Director of Operations bij Asperitas

We are a fast-growing technology company delivering next-generation cooling infrastructure for enterprise data centres. As we scale from a lean startup to a global operations platform, we are looking for an experienced Director of Operations to build, lead, and scale our operational function from the ground up. This is a foundational leadership role, providing an operational bridge between Commercial, Research & Technology, Fulfilment and Customer Support, reporting to the CFO. You will design the operating model, build the team that delivers prototypes and on-demand production series and create the processes that enable reliability at scale. The Director of Operations is responsible for leading the company's end-to-end operational performance, ensuring that innovative products are successfully sourced, manufactured, delivered, supported, industrialized, and continuously improved throughout their lifecycle.

Over het bedrijf

As AI pushes computing to new levels, cooling has become one of the defining engineering challenges of modern infrastructure. At Asperitas, we engineer liquid cooling systems that support the next generation of AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and edge infrastructure with greater efficiency and reliability, while enabling waste heat to be reused. As one of the pioneers in liquid immersion cooling, we combine deep engineering expertise with the agility and ambition of a growing technology company. We work closely with customers and technology partners to solve real-world engineering challenges and turn innovative ideas into reliable products. This is an exciting time to join Asperitas. As we expand our technology, products, and partnerships, you'll have the opportunity to help shape both our company and the future of liquid immersion cooling. We believe in giving people the freedom to take ownership, contribute beyond their role, and make a real impact. You'll join a collaborative team where curiosity, initiative, and practical thinking are valued, everyone's voice is heard, and people embrace change with confidence. Here, you'll help shape what comes next.

Operationele strategie & uitvoering

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Define and own the end-to-end operations roadmap aligned with the company's growth targets and product roadmap.

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Build scalable processes for order management, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.

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Establish and maintain operational governance frameworks, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting cadence to give leadership real-time visibility into operational health.

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Drive continuous improvement across quality, cost, and delivery speed as volume grows.

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Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and continuous improvement objectives.

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Contribute to strategic planning, organizational development, investment decisions of the senior leadership team, and the successful execution of company objectives.

Teamopbouw & leiderschap

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Develop a team scaling plan aligned with the operations roadmap.

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Recruit, onboard, and develop a high-performing operations team across multiple functions.

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Create a culture of ownership, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

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Define roles, career paths, and hiring plans that anticipate growth 12-24 months ahead.

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Act as a player-coach in the early stages; willing to roll up your sleeves where needed.

Supply Chain & Vendor Management

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Build and manage relationships with key component suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners.

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Develop sourcing strategies that balance cost, lead time, and quality at increasing volumes.

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Implement inventory management systems to support project pipelines without excess working capital.

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Establish supplier scorecards and risk mitigation protocols.

Project & Field Services Delivery

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Oversee project delivery from contract signature through customer acceptance; on time, on budget, to specification.

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Build a Fulfilment Services capability (internal and partner network) for logistics, installation, and commissioning.

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Build the After Sales Service & Support capability (internal and partner network) for warranty management, field support responsiveness, customer satisfaction, and ongoing product support.

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Develop and enforce safety, quality, and compliance standards for on-site work.

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Own the customer escalation process and drive resolution of field issues.

Cross-Functionele samenwerking

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Partner with Sales & Pre-Sales to assess operational feasibility during deal structuring and production series forecasting.

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Lead industrialization of new products with Engineering & Product: from new product introduction, design-for-serviceability feedback, through to ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, scalable, and supported by robust operational processes.

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Collaborate with Engineering to maintain product design integrity post-launch through a PLM and change management framework.

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Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and capex/opex planning.

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Support the Executives with operational reporting and strategic planning inputs.

Ervaring

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A proven scaler with 5+ years of progressive operations leadership, with 3+ years in a senior leadership role.

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Background in one or more of: data center infrastructure, thermal/cooling systems, critical power, or industrial capital equipment.

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Proven track record of building and scaling operations teams in a high-growth or scale-up environment.

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Experience managing complex, multi-site or global project delivery.

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Hands-on experience with supply chain design, vendor negotiation, and logistics at meaningful scale.

Vaardigheden & eigenschappen

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Strong systems thinker — able to design processes that are simple today and scalable tomorrow.

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Data-driven decision maker who builds quality and measurement into every initiative.

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Excellent communicator, able to operate at management team level and on the shop floor equally comfortably.

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High emotional intelligence and ability to attract and retain top talent.

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Comfortable with ambiguity, change, and the pace of a scale-up.

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Technically credible in cooling, HVAC, or adjacent engineering domains (deep expertise not required).

Aangenaam om te hebben

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Experience with liquid cooling, free cooling, or immersion cooling technologies.

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International operations experience across EMEA, APAC, or the Americas.

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Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or data center standards (Uptime Institute, EN 50600).

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Prior experience as an early operations hire at a Series B–D technology company.

Team scaling plan

You will be joining the Ops Team of 3 existing roles in the management of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Production & Design Industrialization. As the business grows, the team will scale according to an agreed plan, adding roles such as Quality Management, Commercial Interface, After Sales Service & Support, and Contract Management. The role has therefore scope to progress to VP Ops and COO depending on performance, growth, and success.

Wat wij bieden

We're building technology that solves one of the defining engineering challenges in modern computing. We believe the best engineering happens when talented people are trusted, challenged, and given the space to do their best work.

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Real ownership: Be trusted to take initiative, own your work, and see the direct impact of your contributions.

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Meaningful impact: Work on technology that's shaping the future of AI, high-performance computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure with exposure to leading IT Industry players.

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A collaborative team: Work with a talented, diverse group of people from different disciplines who challenge each other, share knowledge, and solve problems together.

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Room to grow: Broaden your responsibilities, develop new skills, and grow with the company.

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Fast-moving environment: Work in an agile team with short decision lines, quick feedback, and the opportunity to make things happen.

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Learning & development: Keep learning through new challenges, experimentation, and continuous professional development.

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Daily lunch: Enjoy fresh lunch with the team at the office.

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Travel allowance: Travel expenses covered for your commute.

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Laptop, phone & mobile subscription: Everything you need to do your best work from day one.

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Monthly team events & celebrations: Celebrate successes and spend time together beyond work.