Interim Director HVAC & Technical Projects

Interim Director HVAC & Technical Projects

Location: Oost-Vlaanderen 
Start date: As soon as possible
Duration: Minimum 6 months
Commitment: Full-time interim management assignment

The assignment

We are looking for a hands-on Interim Director to take the lead of an HVAC business unit within a technical services and building technologies environment.

This is a broad leadership assignment combining full business responsibility, operational project management, commercial development and people leadership. You will be expected to bring direction, structure and renewed momentum to the organisation, while ensuring that projects are delivered profitably, efficiently and to the highest standards.

The assignment requires someone who can quickly assess the situation, take ownership and translate business priorities into tangible improvements. You will work closely with the wider management team to strengthen collaboration, develop people and improve the overall performance of the business.

Your responsibilities

1. Business leadership and P&L ownership

• Take full responsibility for the financial and operational performance of the HVAC business unit.
• Actively manage revenue, margins, cash flow, budgets and profitability.
• Monitor business and project performance, identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear operational and commercial priorities.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable growth and improved business performance.

2. Project execution and operational excellence

• Oversee the performance of a portfolio of technical installation projects from preparation through to completion.
• Ensure effective coordination between engineering, calculation, project management and installation teams.
• Monitor project budgets, planning, resources, quality, contractual obligations and profitability.
• Improve processes, resource allocation and cooperation between commercial and operational teams.
• Anticipate challenges, resolve bottlenecks and ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and profitably.

3. People leadership and team development

• Provide clear direction to the management team and ensure effective leadership throughout the organisation.
• Establish clear responsibilities, objectives and accountability.
• Build strong relationships with employees and managers through regular, direct personal contact.
• Empower team members, encourage initiative and create opportunities for professional development.
• Foster a collaborative culture based on trust, ownership, engagement and shared objectives.
• Lead by example and create a working environment in which people are motivated to perform and grow.

4. Commercial development

• Actively contribute to the commercial development of the business.
• Identify new business opportunities, generate leads and support the development of customer relationships.
• Work closely with commercial colleagues to convert opportunities into profitable projects.
• Maintain close contact with customers, contractors, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Balance commercial ambition with operational capacity, project execution and financial performance.

5. Organisational development and change

• Quickly understand the organisation, its challenges and its opportunities for improvement.
• Introduce greater structure, transparency and performance management through clear KPIs and reporting.
• Strengthen collaboration across functions and encourage knowledge sharing.
• Improve the alignment between commercial commitments and operational delivery.
• Drive a pragmatic, people-oriented approach to change and continuous improvement.

Your profile

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and results-driven leader who combines technical understanding with strong business acumen and proven people management capabilities.

• Proven experience in general management, business unit leadership, technical operations or a comparable senior management role.
• Strong financial understanding and experience with full P&L responsibility.
• An engineering degree or a solid technical background is preferred.
• Experience in HVAC, building technologies, technical installations or a related engineering environment is a strong advantage.
• Experience managing complex technical projects, ideally within a project-driven organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead managers and multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• A strong track record in improving operational performance, project profitability and organisational effectiveness.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to identify opportunities, generate business and build customer relationships.
• Fluent in Dutch.

The ideal leadership style

You are a proactive, visible and approachable leader who combines strategic thinking with a strong operational presence.

You do not manage exclusively from behind a desk. You actively engage with people, listen to the teams, communicate face to face and take responsibility for resolving challenges.

You know how to set priorities, make decisions and hold people accountable without losing sight of the human dimension of leadership. You encourage your managers to take ownership, develop their teams and achieve better results.

You are entrepreneurial, pragmatic and comfortable stepping into a challenging environment where immediate action and lasting improvements are both required.

Above all, you are a leader who brings people together, sets the pace and leads by example.

The opportunity

This interim assignment offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the performance and future development of a technical business unit.

You will have a broad mandate to improve project execution, strengthen commercial performance, develop the management team and establish a more collaborative, accountable and results-oriented organisation.

The assignment is expected to start as soon as possible and will run for a minimum of six months.