Head of IT & Technology Operations

Join SkyNRG: Shape the Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

About SkyNRG

At SkyNRG we’re building something big: a new SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) production plant that will help transform the future of flying. To make that happen, we need a Head of IT who can set up our digital world from the ground up. This role is about more than just keeping the WiFi running: you’ll design and lead the IT and OT setup for both our HQ (Amsterdam) and our new refinery in Delfzijl.

It’s a green field challenge, where you’ll shape the entire landscape: from cloud and ERP systems to industrial control systems, cybersecurity, and networks. You’ll also guide and grow our IT team (currently 4 people, not including you) and make sure our systems are future-ready as SkyNRG grows across Europe and beyond.

What you’ll do

• Be the go-to IT partner for senior leadership, bringing clear advice and technical insight to business decisions.
• Build and run an IT & OT strategy that supports both our HQ and the refinery.
• Lead and grow the IT team (4 FTEs today, excluding this role), creating a culture of ownership and improvement.

Build the backbone

• Design and set up the right network architecture with clear separation between corporate IT and plant control systems.
• Roll out servers, cloud solutions, ERP, and collaboration tools — making sure everything is secure, reliable, and scalable.
• Oversee integration of industrial control systems (SCADA/DCS), sensors, and IoT into plant operations.
• Put solid redundancy, backups, and disaster recovery in place.

Keep us secure & compliant

• Take charge of cybersecurity across HQ and the plant.
• Lead risk assessments, policies, threat monitoring, and vulnerability management.
• Make sure we meet standards like IEC 62443 and NIST, and manage access, third-party risks, and compliance requirements.

Drive projects through construction

• Be the IT/OT lead as the plant is being built — working closely with engineering, contractors, and vendors.
• Define budgets, procurement, and timelines for IT/OT systems.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, and validation before go-live.

Keep us running smoothly

• Put governance and KPIs in place for uptime, cybersecurity, and project milestones.
• Ensure smooth IT/OT operations once the plant is live, with a clear plan for upgrades and scaling.
• Work closely with the HQ IT Service Manager to keep corporate and industrial IT aligned.

Your priorities in this role

Early construction – Plan the IT/OT backbone, define budgets, and select vendors.
Mid-construction – Roll out network, servers, ERP, and start OT integration.
Late construction / pre-commissioning – Lead SCADA/DCS integration, lock in cybersecurity, and validate systems.
Go-live & operations – Make sure IT/OT runs seamlessly, keep things secure, and prepare for future growth.

Who you are

You’re someone who likes both the big picture and the details. You can map out a long-term IT vision, but you’re just as comfortable being hands-on when things need to get built or fixed. You enjoy green field projects where nothing is set yet, and you get energy from creating structure out of complexity.

We’d love to see:

• Solid experience leading IT (10+ years), with a track record in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and keeping tech operations running smoothly.
• Someone who’s been in environments where IT and OT come together — maybe in energy, manufacturing, or a refinery-type setup.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), ERP systems, and the Microsoft 365 toolkit.
• Experience with plant-specific solutions such as Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Laboratory Information System (LIMS), and Operator Training Simulators (OTS).
• Some real-world experience with SCADA/DCS systems and connecting industrial IoT.
• A natural leader who can coach, guide, and grow a small IT team.
• Hands-on experience with cybersecurity — things like access management, threat monitoring, and managing third-party risks.
• And importantly: someone who can explain complex IT/OT challenges in a way that makes sense to people who aren’t tech experts.

Nice to have (but not dealbreakers):

• Experience with industrial cybersecurity frameworks or audits.
• Exposure to PLCs or process engineering basics.
• Experience managing IT in a capital project or greenfield setup.
• Background in scaling IT across multiple sites.

What we offer:

• 30 paid holidays + 2 extra days for choosing sustainable travel options for your holidays
• Attractive bonus (~1 extra month’s salary)
• Participation in the Employee Participation Plan (EPP) – giving you the opportunity to become a shareholder and share in the company’s success
• €5,000 dedicated budget every 3 years for professional development
• Commuting travel reimbursement (1st class public transport or kilometer allowance) + Lease a Bike plan
• Work at a BCorp in the city center of Amsterdam
• Flexible working arrangements: hybrid in-office/remote
• Generous employer pension contribution
• Paid Volunteering Day
• Access to our electric company boat (also for private use), free delicious lunches, and social activities

About SkyNRG

At SkyNRG, we are on a mission to revolutionize the aviation industry by making sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) the new standard. As pioneers in this field, we are dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel and leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Founded on the principles of innovation, sustainability, and excellence, SkyNRG collaborates with airlines, governments, and other stakeholders to create scalable, sustainable fuel solutions. Our commitment goes beyond producing SAF; we aim to reshape the aviation fuel supply chain, ensuring that sustainability is embedded at every level.

SkyNRG is a dynamic scale-up, offering the excitement and growth opportunities of a startup with the stability and ambition of a well-established company. As a member of our team, you will have the unique chance to shape the future of sustainable aviation fuel from the ground up. Your contributions will have a direct impact on our success and the industry as a whole.

Why join a scale-up like SkyNRG:

• Innovation-Driven Culture: Be part of a team that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to solve complex challenges.
• Rapid Growth Opportunities: As a scale-up, we offer significant opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere where your ideas and initiatives are valued and supported.
• Sustainability Impact: Contribute to a mission that makes a real difference in reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility.
• Industry Leadership: Work alongside industry leaders and experts who are dedicated to setting new standards for sustainable aviation.

Our team comprises around 100 passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to drive the future of sustainable aviation. We value creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pragmatic problem-solving. At SkyNRG, you will find a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas can flourish and make a tangible impact on the world.

Is this you?

Are you ready to take your career to new heights with SkyNRG? Explore our opportunities and become part of a pioneering force in sustainable aviation. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Please do not contact us for sales purposes or intermediary services.

At SkyNRG, we deeply value inclusion and diversity. As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair chance, irrespective of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.