Head of Tech & Product Operations (Maternity cover, 1 year contract)

sennder; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

sennder is seeking a Head of Product Operations on a maternity cover basis to drive strategic tech initiatives and operational cadence across Product and Engineering. The role, based in Amsterdam, Berlin or Barcelona, partners with CPTO and tech leadership to accelerate digitalization of road logistics.

You will own dashboards, ROI reporting and cross-functional collaboration, shaping data-driven decisions and ensuring delivery of the roadmap during a 1-year contract.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Chief of Staff / Technology Operations / Program Management within a tech environment
• Strong understanding of software development and product operations
• Financial acumen including budget ownership, ROI/business case development, and cost management
• Basic knowledge of IFRS capitalization and R&D grant processes
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and data-driven decision-making skills
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills

Responsibilities

• Define, prioritize, and execute strategic initiatives across Tech (Product & Engineering).
• Drive quarterly planning, goal setting, and operational cadence across Technology.
• Lead AI adoption and transformation initiatives with Product and Engineering leads.
• Deliver regular portfolio updates, ROI reports, and roadmap communications.
• Develop dashboards and reporting for data-driven decision making.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between Product, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Commercial teams.
• Prepare and deliver board and executive updates on behalf of the CPTO.

Skills

Executive-level coordination

Software development understanding

Product operations expertise

Budget ownership & ROI

Stakeholder management (exec)

Job description

Head of Product Operations (Maternity cover, 1 year contract)

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Technology

In office

Full-time

sennder is Europe's Leading Digital Freight Forwarder. In a traditional industry, we're moving fast and focusing on the digitalization and automation of road logistics.

By leveraging our proprietary technology, we're building an ecosystem that is leading the industry into the 21st century.

We're looking for a Head of Product Operations to join our Tech department on a maternity cover basis (1 year contract), supporting us on our journey to revolutionize road freight logistics. The role is based in our Berlin, Barcelona, or Amsterdam office.

WHAT YOU WILL DO...

• Partner with the CPTO and tech leadership to define, prioritize, and execute strategic and tactical initiatives across Tech (Product and Engineering).
• Drive quarterly planning, goal setting, and operational cadence across the Technology organization, including the shift toward outcome-driven prioritization.
• Lead AI adoption and transformation initiatives across the Tech organization, partnering with Product and Engineering leads on rollout and change management.
• Own regular deliverables, e.g. portfolio update, ROI report, IT cap report (R&D tax capitalization), R&D Refund, roadmap delivery, planning dashboards, and communication (e.g. TAH, newsletter).
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between Product, Engineering, Operations, Finance and Commercial teams
• Prepare and deliver board and executive team updates on behalf of the CPTO.
• Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support data-driven decision-making and communicate progress.
• Lead special projects and organizational effectiveness programs on behalf of the CPTO.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR...

• Significant experience in a Chief of Staff, Technology Operations, Program Management, or Consulting role within a technology-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of software development and product operations.
• Financial acumen - experience with budget ownership, ROI/business case development, and cost management in a tech organization.
• Basic knowledge of IT Capitalization (IFRS) and Forschungszulage (German R&D grant) is a must.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with a data-driven decision-making mindset.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively at executive levels.
• High levels of ownership and resilience, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced and ambiguous environments.

WHY CHOOSE SENNDER...

We believe in empowering our people to grow beyond their limits, embrace challenges, and create solutions that drive our collective success. Our culture thrives on entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and collaboration.

Dynamic Scale-Up sennder is at a pivotal stage - transitioning from a scale-up to a sustainably growing company. This means we move fast and constantly push ourselves to improve. Joining us means being part of an ambitious, international team of talented individuals who value teamwork as much as bold thinking. Face-to-face connections across our offices remain central - it's not uncommon to travel to our offices across Europe to collaborate as we tackle challenges and celebrate wins, together.

Put Your Stamp on the Industry We operate in a complex and ever-changing industry where your ideas and efforts have a tangible, transformative impact. This is your chance to be hands-on in creating sustainable, meaningful solutions that help businesses thrive.

Employee Well-Being We make mental wellbeing and engagement a priority through initiatives like our sennCare program, a partnership with nilo (global wellbeing platform), and regular satisfaction surveys via Culture Amp. And most importantly, work alongside people who truly care about you as a person. There is something special about the people at sennder that goes beyond just 'work'.

Your Growth, Rewarded We believe in rewarding our team for their commitment and contributions to our long-term success. Our compensation package may include performance bonuses, referral rewards, or equity that align with our goal of building a thriving company together. We're excited to grow with you!

Vibrant Workspaces Our offices are equipped with healthy snacks, focus zones, and social areas to keep you energized and connected. When you walk into a sennder office, you immediately feel the sennder spirit: our shared culture paired with each location’s own unique character. Highlights include a slide in our Wroclaw office and a sunny rooftop terrace in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Milan! We also enjoy coming together regularly, from monthly aperitivos to spontaneous team moments.

We celebrate diversity and value your character just as much as your skills. If you don't meet every requirement, don't worry, we still encourage you to take a chance and apply. Bring your authentic self and help us shape the future of logistics in Europe.