Business Area Manager - Real Time Operations

About the role

The Business Area Manager leads a portfolio of mission-critical applications that support train operations, traffic management, incident management, security management and real-time decision making. The role contributes to the reliability, availability, quality and performance of the Belgian railway system while driving the digital transformation of operational processes. It covers strategy, delivery, budget, people management and stakeholder engagement, and manages a group of Business Areas and multidisciplinary delivery teams of about 60 people. The position is based near Brussels-South station.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support Business Area Leads and Team Leads, lead the Project Management Chapter and build a high-performing, collaborative organisation
• Define and steer the domain's strategic roadmap and ensure delivery of projects, products and services
• Manage a consolidated budget of around €10 million (CAPEX and OPEX), allocate resources efficiently and monitor financial performance
• Ensure the availability, quality and performance of critical applications and services, and promote best practices in delivery, service management and governance
• Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, representing the domain in governance bodies and steering committees
• Identify, assess and mitigate risks and contribute to strategic planning

Required profile

• Master's degree or equivalent experience and at least 8 years of relevant IT experience
• Proven experience managing team leads and multidisciplinary teams, with strong coaching skills
• Proven project management, portfolio and delivery management experience, and knowledge of project, product and service management practices
• Strong CAPEX/OPEX budget management, financial monitoring, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning
• Fluent English and Dutch or French, understanding the other national language

Required skills

• Strategic roadmap definition and delivery planning
• Budget management and financial analysis
• Stakeholder management, negotiation and conflict resolution
• Change leadership and continuous improvement

What we offer

• Hybrid working with flexible hours and a balanced mix of office and remote work
• 35 days of annual leave
• Mobility package with a company car or alternative options, plus a public transport season ticket
• Target bonus
• Comprehensive insurance covering hospitalisation, dental care and outpatient costs, plus group insurance with a supplementary pension
• Meal vouchers, eco vouchers and net allowances for hybrid working and internet