Contract Operations Manager

Calian Belgium is a legal entity registered in Belgium that serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration aimed at supporting Belgian Defence with training and exercise solutions. Our solutions combine local expertise, proven delivery methods, and interoperable live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) simulation to ensure "train-as-you-will fight" is realistic, repeatable and measurable, while remaining fully aligned with national priorities.

Calian has been selected as a contender to support the Belgian Army Simulation Centre (SIMCEN). We are ready to deliver Belgian-built capabilities, underpinned by decades of experience supporting the Canadian Army, British Army and the wider North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ecosystem.

Position Overview
As part of this initiative, Calian is currently seeking a Contract Operations Manager to support the Belgian Army Simulation Centre (SIMCEN) in Leopoldsburg, Belgium.

Responsibilities
Allocates priorities and detailed tasks on behalf of the Contract Coordinator
Coordinates training support requirements with SIMCEN Belgian Defence personnel
Coordinates professional development training and competency management for Calian personnel
Coordinates onboarding of new personnel and integration into contract activities
Assists the Contract Coordinator in the development and maintenance of the Annual Operating Plan
Manages the pool of Independent Contractors and surge personnel resources
Monitors personnel availability, readiness, and scheduling to support planned and unplanned training activities
Coordinates assignment of permanent and temporary personnel to exercises, training events, and support activities
Manages day-to-day operational scheduling and resource allocation across multiple concurrent activities
Tracks training bookings, exercise support requirements, and emerging customer demands
Coordinates logistical support requirements including travel, accommodations, transportation, and site access for contract personnel
Maintains visibility of operational risks, personnel shortages, and scheduling conflicts and develops mitigation plans
Oversees implementation and maintenance of operational procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures
Ensures operational reporting requirements are completed accurately and on schedule
Supports collection of customer feedback, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives
Coordinates personnel security clearances, access requirements, and compliance with contract security obligations
Acts as the Contract Security Officer and serves as the primary liaison for personnel and facility security matters
Ensures compliance with contractual, safety, security, and quality management requirements
Coordinates personnel replacement and succession planning for key positions
Supports exercise planning conferences and coordination meetings with SIMCEN and customer units
Backfills Contract Coordinator duties as required

Qualifications
Must hold a Belgium Defence Candidate Senior Officers Course Qualification
Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Operations/Training staff officer at Unit level or Higher
Previous experience working in the Belgian Army training system (Army Staff Branch 3) or at a school-level staff officer (Royal Higher Institute for Defence or LAND Competence Center) or higher is desirable.
Having a Combat Arms background is considered an asset
Proficiency in Dutch AND French AND English at CEFR B2 level or higher

Additional Requirements
You must be eligible to obtain a Belgian Secret Security Clearance
You must be able to work on-site
You must be willing to travel

*Job descriptions are available in French and Dutch upon request

Calian is committed to employment equity and values diversity. Employment equity recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open and unhindered access to employment opportunities which aids Calian in preventing and removing systemic barriers. We are an inclusive employer and make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills and value your passion to help the world communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

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