Function Introduction
The Elia Group encompasses two major transmission system operators (TSOs) in two European regions: Elia Transmission in Belgium and 50Hertz Transmission, one of the four German TSOs in northeast Germany. Both TSOs operate at the heart of the European electricity system, providing vital links between producers and their 30 million end users via an intricately meshed 18,600 km grid.
In maintaining and building the transmission infrastructure of tomorrow, Elia Group acts at the forefront of the energy transition. To manage the increasing complexity of this transition, Elia Group is actively accelerating its digitalization and embedding cutting-edge technologies, naturally including Artificial Intelligence.
In this context, modernizing our infrastructure is critical. We must ensure our technological backbone is robust, secure, and agile enough to support this evolution. Elia Transmission Belgium is therefore seeking a Head of IT Technology & Infrastructure to lead this strategic transformation.
Function Responsibilities
As Head of IT Technology & Infrastructure, you will drive Elia Transmission Belgium’s technology agenda and oversee the transformation of our infrastructure landscape. You will be responsible for planning, building, and running a next-generation hybrid landscape. This role involves major strategic initiatives: overseeing the construction of a new Data Center, integrating a Sovereign Cloud platform, and orchestrating complex multi-cloud operations. Furthermore, you will drive the adoption of new data and network technologies and support the convergence of OT and IT, notably by enabling the virtualization of substations. You will lead and grow teams focused on servers, datacom, cloud, end-user devices, and helpdesk, ensuring engineering excellence, high service levels, and secure, modern operations.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, inspire, and develop large, multidisciplinary technology and infrastructure teams.
- Define and implement comprehensive strategies for data centre, server, cloud, end-user devices and network infrastructure
- Develop and roll out consistent procedures and governance frameworks across all technology areas.
- Optimize budget allocation and monitor expenditures to maximize return on investment.
- Identify and implement cost-saving measures while maintaining high operational performance.
- Drive the adoption and integration of cutting-edge technology, such as virtualization and secure multi-cloud platforms.
- Oversee operational excellence, including 24/7 network stability and proactive incident resolution.
- Manage and foster the convergence of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology), ensuring seamless integration, increased security, and reliability to support the digitalization of substations and critical infrastructure.
- Ensure robust maintenance, security, and lifecycle management for all IT assets.
- Collaborate strategically with vendors and internal stakeholders to support Elia’s digital ambitions.
Your Profile
- Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (IT, engineering, etc.)
- Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in IT infrastructure, preferably within regulated or critical sectors and large organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to define and implement hybrid and multi-cloud strategies across public and sovereign/private environments.
- Track record of ensuring operational excellence and continuous service availability in 24/7 environments.
- Experience with data centre construction, network innovation, and modern end-user device management
- Solid knowledge of ITIL/service management frameworks and continuous service improvement best practices
- Strong leadership skills with a track record in building high-performing teams and bridging operations with development
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities
- Strong strategic mindset, autonomy, and commitment to Elia’s mission for a sustainable energy future.
- Fluent in English and knowledge of Dutch or French. German is an asset
Offer
Salary: a competitive salary package, allowance for representation expenses, year-end bonus, double vacation pay, meal vouchers (€8 per working day), eco-vouchers, sport & culture vouchers, bonuses based on individual and group results.
Insurance: group insurance, hospitalisation insurance, ambulant care insurance for the whole family and also personal accident insurance.
Vacation: You will be entitled to 20 vacation days and 5 additional vacation days, 6 local days, 4 exempt days (after 1 year of employment) and up to 5 long-service days (1 day for every 3 years in employment).
Social fund: Year-end vouchers, birth and marriage allowance. We will also cover part of the cost of glasses, a dental prosthesis or similar needs.
Communication: you will be given an iPhone, a phone subscription (for work and private use) and a laptop with internet reimbursement.
Discounts: you will enjoy a 30% discount on your gas and electricity bill.
Mobility: we will offer you a company car and public transport or a mobility budget.
Elia shares: Elia will give you the opportunity to subscribe to shares with a discount of 16.66% on the average share price.
Location
Emperor - Keizerslaan (close to Central Station) + working from home