International Project Leader

The International Project Leader is responsible for preparing, coordinating, and successfully delivering international customer projects. You act as the central link between the customer, internal departments (Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Installation), external installation partners, and other stakeholders.

In this role, you work closely with the Account Manager and Sales Engineer, ensuring smooth alignment between commercial agreements, customer expectations, and project execution. You take full responsibility for the operational execution of the project and guide installation parties throughout the complete process, often working with subcontractors or freelance installation teams.

You manage projects from order intake through final handover, ensuring control over scope, planning, budget, quality, and safety. You guide customers professionally throughout the entire project lifecycle and ensure efficient execution in line with agreed project objectives.

This role involves frequent travel to project sites in the Netherlands and abroad. Approximately 50% of the work is performed abroad, typically involving two weeks per month on-site, often from Monday until Thursday. Most projects are located in Sweden and Germany, with additional assignments in Spain and the United Kingdom. Support for mobility and travel arrangements is available internally.

Flexibility in working hours and overnight stays is required. A company car is part of the position.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Preparation & Planning

Analyse project requirements and translate them into a clear and feasible project plan.
Conduct site surveys / pre-installation inspections together with the Sales Engineer or Account Manager and process findings into the project plan.
Develop detailed project schedules including resources, milestones, deliveries, installation, and commissioning.
Coordinate closely with internal departments such as Engineering, Work Preparation, and Logistics.
Manage all project documentation, contractual agreements, technical files, and customer communication.
Be able to interpret and work with technical drawings (lightning plans experience is a big plus).

2. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary point of contact for the customer throughout the project.
Coordinate all stakeholders, including internal teams, installation teams, and external partners.
Organise project kick-offs and progress meetings (internally and with customers).
Communicate clearly on project progress, risks, bottlenecks, and changes.
Ensure timely decision-making and proper follow-up of actions.
Create goodwill and maintain strong relationships with all parties involved to ensure successful execution.

3. Execution & On-Site Leadership

Take responsibility for the on-site execution of projects and ensure installations are carried out according to specifications.
Provide operational leadership and guidance to installation teams, often working with subcontractors or freelance installation companies.
Identify and arrange additional resources such as lifting equipment, scaffolding, transport, or additional manpower when required.
Prepare site visit and progress reports and ensure follow-up on action points.
Maintain professional cooperation with customers and local partners on site.
Be able to work comfortably at height and perform site visits.

4. Budget, Scope & Change Management

Monitor project scope and identify deviations or additional work.
Assess change requests and align their impact on planning, cost, and resources.
Advise Sales and Management on contractual risks and commercial opportunities (change orders / additional work).
Support project costing and post-calculation when required.
Show a commercial mindset by identifying opportunities to optimise execution and manage expectations professionally.

5. Quality & Project Delivery

Ensure quality standards and technical requirements are met during execution.
Coordinate timely project handover, including documentation and any required training.
Manage punch lists and ensure proper transfer to Service or After Sales.
Safeguard customer satisfaction and evaluate completed projects for improvement opportunities.

6. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)

Ensure compliance with all applicable HSE regulations and safety procedures on project sites.
Prepare or coordinate safety plans and risk assessments when required.
Monitor safe working practices of internal teams and external partners and intervene when necessary.
Coach and raise awareness on safety, health, and environmental responsibilities.

7. Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve project execution, planning, and documentation.
Contribute to standardisation of project processes and international ways of working.
Support optimisation of collaboration between Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Installation.

Key Results / Outcomes

Projects delivered on time, within scope, budget, and quality standards.
Clear communication and effective cooperation with customers and internal stakeholders.
High-quality execution and professional supervision of installation partners.
High customer satisfaction and strong stakeholder relationships.
Full compliance with HSE standards on all project sites.
Continuous improvement of international project execution processes.

What are we looking for:

Bachelor level (HBO) working and thinking level, or MTS/MBO+ with proven experience in project leadership.
Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in project leadership, execution, installation coordination, or work preparation.
Ability to read technical drawings and/or lighting plans.
Solid project management skills such as planning, action lists, progress tracking, and reporting.
Willing and able to travel internationally frequently.

What do we offer:

A competitive salary in line with the market standards.
27 vacation days plus 13 ADV/ATV days (40 in total).
A solid pension scheme.
A fulltime position (40 hours a week).
Company car.Attractive secondary benefits, such as the opportunity to work out with Veko Fit.
Employment conditions in accordance with the Metalektro collective labour agreement (CAO).
Plenty of room for personal development and growth.

Excited?

Apply now