Bo Arfaoui
Asse,VBR
Summary
Experienced professional with 15+ years in real estate, facilities management, and mobility strategies in Europe. Specializes in leading large-scale projects and improving operational performance. Proven expertise in managing multimillion-euro budgets, implementing sustainability initiatives, and optimizing workplace environments for employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, engaging stakeholders, and delivering strategic, cost-effective solutions aligned with business objectives. Recognized for strong leadership, commitment to operational excellence, and results-oriented approach to complex challenges.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Continental Real Estate, Facilities & Mobility
Eurostar Group
10.2023 - Current
- Oversee real estate, facilities, and mobility strategies across 19 locations in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, improving operational performance and stakeholder engagement
- Lead sustainability initiatives and hybrid working policies, driving 'Sustainable Mobility' projects and managing refurbishment projects up to €8 million
- Foster cross-departmental collaboration with HR, Internal Communications, CSR, and Safety @ Work to implement solutions that enhance employee experience and efficiency
- Manage an annual operating budget of €7.8 million, ensuring strategic resource allocation for key real estate and mobility projects
- Streamline maintenance operations by utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), optimizing building processes for cost-effective upkeep across locations
- Prepare and oversee financial reporting and analysis of CAPEX and OPEX, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and proper resource allocation for real estate and mobility projects
- Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, ensuring service agreements and regulatory compliance, while optimizing costs through performance assessments
- Foster collaboration with internal departments to enhance workplace standards, employee well-being, operational efficiency, and ESG compliance
Board Member
IFMA Belgium Chapter
01.2025 - Current
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decisionmaking.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
- Facilitating opportunities for knowledge enhancement
Enabling members to execute facility management tasks with exceptional proficiency:
> Prioritize learning and personal development by promoting and encouraging training initiatives
> Collaborate with various partners to establish a comprehensive training program for both IFMA and non-IFMA members
Real Estate & Facilities Manager Belgium & France
Thalys International
12.2014 - 09.2023
- Managed projects with budgets from €500k to €3 million, including 'Thalys MOVE KIOSK' and 'Thalys MOVE HQ' refurbishments, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery
- Directed construction, renovation, and maintenance activities for Thalys properties, using CMMS to track service requests, scheduling, and contractor performance across Belgium and France
- Managed relationships with external stakeholders including contractors, property owners, and vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely service delivery
- Ensured compliance with building codes, environmental regulations, and health & safety standards, maintaining up-to-date records for all facilities under management
- Oversaw daily budget management for facilities activities, including project financials (CAPEX and OPEX), ensuring all costs were controlled and aligned with company objectives
- Led the implementation of the 'Sustainable Mobility' project, enhancing transportation options for employees in Belgium and France, promoting eco-friendly commuting solutions
- Played a key role in defining and developing the working environment concept in close collaboration with HR, Internal Communication, CSR, and Safety @ Work departments
Facility Manager
Facilicom Facility Solutions
03.2013 - 11.2014
- Managed comprehensive contract negotiations, procurement strategies, and quality control for facility services, ensuring seamless operations
- Served as the primary liaison between clients, suppliers, and internal teams, ensuring consistent communication and issue resolution
- Supervised a diverse team of suppliers and facility management staff, optimizing performance and ensuring adherence to service level agreements
- Integrated sustainability practices into facility operations, driving CSR and HSSE initiatives to improve environmental and safety standards
Facility Coordinator
COFELY Services - GDF Suez Group
12.2008 - 02.2013
- Coordinated the allocation of tasks and resources across multiple departments, ensuring efficient workflow and project delivery
- Fostered strong cross-departmental relationships, facilitating smooth communication and collaboration on shared objectives
- Provided event support, managing logistics, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure successful event execution
Sales Representative
Verheyen Graphics NV
03.2005 - 10.2007
Business Consultant
Euphony NV
04.2003 - 02.2005
Graphics Master (DTP)
Neckermann BV
04.1999 - 07.2003
Education
Postgraduate Degree -
Facility Management
01.2011
Diploma -
Business Management
01.2004
Skills
- Real Estate Law Expertise
- Safety Standards Knowledge
- Communication Skills
- SLA and KPI Management
- Strategic Business Planning
- Facility Operations Management
- Team Leadership
- Real Estate Management
- Project management
- Procurement & Vendor negotiation
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Employee Engagement
- Operational Support Management
- Sustainable Development Initiatives
- Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Data Analysis Skills
- Accurate Financial Reporting
- Stakeholder Communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strategic Planning
- Dynamics NAV Expertise
- IBM Lotus Proficiency
- Experience with SAP Systems
- Oracle Software Proficiency
- Skilled in Adobe Applications
- CMMS Implementation
- Positive Interpersonal Skills
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Service-Oriented Communication
- Creative Solution Development
- Effective Time Management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Decision-making
Languages
Arabic
French
Dutch
English
German
Skills Expertise
- Estate Law
- Safety Regulations
- Communication Skills
- SLAs & KPIs
- Business Strategy
- Facility Management
- People Management
- Property Management
- Project management
- Procurement & Vendor negotiation
- Time Management
- Cross-department collaboration
- Employee experience
- Support Management
- Sustainability initiatives
- Mitigation Strategies
- Analytical Skills
- Financial reporting
- Stakeholder engagement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Planning
- Dynamics Navision
- IBM Lotus
- SAP
- Oracle
- Adobe Suite
- CMMS
Personal Information
- Title: Real Estate & Facilities Director
- Nationality: Belgium
Certification
- Course in Mobility Management, Traject - Brussels Mobility, Belgium - 2024
- Certificate in Coaching of Virtual Teams, BCT Coaching & Training, Belgium - 2014
- Course in Project Management, Syntra Campus Mechelen, Belgium - 2012
Timeline
Board Member
IFMA Belgium Chapter
01.2025 - Current
Head of Continental Real Estate, Facilities & Mobility
Eurostar Group
10.2023 - Current
Real Estate & Facilities Manager Belgium & France
Thalys International
12.2014 - 09.2023
Facility Manager
Facilicom Facility Solutions
03.2013 - 11.2014
Facility Coordinator
COFELY Services - GDF Suez Group
12.2008 - 02.2013
Sales Representative
Verheyen Graphics NV
03.2005 - 10.2007
Business Consultant
Euphony NV
04.2003 - 02.2005
Graphics Master (DTP)
Neckermann BV
04.1999 - 07.2003
Diploma -
Business Management
Postgraduate Degree -
Facility Management
Similar Profiles
Mani NairMani Nair
Business Head-EUROMAX at Eurostar GroupBusiness Head-EUROMAX at Eurostar Group
Carolina QuinonesCarolina Quinones
Slotting Specialist at WSS EurostarSlotting Specialist at WSS Eurostar
Kim Lan VerheyenKim Lan Verheyen
On Board Information Dispatcher at EurostarOn Board Information Dispatcher at Eurostar