Open to opportunities

Bernard Baetens

@bernardbaetens

IT leader with 15+ years improving systems, workflows, and delivery. I thrive in fast-moving environments and bring clarity to complex work.

Portugal

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior strategic roles in operations or IT management where I can lead cloud and GIS transformation, scale teams, and deliver long-term impact.

I am a Senior IT Project Manager with over 15 years leading complex multi-project programs for governments, NGOs, and SMBs, specialising in Agile delivery, cloud and GIS modernisation. I translate high-level strategy into clear, actionable roadmaps that align execution with long-term business goals.

As an independent consultant and former senior manager, I have defined and executed IT roadmaps for cloud and GIS modernisation, led 15+ concurrent IT projects, and secured executive buy-in and funding for multi-year programs. My work has delivered service integration, infrastructure consolidation, and improved delivery speed across cross-functional teams.

I focus on team development, coaching multidisciplinary teams and embedding Agile practices to increase ownership, velocity and collaboration. I have led large geospatial initiatives, national-scale data projects and cloud migration programs, combining technical understanding with stakeholder engagement to ensure timely delivery.

Currently pursuing an MBA to deepen leadership and operational skills, I am looking to move into broader strategic roles in operations, IT management or senior project environments that prioritise long-term impact and transformational outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior IT Project Manager

Current

Independent Consultant

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Provided strategic leadership and program management for Cloud and GIS modernisation, leading 15+ concurrent IT projects and securing executive buy-in to consolidate infrastructure and integrate services. Coached multidisciplinary teams to adopt Agile practices, increasing velocity and cross-team collaboration.

Program Management GIS Modernisation Agile Stakeholder Management DevOps Process Improvement

Senior IT Project Manager

Flanders Connect

Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 (3 years)

Developed and executed an AWS cloud migration program modernising government services and established service delivery processes; led a geospatial modernisation program managing 12+ projects annually to align data integration and standardisation. Improved operational robustness and delivery consistency across departments.

Cloud Migration AWS GIS Program Management Service Design ITIL Stakeholder Engagement Data Integration

IT Project Manager

GeoSolutions

Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Led cloud, API and automation projects delivering cloud-based geodata services and service-oriented APIs for municipal clients, standardising automated workflows for national geospatial data. Managed client and contractor relationships to translate requirements into timely technical delivery.

Cloud Services API Development Automation GIS Project Management Client Management PostgreSQL

IT Project Manager & Technical Lead

Vansteelandt

Jan 2009 - Dec 2017 (8 years 11 months)

Managed national geospatial initiatives including a multi-year update of Flanders' Large-Scale Reference Database and led end-to-end infrastructure mapping of government school buildings, delivering scalable data collection frameworks and a web-based GIS viewer to improve planning and access.

GIS Data Modelling Automation