Head of Data & Digital Platforms

Purpose of the role

The Head of Enterprise Data & Digital Platforms is accountable for SNCB/NMBS’s enterprise data domain and for a portfolio of transversal digital platforms supporting the company’s business operations, decision-making, collaboration and transformation agenda.

The role leads the strategy, architecture, delivery and evolution of the enterprise data platforms, analytics capabilities, advanced analytics and machine learning solutions, data tooling and enterprise data governance framework. The scope also includes key digital platforms such as document management, Microsoft 365 collaboration platforms and other enterprise-wide collaborative tools.

The role operates at enterprise level and acts as the senior technology leader for data across SNCB/NMBS. It ensures that the company has the platforms, governance, capabilities and delivery capacity required to leverage data as a strategic asset, support critical operational processes, and enable AI-driven transformation across business units.

Key responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategy, roadmap and target architecture for enterprise data and digital platforms in line with business priorities and overall IT strategy.

• Own the end-to-end portfolio of enterprise data platforms, analytics solutions, advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities, data tooling, document management and key collaboration platforms.

• Act as the senior enterprise leader for data within SNCB/NMBS, with responsibility for enterprise data governance and data architecture.

• Lead the delivery of transversal technology capabilities supporting all business units, including AI-related initiatives and data-driven transformation programs.

• Ensure the robustness, scalability, sustainability and compliance of the domain landscape, including lifecycle management, technical debt reduction and risk control.

• Lead the evolution of the enterprise data stack, including Azure-based platforms, SAP BW/4, the rationalisation of legacy tooling and the modernisation of analytics capabilities.

• Manage a department of approximately 150 internal and external staff through 4 direct reports and successive management layers.

• Lead an annual budget of approximately EUR 20–25 million and manage relevant suppliers and partners.

• Engage daily with senior business stakeholders at ExCom -1 level and interact frequently with Executive Committee members.

• Support transversal enterprise priorities by enabling business units with trusted data, analytics, collaboration tools and AI capabilities.

Scope and impact

This role covers one of the most transversal and strategically important technology domains within Ypto. It combines enterprise-wide accountability for data governance, ownership of core data and digital platforms, leadership of a large delivery organisation, and responsibility for major architecture, investment and transformation decisions.

The domain supports all SNCB/NMBS business units and also underpins critical operational use cases, including real-time data consumption by systems supporting transport operations. Poor decisions in this role may result in degraded decision-making, reduced operational performance, increased compliance and security exposure, fragmentation of enterprise platforms, slower transformation, reputational damage and significant financial impact.

Profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience.

• Extensive senior leadership experience in data, digital platforms, analytics, enterprise applications or similarly complex technology environments.

• Proven experience leading large teams and senior managers in complex organisations.

• Strong track record in enterprise data platforms, analytics, governance, architecture and large-scale delivery.

• Strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud-based data ecosystems, collaboration platforms and technology transformation.

• Experience in enterprise-wide data governance and cross-functional stakeholder management at senior level.

• Executive presence, strong judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in high-impact environments.

• Experience in transport, public service or other complex operational environments is an advantage. 

• Good knowledge of English and at least one local language (Dutch or French).

What can you expect from us?  

Choosing SNCB means choosing to contribute to the digital transformation of the Belgian railways. You will have a job with social impact and ample opportunity to make your own contribution. We offer a compensation package that includes:

• Attractive salary package, including a 13th month, expense allowance, meal vouchers, eco-cheques, and bonuses.

• Flexible federal mobility budget integrated into the salary package, usable for a car, bike lease, public transport, green mobility solutions, or housing costs.

• Hospitalisation and dental insurance for you and your family, fully covered by Ypto.

• Outpatient medical care (non-hospitalisation costs) fully covered for employees; family members can be affiliated at the employee’s cost.

• Group insurance fully paid by Ypto.

• Flexible working hours, remote work options, and 35 days of annual leave.

• Internet allowance and bicycle allowance. 

• Flex Income Plan (cafeteria plan) allowing personnalisation of your benefits package.

What’s next?

1. You apply online.

2. We take a close look at your CV and check whether it matches the profile we are looking for.

3. We invite you for a first (online) interview where you can demonstrate your motivation, experience and expectations.

4. If the first interview is positive, we invite you for a second face to face interview where we will discuss your skills and competencies for the role in more detail. Awaiting this interview we might ask you to complete an assessment.

5. If everything goes well, we will make you a contract offer.

6. You start your new job!

7. We reserve the right to adjust or pause this procedure if necessary.

Do you have any further questions? 

1) on the job: Jérôme Clarinval - [email protected]

2) on the selection process: Christian Smets - [email protected] - 0486644141