Sven Claes

Interim Operations Manager | Full-Stack Product & Workflow Developer | Automating Shop-Floor Operations | Scaling Teams (160+ FTE) | Founder @ ChainSpark

Antwerp Metropolitan Area

About

Bridging the gap between on-site operations and custom digital solutions. As a Senior Operations Leader and App Developer, I bring a rare dual expertise to the table: I strategically lead large-scale operational teams (160+ FTE) on the shop floor while hands-on developing the specialized applications they need to succeed. Too often, operational leaders map out processes and then wait for IT to build the solutions. I do both. Instead of relying on rigid, off-the-shelf software, I build tailored business applications and workflow tools. From architecting AI-driven 'Agentic ERP' concepts to coding standalone apps that eliminate administrative bottlenecks, I develop tech that solves actual operational pain points. Core Expertise: ⚙️ Operations Leadership: On-Site Leadership (160+ FTE) | Supply Chain & Logistics Management | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical Standards | Process Optimization (Lean/5S, BPMN) | 💻 Digital Architecture & Development: Custom App Development | Automation & AI Workflows | Python, VBA & SQL | Product & Workflow Design

Experience

  • Production Lead at Alcon
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    Coordinating all production activities within an ISO 8 cleanroom environment, ensuring operational continuity and hitting efficiency targets. Key responsibilities include: Daily Operations: Managing day-to-day production activities to meet daily efficiency targets within budget. Team Leadership: Directing a team of Team Leaders, Process Coordinators, and operators, while handling personnel planning. Process Optimization: Enhancing buffers, flows, and workstation capacity, and resolving technical and quality issues alongside support departments. Continuous Improvement: Initiating and executing improvement projects to streamline production processes, enhance quality, and boost overall operational efficiency. Reporting & Communication: Leading operational meetings and reporting progress utilizing the Tier-system.

  • Co-Founder at ChainSpark
    Aug 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

    ChainSpark unites two worlds: operational expertise and digital innovation. Through ChainSpark Solutions, organizations receive hands-on support in optimizing their supply chain, logistics, and production performance — from restructuring warehouse flows to implementing data-driven improvement frameworks. With ChainSpark Labs, those same insights are transformed into digital tools: Power Platform applications, SharePoint ecosystems, dedicated software or AI automations that eliminate friction and unlock efficiency across the factory floor and office alike. We believe in custom solutions that completely meet your needs rather than standardized rigid tools that have frustrating limits. From Solutions to Labs — from process to platform — ChainSpark turns complexity into clarity and friction into flow.

  • Docent at Thomas More-hogeschool
    Oct 2023 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Teaching these courses: Warehousing & Road Transport Warehousing@work - internship guidance

  • Operations Manager ad interim at A.P. Moller - Maersk
    Feb 2024 - Jul 2024 · 6 mos

    Overseeing a team of 160 employees during the incumbent's medical leave, ensuring operational continuity and team cohesion. Key responsibilities include: Daily Operations: Managing day-to-day activities, handling escalations, and making critical decisions. Organizational Restructuring: Added a new QC Supervisor and team to optimize efficiency. Competency Frameworks: Created frameworks to elevate team performance. Operational Analysis: Improved cargo staging cadence to reduce dwell times. Supply Chain Platform: Developed a Sharepoint platform for better communication and visibility. VAS Activities: Implemented new Value-Added Services to streamline operations.

  • Process Coordinator at Unit-T
    Jan 2023 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Leadership & Mentorship: Led and mentored a team of Logistics Experts, enhancing performance and collaboration. Strategic Operations: Executed strategic plans for Warehousing & Distribution at Unit-T, optimizing processes and efficiency. Standardization & Compliance Standardized processes across units, ensuring ISO 9001 compliance. Project Leadership:Optimized material delivery and registration, improving service efficiency. Stakeholder Collaboration: Integrated process landscapes and implemented best practices in logistics.