The Company

At Stamicarbon, the innovation and license company of Maire, we develop, design and license futureproof, innovative fertilizer plant technologies, with urea, green ammonia and nitric acid being our core businesses. Using more than 75 years of knowledge and experience, we offer our customers customized solutions and services to maintain, improve and optimize plants, such as process engineering, proprietary equipment, and full life cycle plant support. We take pride in being innovative and developing reliable, safe and sustainable fertilizer solutions.

From our headquarters in Sittard in the south of the Netherlands, we serve several hundred customers in more than 80 countries, with a proven track record of more than 1.000 sold licenses.

The Challenge

As the Head of Digital Operations you drive the digital strategic agenda which will be instrumental for Stamicarbon to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation for our customers. You are responsible for creating a strong vision to identify and capitalize on opportunities, pushing the digital business forward. The position involves translating inputs from BL Services and Licensing into a complete action plan and roadmap. The position reports functionally into both VP Business Lines Services as well as Licensing, as there is a strong need for collaboration to achieve the ambitious Digital strategy to enhance Stamicarbon’s digital presence by leveraging Digital to improve customer engagement and solutions. And the position works closely with the Stamicarbon Head of ICT to leverage scale and expertise in areas relevant. The Head of Digital Operations is member of the Technology Synergy Board.

In the first phase the Head of Digital Operations ensures the set-up of this new operation department incl. 3 teams combining already existing teams in BL Licensing, BL Services and Innovation department working on digital and AI Machine learning and to support in delivering the Digital and AI strategy and roadmap to the business.

The Head of Digital Operations will:

• Drive the development and manages the operations of all digital products delivering solutions for our customers supporting digital sales from business lines;

• Drive digital innovations and will be an ambassador for digital customer solutions;

• Keep digital strategy up to date;

• Manage department and ensure engagement;

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams;

• Leverage emerging technologies;

• Ensures the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape;

• Collaborate with Head of ICT to leverage Maire ICT scale and capabilities.

Your responsibilities will be to:

• Yearly update digital Strategy (incl AI strategy) and roadmap together with the two BL VP’s;

• Ensure set up of department plans including budget and in/external sourcing capabilities;

• Operate in network of stakeholders in other departments in Stamicarbon and in Maire;

• Ensure consistency and alignment in architecture (together with the head of ICT), priority and approach between software development and OTS and Process Monitor solutions;

• Assign resource priorities between departments based on customer/business demand priority

• Identify and seize opportunities to drive digital innovation and growth;

• Ensure the department runs customer pilots to mature new solutions;

• Ensure the department runs digital products and solutions in the product portfolio commercialized by digital sales staff;

• Ensure that digital products and solutions are maintained, supported and continuously improved for commercial success, aligning with the efforts of the digital sales staff to promote and sell them;

• Drive digital operations change management relevant for digital success;

• Develop and maintains appropriate interfaces with other Departments in line with the digitalization target of the company;

• Develop and execute a digital operations transformation roadmap aligned with business goals;

• Acts as intermediate with centers of expertise on matters relating to the development of Stami Digital products (e.g., process and process control engineering support during the execution of digital projects);

• Identify emerging technologies that can enhance digital products;

• Help foster a culture of digital innovation within the organization;

• Build a collaborative, flexible delivery team, coach Line Management and ensure personal development and engagement;

• Lead end-to-end implementation of digital tools, platforms, and software solutions for our customers.

Your authorities:

• Prepare yearly strategy updates, for approval of MT;

• Prepare department year plan, for approval of MT;

• Prepare portfolio projects pipeline, for approval of digital steering committee;

• Update VPs of BL Licensing and VP Services quarterly on progress;

• Manage budget for the Digital Operations department;

• Organize and execute performance appraisals.

Your specific handling requirements:

• Collaborating and managing expectations with different stakeholders both within Stamicarbon (VPs BLs) and Maire ICT / Digital;

• Dealing with customer, project driven deadlines and R&D type of projects; the diversity of these types of projects (both having different approaches) is what makes it more challenging;

• Dealing with different dynamics between product development for new plants (BL licensing) and existing plants. A value proposition needs to be developed for both types of customers and it is certain to be different;

• Balancing the resource planning for diverse needs;

• Build a solid give and take relationship with the Business Lines;

• High level of technological complexity, broad level of technology e.g. process technology, digital technology (including competitors technologies.) and technical fields of knowledge;

• Maintaining a high level of knowledge in a challenging labor market;

• Developing a base of professionals that maintain knowledge by coaching juniors and investing in knowledge management;

• Working in a dynamic, international environment, and leading a multi-cultural, diverse group of employees and clients;

• Manage change and act as change agent;

• Increase client focus.

The Candidate

You have at least an academic degree in a technical field with evidenced relevant experience in the chemical industry in an industrial environment. Managerial experience of leading a group of digital and process specialists where you are a motivational leader with a high level of professionalism, integrity and interpersonal skills. You are a strong communicator and influencer with the different stakeholders; being persuasive and a good negotiator, while building a strong relationship. Good listener, flexible with strong focus on service for our (internal)customers.

As a potential new colleague, you’ve:

• Experience in guiding and managing change processes;

• Extended experience in working in an international context;

• Conceptual skills to analyze the current status and change capacities to ensure to fill the gap;

• Experience in a digital field; running digital as a business;

• Technical expertise: Strong understanding of AI, cloud computing, DevOps, automation, cybersecurity, and software development;

• Knowledge of engineering processes;

• Knowledge of industrial processes and chemical industry (oil & gas);

• Knowledge of budgeting, project management and resource management;

• Strong prioritization skills;

• Ability to clearly summarize complex topics for easy understanding and decision-making by non-experts.

• Ability to understand and utilize customer feedback to improve digital products and services

• AI/ML-driven insights and decision-making competences;

• Proficiency or mother tongue in English.

You possess the following competences:

• Digital Leadership & collaboration: Working with cross-functional teams and senior management;

• Innovation mindset: Ability to drive digital-first approaches and new business models;

• Strategic thinking: Ability to align digital initiatives with business objectives;

• Project management: Agile, Scrum, and PMP methodologies. Strong foundation working with internal and external clients;

• Change management: Leading digital adoption and upskilling teams

The Reward

Stamicarbon offers a rewarding and challenging job with opportunities for personal input. The organization is 100% internationally focused, has the ambition to expand and offers individual possibilities to learn and develop in a true business environment. There is an open and very pleasant atmosphere with plenty of room for discussion with highly committed fellow professionals and a good sense of humor. Terms and conditions of employment as well as fringe benefits are up to market standards.

Stamicarbon’s Head office is located in Sittard, Limburg, The Netherlands. For further information about this position, please contact us via [email protected]