District Heating Operations Specialist (Freelance optional)

📋 Tasks and responsibilities

For this role, you will support operational teams in drafting, structuring and technically validating method statements related to district heating network operations.

You will act as a technical and methodological reference and will be expected to:

• provide expertise in district heating network operations;
• help structure and formalize operational procedures;
• review and challenge documents prepared by internal teams;
• identify gaps, risks and inconsistencies where relevant;
• help ensure consistency across operational documentation;
• share operational best practices drawn from comparable environments.

This role is focused on guidance and support. You are not expected to draft all documents independently, but to accompany the teams throughout the process.

Technical perimeter

The assignment mainly concerns 3rd generation district heating networks, with a particular focus on the future operation of the Neder-Over-Heembeek network.

General and safety topics

• district heating-specific risks;
• the 5 golden rules for district heating operations;
• preventive measures;
• safety during leak interventions.

Network structure

• identification and localization of network components;
• valve types and operating principles;
• network sectorization;
• leak detection systems.

Operations and maintenance

• preventive maintenance activities;
• network flushing and purging;
• alarm handling and operational incidents;
• leak localization and repair methods;
• operational valve manoeuvres;
• network isolation procedures;
• recommissioning activities.

Expected support approach

The focus is primarily on technical support and knowledge transfer, using a practical and operations-oriented approach with a strong understanding of field realities.

Typical activities may include:

• workshops with operational teams;
• document reviews and working sessions;
• technical discussions;
• sharing operational feedback and lessons learned;
• occasional field support when needed.

Training and knowledge transfer

Alongside the development of method statements, you will also help strengthen the capabilities of operational teams.

The objective is to ensure that:

• operational teams understand the developed procedures;
• methods are applied correctly in the field;
• knowledge is transferred sustainably to internal teams.

Expected deliverables

• technical presentations and workshops;
• structured feedback on drafted documents;
• technical recommendations;
• sharing of operational good practices;
• training sessions for operational teams.

💼 Offer

You will be part of a growing Belgian SME where initiative and personal development are encouraged. We will provide you with an enjoyable work environment with fun colleagues. We will work out a career plan with you, with attention and a budget for extra education/certification. You can count on an attractive salary, supplemented with extra-legal benefits, including a company car.
(Freelance is also possible)