new technologies and best practices in automation and maintenance.
• Scope of Authority:
• Drive decision-making in cross-functional projects related to automation and maintenance.
• Performance Indicators:
• Strong stakeholder alignment and collaboration.
• Adoption of innovative technologies and continuous process improvements.

Requirements

Technical Expertise:

• Automation & Engineering Knowledge: Strong background in warehouse automation technologies, including AutoStore, AMRs, conveyors, and robotics.
• Procurement & Tendering Expertise: Deep understanding of technical procurement, supplier evaluation, and contract management.
• Maintenance Strategy & Reliability Engineering: Strong Experience in preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies. Also in the management of complex Automation on different sites.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to leverage analytics, KPIs, and cost modeling for automation and maintenance optimization.

Experience & Education:

• Professional Experience: 10-15 years of experience in engineering, procurement, or maintenance leadership roles, preferably in logistics, automation, or manufacturing.
• Educational Background: Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Personal Qualities & Soft Skills:

• Leadership & Influence: Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams, negotiate with suppliers, and drive strategic initiatives.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to define long-term engineering and maintenance strategies.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Hands-on approach to troubleshooting complex technical challenges.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to present technical strategies to senior management and collaborate with operational teams.
• Global Mindset: Ready and willing to work in a global context, necessitating cultural sensitivity and effective communication across diverse teams.

Communication Skills:

• Language Proficiency: Language Proficiency: Fluent in English (written & verbal); Dutch is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Interest in New Technologies: A high interest in staying abreast of the latest technologies and innovations in the field of warehousing.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier engagements and site implementations.

What do we offer ?

• Mobility: Willingness to travel to implementation sites as needed, including extended stays during implementation phases.
• Interest in New Technologies: High interest in staying up-to-date with the latest automation technologies and warehousing solutions.