Operations Director

The opportunityTCR is expanding rapidly - and Schiphol is a cornerstone of our growth. We’re looking for an experienced Operations Director to take full ownership of our operations at Schiphol, ensuring continuity, structure, and excellence across every aspect of the daily operation. You’ll be a member of the TCR-NL management team.You’ll lead a talented team of team leads, planners, supervisors, and technicians, oversee Ground Support Equipment (GSE) service delivery, and drive performance with a hands-on, proactive approach. From maintenance workflows and asset management to stakeholder collaboration and customer satisfaction - this is your runway to lead, elevate, and innovate.If you're passionate about leading people, optimising operations, and building strong service cultures - this is your chance to make a lasting impact at one of Europe’s busiest airports.A Snapshot Of What You Will Be Doing HereDaily operations & continuityOversee day-to-day activities, ensuring operational stability, resource efficiency, and fast issue resolutionLead daily unit check-ins and facilitate weekly operational meetings across departmentsAlign teams around customer and operational goals while bringing clarity and calm to the workdayEnsure newly acquired assets are integrated into operations efficiently and support the transition from fossil to electric GSEMonitor and manage non-rented equipment and promote smart asset utilisationMaintenance & equipment readinessImprove maintenance performance by ensuring compliance with internal protocols and technical standardsGuarantee high availability and reliability of equipment through effective planning and maintenance practicesManage the availability of spare parts economicallyEliminate unnecessary waste and promote a sustainable approach to asset lifecycle managementTeam leadership & cultureAct as the main point of contact for Unit Team Leads (8), planners (3), and supervisors (2) - providing support, structure, and motivationBuild strong team morale through clear direction, empowerment, and recognitionChampion TCR’s core values in everyday leadership and team engagementDrive a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and committed to shared successStakeholder collaboration & customer focusCollaborate with suppliers, airport authorities, and internal teams to ensure seamless coordinationAttend or lead scheduled customer meetings alongside account managersPrevent escalations by ensuring service delivery meets or exceeds expectations, and inform customers proactivelyMaintain strong, trust-based relationships with all customers and operational partnersSafety leadershipFoster a robust safety culture, embedding it into daily habits and routinesEnsure full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulationsEncourage shared responsibility for workplace safety across the entire teamWe Are Looking For An Individual WhoWe’re looking for a capable and confident leader who thrives in operational environments and brings out the best in their teams.You’ll Be a Great Fit If YouHave a solid leadership experience in operations - preferably in technical, maintenance, or aviation settings, always focused on customer needsBring a strong technical background in workshop, fleet, or equipment operationsAre familiar with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle)Demonstrate excellent people management skills and a hands-on leadership styleHave a proactive, structured mindset - are someone who instinctively takes charge and brings solutionsAre fully fluent in Dutch and English (spoken and written)Show a strong sense of ownership and responsibility in everything you doUnderstand the needs of a 24/7 airport environmentHold at least an HBO diploma or equivalent qualificationsWe encourage you to apply if you see a strong match with the core responsibilities - even if you don’t meet every requirement. Research shows people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet all criteria. At TCR, we view job profiles as a guide, not a checklist.We Think You Will Love Working With UsAt TCR Group, we foster a vibrant and collaborative work culture that values each team member’s contributions and reflects our company values: integrity, open-mindedness, accountability, and passion. You’ll have the opportunity to drive change and contribute to our mission of sustainability in aviation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.About Our CompanyAt TCR Group, we are pioneers in Ground Support Equipment (GSE) solutions for the aviation industry. We provide rental, leasing, and maintenance services, ensuring reliability at over 200 airports worldwide. With our headquarters near Brussels and a team of 1,800 employees, we are a trusted global partner, delivering operational excellence and innovation.Ready to take off?If you're a capable, people-first leader who thrives in complex operations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of ground support equipment at Schiphol.Please note: We kindly request that agencies and recruiters refrain from contacting us regarding this job posting