ABOUT US

NxtPort is the digital link in the digital port infrastructure of the port of Antwerp-Bruges. We create digital platforms to make the port faster, safer, and more efficient. Our collaboration with the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority and the business community provides a unique foundation for delivering essential functionalities to support the digital transformation of logistics processes in the port. Our goal is to provide services, solutions, and expertise that are relevant to the business ecosystem of the port of Antwerp-Bruges.

ROLE

As Program Manager Logistics & Digital Integration, you are responsible for leading, coordinating, and implementing a strategic digitization program within complex logistics ecosystems such as ports, transport networks, and airports. You lead multidisciplinary teams, manage a portfolio of projects, and ensure seamless integration of processes, data, and platforms between various stakeholders.

You operate at the intersection of operations, regulations, and digitization, building digital solutions that contribute to more efficient cargo flows, better compliance, and scalable ecosystems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Portfolio Management

• Develop and manage a multi-year product and program roadmap for logistics digitization initiatives.
• Set up governance, prioritization, and reporting to management and steering committees.
• Coordinate multiple parallel projects within port environments and the broader ecosystem.

Digital Integration & Product Development

• Lead the team of functional analysts for further development and rollout of integration, products, and the underlying platform for logistics chains, such as cargo release, API platforms.
• Translate business needs into digital solutions and data-driven processes.
• Formulate proposals for future products/services.
• Safeguard end-to-end process optimization and interoperability between systems.
• Ad hoc coordination of specific external suppliers for particular projects.

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Management

• Intensive collaboration with government bodies, customs, port authorities, terminal operators, logistics partners, and IT suppliers.
• Facilitate decision-making in complex environments with diverse interests.
• Execute change management and guide adoption by end users.

Operational & Logistics Expertise

• Analyze and optimize operational and logistics processes.
• Ensure compliance with customs and transport regulations.
• Implement KPI management, monitoring, and operational dashboards.

PROFILE

Must-haves

• At least 10 years of experience in logistics, port, or airport operations.
• Proven experience in program management and digital transformation.
• Proven experience and strength in stakeholder management within complex ecosystems.
• Experience with digital platforms, APIs, integration projects, or data exchange in supply chains.
• Knowledge of customs processes, cargo release, linehaul, or network control.
• Leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with port community systems or logistics integration platforms.
• Certifications such as Prince2, BPM, or leadership training
  (e.g. “Prince2 Foundation – Certified.”)
• Multilingualism (Dutch, English, French).

EXTRA

This position is ideal for someone who wants to work on digital innovation in the logistics sector, with impact on national and international supply chains. You will help build the future of data exchange, compliance, and operational efficiency in a sector that is undergoing a major transformation.

Security screening:

All consultants/freelancers who will be employed at NxtPort are subject to security screening: The screening consists of a comprehensive investigation into a person’s background and reliability. This investigation is carried out by using various judicial and police databases. The aim is to assess whether a person is trustworthy to perform a critical function and/or to gain access to sensitive infrastructure. The screening concerns numerous sectors, including the port sector.

When submitting the proposal, the Supplier must agree to only propose Consultants who are willing to undergo this security check.

The security check process can take up to 30 days: the Supplier accepts this waiting period and ensures that the candidate remains available during the screening process.

Only the Consultant(s) of the Supplier selected by the Client for this contract will be subject to the security check. After receiving this information, the Client’s Security Officer will contact the accepted Consultant(s) and ask them to complete the forms in which they give their explicit consent for the security check to be carried out.

The Client’s Security Officer (as administrative authority) will submit the individual request for a security check to the competent Federal Police, who will prepare a security advice based on the security check.

A negative security advice will be communicated to the concerned Consultant via the Client’s Security Officer (as administrative authority). This notification will state the reasons justifying this decision, except for information whose disclosure could harm the fundamental interests of Belgium or the State. The notification also contains information about the possibility to appeal this decision.

If there is no positive security result (for example, when no advice can be given) from the Federal Police, the vacancy will be terminated without contracting.

If the positive security advice is lost during the term of the contract, the contract will be terminated without any compensation.

The candidate gives his/her permission to make available their security verification for critical functions via Cel Maritiem Beveiliging (on request of NxtPort) for the position in question.