IS/IT Manager – Belgium - Freelance

Location: Tubize & Herstal, Belgium
Sector: Defense & High-Technology Industry
Reporting to: Executive Committee

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic IS/IT Manager to lead the IT function for our Belgian operations. This is a senior leadership position requiring a professional with a comprehensive vision of IT covering infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and sourcing who can drive digital transformation while ensuring operational excellence and business continuity.

As a key member of the management team, you will be responsible for the overall performance, security, and evolution of the IT estate, serving approximately 700 users across two sites (Tubize and Herstal). You will act as a trusted business partner, bridging technology and business strategy to create sustainable value.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & IT Governance

• Define and execute the IS/IT strategy in alignment with business objectives and Group IT policies.

• Ensure optimal allocation of technological and human resources to support business growth and operational efficiency.

• Act as a key contributor to the European IT community, sharing best practices and driving standardization.

2. Infrastructure & Operations Management

• Oversee the entire IT infrastructure (networks, servers, virtualization, cloud, end-user computing) to ensure high availability, performance, and scalability.

• Guarantee business continuity and disaster recovery (BCP/DRP) for mission-critical systems.

• Drive continuous improvement of methods, processes, and production architectures.

3. Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Own the cybersecurity strategy and posture, ensuring compliance with defense-sector security standards and regulations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for security governance, risk assessment, and incident response.

• Proactively monitor emerging threats and implement appropriate safeguards.

4. People & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage the internal IT team (~12 professionals) across two sites, fostering a culture of collaboration, agility, and accountability.

• Build and unite cross-functional teams, ensuring clear communication and effective decision-making even in complex or high-pressure environments.

• Manage external partners, suppliers, and service providers to deliver cost-effective, high-quality services.

5. Budget & Vendor Management

• Own the IT budget, managing CAPEX and OPEX with a focus on cost optimization and value creation.

• Lead vendor negotiations, contract management, and procurement processes (RFPs, tenders).

• Optimize costs across hardware, software, services, and resources.

6. Business Partnering & Innovation

• Collaborate closely with business units to understand their needs and translate them into effective technology solutions.

• Drive digital transformation initiatives that evolve operations, processes, and organizational models.

• Support the organization in maximizing the impact of digital technologies.