Manager IT / OT

Brink Towing Systems; Staphorst; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 vacation days

13 ADV days

Travel expense scheme

Bicycle lease program

Training & development

Pension scheme

Job summary

Brink Group in Staphorst, Netherlands, seeks a hands-on Manager IT/OT to bridge IT and Operations Technology across global manufacturing sites. You will lead a 5-person team, own the budget, and align local IT/OT with group standards, while collaborating with the CFO and global IT.

This role drives digital transformation on the shop floor, leads IT/OT projects, and strengthens cybersecurity in partnership with Manufacturing Engineering to improve efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead IT/OT teams in a matrix organization.
• Extensive knowledge of IT/OT and manufacturing systems.
• Experience with Azure, Microsoft 365, and ERP/MES.
• Fluent Dutch and English; German preferred.
• Strong business analysis and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure IT and OT are securely integrated and support offices and manufacturing.
• Interface between Manufacturing Engineering, global IT, and external partners.
• Lead IT/OT improvement projects and drive new technologies.
• Coach and develop the IT team and set priorities.
• Translate requirements into scalable IT/OT solutions aligned with standards.
• Manage IT budget and forecast.

Skills

IT/OT leadership

Azure

Microsoft 365

Aruba networking

Windows Server

Cybersecurity

ERP (Dynamics AX/SAP)

MES

Industrial networking

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

We are looking for a hands-on Manager IT / OT who will bridge the gap between our IT and Operation Technology infrastructures. This role combines local leadership with central and global responsibility in a matrix organization. Locally, you are accountable for the BRINK IT/OT organization, including team leadership, budget, local business alignment, and Operations Technology support for manufacturing.

Centrally, you contribute your technical expertise and business analysis capabilities to AL-KO IT initiatives. Globally, you are able to lead projects and contribute to the development of standardized project management across the DexKo organization.

You ensure that technology is correctly integrated, secure and effectively supports our office and operations, preventing fragmentation and operational risks. In this role, you will work closely with global colleagues throughout the AL-KO / DexKo Group and partner with our manufacturing sites in the Netherlands and across the globe.

You will be leading a team of System & Network-, Application- and Service Desk Engineers (5 FTE), are responsible for ICT budget and forecast and report directly to our CFO.

What makes this position unique:

• Shape the IT/OT landscape of a global manufacturing leader. You will be responsible for aligning and optimizing both IT and Operational Technology (OT) across Brink's key production sites, working in a matrix organization with the global IT team.
• Lead and develop a high-performing IT team. You will manage and coach a team of five IT professionals (System & Network, Applications and Service Desk), fostering collaboration, continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Drive digital transformation on the shop floor. As the trusted IT/OT business partner for our manufacturing sites, you will lead IT and OT projects, support smart factory initiatives and work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to improve operational efficiency, reliability and cybersecurity.

Your responsibilities:

• Ensure that IT and OT are securely integrated and effectively support both our office environment and manufacturing operations.
• Act as the key interface between Manufacturing Engineering, the global IT organization and external technology partners. Therefor you are part of the Staphorst Operations team to ensure strategic direction and clear priorities.
• Lead IT and OT improvement projects, including infrastructure upgrades, system migrations and the implementation of new technologies and provide hands-on technical input for IT, OT, infrastructure, ERP, MES, cybersecurity and service management topics.
• Manage, coach and develop the IT team, setting clear priorities and driving a high-performance culture.
• Translate business and manufacturing requirements into scalable IT/OT solutions aligned with group standards and ensure reliable IT service delivery, governance and alignment with global AL-KO / DexKo standards.
• Manage the IT budget and forecast, while driving continuous improvement across the IT/OT landscape.

Your profile:

• Proven ability to combine people leadership with strong hands-on IT/OT expertise;
• Broad knowledge of enterprise IT and OT, including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Aruba networking, Windows Server, virtualization, cybersecurity, ERP (Dynamics AX/SAP), MES and industrial networking;
• Experience working in an international (matrix) organization and leading cross-functional and international IT or OT projects;
• You combine strategic thinking with practical implementation and strong business analysis skills, with the ability to understand operational requirements;
• You are an effective communicator who can translate complex risks and opportunities into clear business impact;
• Good communication skills in Dutch and English and preferably German as well;
• Strong stakeholder management experience, hands-on mentality and a problem-solving attitude;

What do we offer?

We offer a challenging position where you can further develop your expertise. You'll work in a dynamic, international environment alongside colleagues who are just as passionate about quality as you are.

• A full-time employment contract (40 hours per week) with 27 vacation days and 13 additional ADV (working time reduction) days;
• An inspiring, international, and challenging working environment within the automotive industry, with excellent opportunities for professional development and career growth;
• A travel expense exchange scheme and the opportunity to participate in a bicycle lease program;
• Plenty of opportunities for personal growth and a wide range of training and development programs;
• An attractive pension scheme and employment conditions in accordance with the Dutch Metalektro Collective Labour Agreement (CAO Metalektro).

About us

We are Brink Group and part of the international AL-KO / DexKo Group. Every year, we design, manufacture, test, and sell more than one million high-quality towing solutions worldwide.

With our headquarter and main production location in Staphorst, the Netherlands, Brink Group employs approximately 800 people across nine countries and operates modern production facilities in the Netherlands, France, South Africa, and Thailand.