Key Skills

Job Description

About Schaften Schaften Rental Construction & Recycling B.V. rents out trucks without drivers to the construction and recycling sectors. With an extensive and growing fleet, we serve customers throughout the Netherlands, ranging from municipalities to major recycling companies. Technical performance and fleet availability are central to our operations. Every day a vehicle is off the road means lost revenue. Our company continues to grow, including the establishment of a new branch in Spain. We are therefore looking for an Operations Manager who will not only oversee the technical condition of our fleet but also define our maintenance and vehicle configuration strategy. What will you do? As Operations Manager, you determine how we maintain our fleet to the highest technical standards and how it will develop over the coming years. You establish the strategy for maintenance and vehicle configuration and, together with Fleet Support, translate this strategy into daily operations. You play a central role in connecting technical management, planning and the commercial rental process. Strategic Responsibilities Strategic Maintenance Planning Develop and continuously improve a multi-year fleet maintenance strategy based on breakdown history, costs per vehicle, utilisation patterns and vehicle lifespan. Your goal is to make maintenance predictable, control costs and minimise the loss of operational days. Vehicle Configuration Determine the optimal configuration and specifications of new vehicles, including chassis, bodywork such as cranes, hooklift systems, tippers and hydraulics. Your decisions are based on market demand, ease of maintenance, residual value and total cost of ownership. You standardise configurations wherever possible while allowing flexibility to meet specific market requirements. Replacement and Investment Advice Advise management on the optimal timing for vehicle replacement and acquisition, supported by technical condition assessments, maintenance costs and operational availability. Supplier and Contract Management Maintain relationships with dealers, workshops and bodybuilders. Negotiate maintenance and repair agreements, control maintenance and repair costs, and identify opportunities for cost savings or vehicle replacement. Performance Monitoring and Reporting Monitor maintenance status, costs and vehicle availability on an individual vehicle basis and report these findings to management. Operational Responsibilities Maintenance Planning Translate the maintenance strategy into a practical schedule for each vehicle, minimising downtime and unexpected breakdowns. Technical Fleet Management Assess the technical condition of vehicles, including chassis, loading systems and hydraulics, and coordinate repairs with dealers and workshops. Technical Inspections Monitor and schedule mandatory inspections of vehicle-mounted equipment, including cranes, containers and hooklift systems. Vehicle Inspections and RDW Procedures Plan mandatory Dutch vehicle roadworthiness inspections (APK) to minimise the loss of operational days. Manage applications and administrative procedures with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). Fleet Availability and Planning Coordinate with rental planning and operations to ensure that maintenance activities and vehicle deployment have minimal impact on each other. Damage and Insurance Claims Maintain damage records and manage communication with insurance providers. Fleet Support Supervision Provide functional supervision and guidance to Fleet Support employees in carrying out the responsibilities outlined above. What do you bring? Demonstrable technical knowledge of trucks and associated loading systems, including cranes, hooklift systems and tippers. A background as a mechanic, workshop supervisor, technical coordinator or similar is an advantage. Experience in maintenance planning and/or equipment deployment, preferably within transport, rental, construction or recycling. You are capable of developing and adjusting a maintenance strategy based on operational data. Knowledge of vehicle configuration, with the ability to assess chassis and bodywork combinations based on maintainability, operational suitability and total cost of ownership. Knowledge of Dutch APK inspections and RDW procedures for heavy vehicles, preferably with hands-on experience in managing these processes. A structured approach to work, with the ability to manage multiple vehicles, deadlines and administrative files simultaneously without losing oversight. Strong analytical and numerical skills, enabling you to support decisions with cost and availability data and present your findings clearly to management. Higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking, preferably in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Logistics or a related field. At least five years of relevant experience in a technical or planning-related role. Good proficiency in Excel. Experience with fleet management or maintenance management software is an advantage. Good command of Dutch. English language skills are an advantage, particularly in relation to our Spanish operations. A valid category B driving licence. A category C driving licence is an advantage. What do we offer? An independent, technically focused position with significant responsibility within a growing company. A key role in defining the technical strategy of our fleet, including maintenance planning and vehicle configuration. Direct collaboration with senior management. An attractive salary. A comprehensive benefits package. A company car. A good pension scheme. An entrepreneurial working environment where speed, initiative and ambition are valued. Why work at Schaften Rental Construction & Recycling? Schaften Rental combines flexibility with efficiency. We understand the daily challenges faced by both the public and private sectors. With a continuously renewed fleet and a strong logistics network, we deliver quickly across Europe, always ready to support our customers. Our culture is characterised by direct communication, entrepreneurship, fast decision-making and a strong drive for growth. We take initiative, accept responsibility and continuously look for new opportunities. Interested? Would you like to join our team and contribute to the continued growth of Schaften Rental? For more information or to apply directly for the position of Operations Manager at Schaften Rental Construction & Recycling, please contact Ton Brands, Corporate Recruiter. Email: [email protected] Phone: +31 (0)6 22 82 00 87

Core Responsibilities

Develop and implement the fleet maintenance and vehicle configuration strategy, using operational data to control costs, improve availability, and guide replacement and investment decisions. Coordinate maintenance, inspections, repairs, supplier agreements, fleet planning, and damage claims while providing functional guidance to Fleet Support employees.

Requirements

Requires demonstrable technical knowledge of trucks and loading systems, experience in a technical or planning-related role for at least five years, and the ability to develop maintenance strategies using operational and cost data. The preferred profile includes HBO-level education in a relevant field, knowledge of Dutch APK and RDW procedures, strong Excel and analytical skills, good Dutch, and a valid category B driving licence.

Benefits

• Company Car
• Pension Scheme
• Comprehensive Benefits Package