Operations Manager

AMS nv – Algemene Metaalbewerking Schaerlaeken; Zemst; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Thorough training and genuine growth opportunities

Autonomy and impact

Attractive salary package

Job summary

AMS nv – Algemene Metaalbewerking Schaerlaeken is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee daily workshop operations and manage a team of approximately 15 employees. This role encompasses technical oversight, production planning, and employee coaching, ensuring quality and efficiency within a stable manufacturing company.

The ideal candidate holds an engineering degree, possesses a strong technical background in metalworking, and is proficient in 3D design. Strong leadership and communication skills in Dutch and French are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in metalworking.
• Familiar with 3D design and technical design software.
• Insight into production processes and manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate daily operations of the workshop.
• Develop, review, and optimize technical plans in 3D.
• Conduct technical consultations with customers.

Skills

3D design expertise

Leadership skills

Technical drawing interpretation

Communication in Dutch and French

Analytical skills

Education

Engineering degree (industrial or civil engineering)

Tools

Technical design software

Job description

As Operations Manager, you are the vital link between strategy and the shop floor. You work closely with the managing director and, after an intensive training period, take on a key role in the day-to-day management of the workshop and the team of 15 employees.

You are visibly present on the shop floor and understand the technical reality of metalworking. Thanks to your knowledge of laser cutting techniques, bending techniques, welding processes and sheet metal fabrication, you speak the same language as the team and quickly identify where optimisations are possible.

You are also highly familiar with 3D design. You read and interpret technical drawings critically and develop designs yourself or optimise existing drawings. You act as the bridge between design, work preparation and execution, while safeguarding the technical quality of projects.

You combine technical depth with natural leadership. You bring structure, monitor planning and efficiency, and step in when needed. You think ahead, prevent bottlenecks and ensure that projects are completed smoothly and to a high standard of quality.

When dealing with customers, you are a professional and approachable point of contact: accurate, clear and, where needed, assertive.

In short: you ensure that the workshop operates as it should — technically strong, efficiently organised and supported by a motivated team.

Concretely, after an intensive and thorough training period, your responsibilities will include:

Operations & Production

• Managing and coordinating the daily operations of the workshop (±15 employees)
• Preparing and monitoring production planning and delivery deadlines
• Safeguarding quality, safety and efficiency
• Detecting and resolving operational bottlenecks in a timely manner

Technical

• Developing, reviewing and optimising technical plans in 3D
• Interpreting technical drawings and translating them into production
• Contributing ideas on manufacturability and technical improvements
• Supporting complex bespoke projects

People Management

• Day-to-day management and coaching of employees
• Motivating the team and maintaining engagement
• Safeguarding a respectful, no-nonsense work culture

Customers & Coordination

• Conducting technical consultations with customers
• Monitoring customer satisfaction and project follow-up
• Acting as a sparring partner for and reporting to the managing director

Your profile

• You hold an engineering degree (industrial or civil engineering)
• You have a strong technical background in metalworking
• You are familiar with 3D design and technical design software
• You have insight into production processes and manufacturability. You take satisfaction in bespoke work.
• You combine strong analytical skills with a practical, hands-on approach
• You communicate fluently in Dutch and French

In addition

• You are present and visible on the shop floor
• You have natural authority and earn respect through both knowledge and attitude
• You think ahead and work in a structured way
• You have strong communication skills and are customer-oriented
• You have the ambition to grow into greater responsibility

What can you expect?

• A key position within a stable and growing manufacturing company
• Close collaboration with the managing director
• Thorough training and genuine growth opportunities
• Autonomy and impact
• An attractive salary package

We guarantee the confidential treatment of your application.