Head of Facility & Maintenance

Head of Facility & Maintenance

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Head of Facility & Maintenance, you are the strategic and operational leader behind the technical heartbeat of our Distribution Center. Reporting directly to the Head of DC Belgium and as a member of the DC Senior Leadership Team, you play a critical role in safeguarding daily operations while shaping long-term technical and facility strategy.

You lead and develop a multidisciplinary team that keeps our automated systems, building infrastructure, and warehouse control software running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role combines strong people leadership, high technical credibility and business ownership with an overall continuous improvement mindset. From steering automation maintenance and facility operations to guiding engineering projects and managing procurement, this role safeguards business continuity and contribute directly to operational excellence.

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

What will you do:

Automation Maintenance

• Lead, coach and develop the automation maintenance organization, building strong engagement ownership and technical capability within the team.

• Ensure high availability, reliability and continuous improvement of automated warehouse systems

• Own the operational performance of the warehouse control system (WCS) in close collaboration with IT and external software partners, ensuring system stability, incident resolution, change validation and effective SLA management

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of conveyors, miniloads, PLCs, sensors and automation components.

• Drive effective troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and long-term problem prevention

• Ensure accurate documentation and usage of CMMS systems

• Manage spare parts strategies and technical inventories

• Coordinate external suppliers, service partners and system integrators

• Ensure full compliance with machine safety standards and technical regulations

• Support automation upgrades, modernization initiatives and system enhancements

• Manage maintenance budgets and report on performance, availability and costs.

Facility Maintenance

• Lead and mentor the facility maintenance team, fostering accountability, collaboration and development.

• Oversee maintenance of building infrastructure, including HVAC, lighting, sanitation, fire protection systems and elevators

• Coordinate facility services such as cleaning, waste management, landscaping, security

• Manage facility contracts, statutory inspections and regulatory requirements

• Drive energy efficiency and sustainability improvements

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety and regulatory requirements

• Lead small renovation works and facility-related improvement initiatives

• Manage budgeting, spend control and reporting

How will you do this:

• Use data analytics to generate actionable insights on system performance, workload and risks

• Set up and maintain reporting and monitoring tools to support decision-making

• Develop team leads and managers through coaching, feedback and training

• Act as a strong liaison between operations, automation, engineering, IT and external partners

• Proactively track progress on improvement actions and follow up on commitments

• Support major CAPEX projects from planning through installations and commissioning

• Evaluate quotations and select technical suppliers

• Oversee installation and commissioning

• Collaborate with engineering partners and consultants

• Procurement of parts & services: managing purchase orders, inventories, invoices, supplier selection, contract negotiations and compliance.

What success looks like:

• Your teams are engaged, motivated and empowered, with a strong sense of belonging and clear ownership.

• Automation systems and facilities operate safely reliably and with minimal disruption to the business

• Technical issues are addressed, with long-term prevention in mind

• Facilities are compliant, well maintained and continuously optimized

• Projects are delivered on time, within budget and in strong partnership with stakeholders

• Supplier relationships support quality, continuity and cost efficiency

• You promote a culture of safety, ownership and continuous improvement

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field such as: Industrial Engineering, Electromechanics, Automation / Mechatronics, Facility Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology

• 5-8 years of experience in technical maintenance, facility operations, engineering environments, ideally within highly automated distribution or industrial settings

• Proven experience leading and developing technical and multidisciplinary teams

• Strong people manager with a focus on engagement, coaching and team culture

• High technical credibility in automation, industrial systems, PLC-based solutions and technical installations

• Ability to collaborate effectively with IT, engineering teams and external software and automation partners.

• Strategic mindset combined with hands-on-problem-solving capability

• Strong sense of accountability, business ownership and resilience in critical situations

• Strong understanding of safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.

• Experience with root cause analysis, continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen) and operational optimization.

• Comfortable with digital tools and reporting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, monitoring systems, maintenance analytics).

• Strong communication skills in English (Dutch is a  strong plus).

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

We're in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy, and commitment of our people. That's why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical, and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we're the total package such as meal vouchers, pension plan, multiple insurances, company car,...

OUR PARENT COMPANY, VF CORPORATION

VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities, and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. It's a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com.

WE HAVE JUST ONE QUESTION: ARE YOU IN?