Operations Manager

Patria is a workplace where you build common security. At Patria, ordinary people solve extraordinary challenges. When it comes to critical operations on land, sea and air, expertise is vital. Quality is in people – in each and every one of us. You make the difference.

Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems and Sustainment Solutions business areas, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air – when if is not an option. Patria’s operating countries include Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Japan. Read more www.patriagroup.com. Patria ranked as Finland’s third most attractive employer among engineering professionals in Universum’s 2026 Professional Survey.

We are now searching for

Operations Manager

to join our team at Patria Belgium.

The Operations Manager is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the General Manager and responsible for overseeing Engineering, Operations, and Facility Management activities. In this role, you ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services that meet technical, contractual, cost, schedule, and export control requirements while supporting the company's operational performance and strategic growth.

As Operations Manager, you will lead the delivery of technically compliant products and services, achieve profitability targets, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction while ensuring full compliance with export control regulations. You will drive continuous improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction, while developing a skilled, motivated, and high-performing team. Your understanding of customer needs and market developments will help you forecast workloads accurately and shape annual budgets. By managing contractual and regulatory documentation effectively, you will help keep deliveries on track.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all Engineering, Operations, and Facility activities.

• Ensure technical compliance, quality, productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

• Manage engineering support for product modifications, repairs, maintenance, manufacturing processes, and certification activities.

• Oversee maintenance and repair quotations, supporting commercial activities and ensuring alignment between estimates and actual costs.

• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff (approximately 15-20 employees).

• Provide continuous technical support to customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

• Maintain strong customer relationships and anticipate future business opportunities and workload requirements.

• Evaluate and support the introduction of new products, repair capabilities, and business development opportunities.

• Manage subcontractor selection, contracts, performance, quality, and cost control.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the department.

• Act as Deputy General Manager during the GM's absence.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We are looking for a seasoned professional with previous experience in aeronautics and in people management. You combine strong leadership and strategic thinking with technical expertise and financial acumen. With a customer-focused approach and a drive for operational excellence, you turn opportunities for continuous improvement into action. Your organizational skills and adaptability help you manage complex, multidisciplinary environments, while integrity guides the way you lead and make decisions.

Profile & Qualifications:

• Industrial or University Engineering degree (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including 5 years in people management.

• Strong background in aerospace maintenance, repair, manufacturing methods, engine overhaul, inspection, and special processes.

• Experience in technical project management, financial management, and team leadership is highly desirable.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, leadership, and change-management skills.

• Customer-oriented and hands-on management approach.

• Strong ability to influence stakeholders and drive results.

• Fluent in written and spoken English and French.

• Willingness to travel internationally 15-20% of the time.

We offer you 

You have a chance for a long and versatile career with Patria’s unique products and services. In this position, you will have a great opportunity to impact Patria’s international growth and be part of steering our way into the future. 

We offer you personnel benefits, such as an annual performance bonus and vast employment benefits. We have a comprehensive occupational health, which includes e.g. specialists. We also offer free time accident insurance.

Would you like to be part of our story?

You can submit your application through our recruitment system. Please apply by 21.11.2026. We review applications during the application period and selections will be made as soon as suitable candidates are found. Please note that we do not process applications sent by email.

For more information about the position, please contact our recruiter Sari Rantanen

✉️ [email protected]

We will process your information confidentially. A standard security clearance and a drug test will be conducted for the selected candidate.

Why work with us?

1. Securing society: We are proud to advance national and international security. It requires a responsible attitude and excellence that guarantees reliability in all conditions

2. You have an impact: At Patria, you have an impact in the content of your work, career development, your clients’ and the whole company's success. You can be as good as you can ever be.

3. Focus on the essential: Do what you love and see the results of your work. You are crucial to us. We want you to be well and live a full life.

4. A great bunch of people: We work in innovative and energetic teams where smiling is allowed. We believe that the best results are achieved in a good atmosphere.