About TotaLite
At TotaLite, we lead the change in asset monitoring, revolutionizing how we observe real-time displacements in essential infrastructure. Our secret weapon? A cutting-edge optical sensor technology that pushes the envelope, enabling us to detect structural displacements with millimeter precision from up to 100 meters away. With this level of precision, we’re not just pushing boundaries—we’re setting new standards. 

We launched in 2025. Four months later, we have 26 clients across 13 countries. The market isn't waiting, it's pulling TotaLite forward. We've secured funding for the next phase: scaling!

Backed by Fugro, a global leader in geo-data, we combine startup agility with enterprise resources. We’ve rallied a top-tier team and are expanding. Join us to revolutionize asset monitoring and safeguard the bridges, tunnels, and critical infrastructure the world depends on.

About the role
As our Operations Manager, you'll own the operational backbone that enables TotaLite to scale from 50 to thousands of devices in 2028. You'll lead the operations team, manage our hardware supply chain, and manage all vendor relationships. You'll introduce lean operational processes, create staccato-level documentation, and build clean archiving structures that help new team members find their way around. You'll work closely with our Managing Director and Head of Product. You own operations. You're not just maintaining systems—you're building the operational excellence that supports our growth.

If you've spent your career in large corporations with 50-page process documents and governance boards for every decision, this isn't the role for you. We need someone who builds lean processes, not corporate bureaucracy.

What you'll do:

• Lead and scale the operations team with Support Engineer, the Hardware Project Manager, Hardware Support. Set goals, provide coaching, foster culture of excellence

• Own end-to-end supply chain: manage hardware sourcing, inventory levels, lead times, and quality control. Optimize costs without compromising reliability

• Manage all vendor relationships: negotiate contracts, monitor performance, ensure value delivery from suppliers and service providers

• Build scalable operational infrastructure: create lean documentation and procedures at "staccato level", implement clean archiving structures, build systems enabling growth

• Ensure operational excellence: monitor key metrics, drive improvements in delivery times and quality, resolve issues proactively, ensure seamless customer experiences

• Act as feedback loop to product: identify recurring operational issues, suggest improvements, participate in testing new processes
  
  

What you bring along:

• 5+ years in operations management in hardware, manufacturing, or tech companies. You've scaled operations in growth environments, not just maintained existing systems

• Proven track record managing supply chains: vendor relationships, inventory management, quality control. You understand hardware production and logistics

• Experience leading operational teams in fast-growing environments. You've hired, developed, and managed high-performing teams

• Strong process design skills: you implement scalable systems without over-engineering. You know when to document and when to just execute

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail: you manage multiple priorities, balance competing demands (cost, quality, speed), and deliver consistently

• Customer-first orientation: you understand operations exists to enable excellent customer experiences. You take ownership end-to-end

• Excellent English language skills, written and verbal; Dutch language skills are a plus

• Bonus: experience with sensors, or instrumentation. B2B customer operations in technical/industrial markets. Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma. 
  
  

This role is not for:

• Operations professionals who prefer corporate structures with 50-page process documents and governance boards

• You prefer following established processes 

• You need clearly defined procedures for every scenario and detailed task lists

• You're uncomfortable with hands-on work or getting into the details when needed

• You see operations as back-office work rather than a critical function that enables company growth

• You prefer strategic planning over tactical execution and rolling up your sleeves
  
  

Why you'll like working here:

• You'll work in a fast-growing dynamic startup with customers across the globe

• We enable people to work in ways that suit their working style, which is why we offer flexible hours and hybrid-working from our Rotterdam office

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• A soft and collaborative team culture

• Competitive salary and great pension and insurance arrangements

• Office in the center of Rotterdam, close to public transport
  
  

Are you interested?
Please send in your application below.

After you have applied
We aim to move quickly and transparently:

• Initial screening

• Operations conversation about your supply chain and leadership experience

• Customer support and success conservation

• Practical assessment

• Final interviews with cultural ambassador

• Offer and welcome to TotaLite!

If we're a match, we move fast.