Maintenance Manager

DRIFT; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities within the production department

Competitive salary and benefits package

Travel allowance outside Amsterdam

MacBook for work efficiency

Regular company days and staff social events

Part of the pension plan

Job summary

A creative art organization in Amsterdam is seeking a Maintenance Manager responsible for ensuring the functionality and care of artworks globally. The role involves developing maintenance strategies, managing relationships with clients, and leading a multidisciplinary team. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience, strong technical skills, and an ability to work in dynamic environments. The company offers opportunities for growth, a competitive salary, and travel for installations and projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in maintenance, production, or technical project management.
• Willingness to travel internationally on short notice.
• Experience in building systems and leading teams.
• You are service-oriented and can manage client relationships with professionalism and warmth.
• You communicate clearly with all types of stakeholders – from artists to engineers to building managers.
• You thrive in an international, fast-moving, and hybrid environment.
• You have at least 3 years of experience in maintenance, production, or technical project management.
• You are willing and able to travel internationally, sometimes on short notice.
• You are flexible and willing to work irregular hours.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• You have a driver's license (strongly preferred).
• You have a technical background – this could be engineering, electronics, mechatronics, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Manage a flexible network of freelance talent for maintenance tasks.
• Develop and implement global maintenance strategies.
• Liaise with clients and venues on care for artworks.
• Plan and coordinate international maintenance visits, aligning timelines with local stakeholders and internal schedules.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair artworks – both on‑site and remotely.
• Ensure artworks meet technical, safety, and aesthetic standards post‑installation and throughout their lifecycle.
• Maintain detailed documentation, including maintenance logs, manuals, and technical drawings.
• Train local technicians or client teams in routine upkeep procedures.
• Collaborate with artists, engineers, and designers to understand each artwork's unique maintenance needs.

Skills

Technical coordination

Client relationship management

Troubleshooting and repair

Project management

Fluent in English

Education

Technical background (engineering, electronics, mechatronics, etc.)

Job description

DRIFT Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

At DRIFT we're looking for a Maintenance Manager to join our team. As Maintenance Manager at DRIFT, you are responsible for the long‑term functionality and care of our artworks, many of which are installed worldwide. You develop strategies for proactive and reactive maintenance, and act as the central point of contact for clients, venues, and internal stakeholders. With a strong technical foundation, excellent coordination skills, and a service‑oriented mindset, you ensure our works continue to perform at the highest standard – wherever they are in the world.

This role combines leadership, engineering know‑how, and client communication. It is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, hands‑on environments and is passionate about the intersection of art and technology.

What You’ll Do

• Build and manage a flexible network of freelance talent and external specialists, forming a multidisciplinary maintenance team tailored to project needs.
• Develop and implement a global maintenance strategy, including schedules, documentation, and support systems.
• Serve as the primary liaison for clients, venues, and galleries regarding long‑term care and maintenance of artworks.
• Plan and coordinate international maintenance visits, aligning timelines with local stakeholders and internal schedules.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair artworks – both on‑site and remotely.
• Ensure artworks meet technical, safety, and aesthetic standards post‑installation and throughout their lifecycle.
• Maintain detailed documentation, including maintenance logs, manuals, and technical drawings.
• Train local technicians or client teams in routine upkeep procedures.
• Collaborate with artists, engineers, and designers to understand each artwork's unique maintenance needs.

You are

• You are a skilled coordinator who balances technical depth with big‑picture thinking.
• You enjoy building systems from scratch and leading others with clarity and calm.
• You’re hands‑on and don’t shy away from technical challenges.
• You are service‑oriented and can manage client relationships with professionalism and warmth.
• You communicate clearly with all types of stakeholders – from artists to engineers to building managers.
• You thrive in an international, fast‑moving, and hybrid environment.
• You have at least 3 years of experience in maintenance, production, or technical project management.
• You are willing and able to travel internationally, sometimes on short notice.
• You are flexible and willing to work irregular hours.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• You have a driver's license (strongly preferred).
• You have a technical background – this could be engineering, electronics, mechatronics, or similar.

What you can expect from us

• Growth opportunities within the production department.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Travel allowance if you live outside Amsterdam.
• A MacBook to help you perform your tasks efficiently.
• Regular company days and staff social meet‑ups.
• You will be part of a creative and dynamic team where your contributions matter and your voice is heard.
• You'll be working in an environment where art, creativity, and technology converge, offering a unique and inspiring work atmosphere in our studio.
• You will be part of the DRIFTS pension plan.
• Opportunities to travel for installations and projects, both within the Netherlands and abroad.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as our new Maintenance Manager? Then we'd love to hear about you! You can submit your application until December 31st 2025. After that, we will review all the CVs and get back to you regarding your application.