About me
My name is Joost Bruls, born in Venlo, The Netherlands. I have been living in Twente for years, together with my wife with whom I was blessed to have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. After my Athenaeum B education, I studied Theoretical Physics at the university. I soon found it was too theoretical. Therefore, I followed Mechanical Engineering courses to complete the year after which I switched to the Higher Technical School (HTS) of Automotive Engineering. I successfully completed my study, but my hunger for knowledge was not yet satisfied. At the HTS it turned out that I was good at computer science. This, together with similar results from a career test, made me decide to study Computer Science at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. In 1987, after submitting my thesis in Statistical Process Control, I graduated. Then I started working.
Who is Joost?
Although having factual knowledge is important, I have learned over the years that this is only relevant in combination with having soft skills as well. Especially in the areas where I consult is being able to explain, propagate and transfer knowledge essential to success.
- One of my strongest qualities is to be able to recognize structures and trends and being able to predict the consequences of them. I keep an overview of all the factors that influence the subject and am therefore able to determine and implement the right strategy.
- I am always honest, transparent and sincere. I am loyal and reliable. I tell it like it is, am open to feedback and use feedback for self-reflection. Although people say I'm charismatic, I'm definitely not an ego tripper. I prefer a role outside the spotlights.
- I am strong in motivating those involved. My way of working is characterized by making goals transparent and discussing them in a team to determine how these goals can best be achieved, using everyone's strengths. I myself try to set a good example by actively participating in the team and not just advising from the sidelines.
Professional experience
Once started as a software developer at Hollandse Signaalapparaten B.V., It soon became clear that my heart was not in just software development, but also in the areas of strategy, product management and system and software development. I gradually grew into these roles and was offered challenging positions. In addition, I became a source of information in the company on many topics related to organization, methodologies, processes and quality. Since December 1st, 2022, after 35 years of salaried employment, I have started to work as freelancer.
Product Development Manager
1994 - 2002
HITT, Holland Institute of Traffic Technology B.V.
- Participated in a management buy-out resulting in the foundation of the company HITT.
- HITT developed software for traffic management systems, both for aviation as well as maritime traffic.
- Head of product development department both for aviation as well as maritime traffic management systems.
- Defining, developing and introducing a new product line regarding guiding airplanes on an airport.
Quality Assurance/Business Development/Sales Support Manager
2002 - 2005
HITT, Holland Institute of Traffic Technology B.V.
- Set up a new Quality Management system for HITT.
- Resulting in HITT being one of the first ISO 9001:2000 and TickIt certified companies.
- Improved HITT’s sales support department in terms of quality and efficiency.
- Defined and started up developments of new products and major product extensions.
Product and System Engineering Manager
2005 - 2009
HITT, Holland Institute of Traffic Technology B.V.
- Defined and introduced a structure for both product management and product portfolio.
- Developed a product roadmap for both aviation as well as maritime traffic management systems.
- Structured an in-house system engineering department with the right competences.
- Defined and introduced a uniform and efficient system engineering process.
- Deputy head of the operations department
Product- and Product Development Manager
2009 - 2012
HITT NV
- Responsible for the strategy and development of both the aviation and maritime product portfolio.
- Introduction of a new product management structure.
- Definition and introduction of a new licenses business model.
- Changed product development from a Cost Center into a Business Unit structure.
- Improved product development efficiency.
Strategy and Product Manager
2012 - 2020
Saab Technologies B.V.
- Advised management in the area of strategy and product management.
- Product manager for maritime traffic management, port management and terminal management.
- Product Development manager for all product lines within Saab's Maritime Traffic Management group.
- Advised management in the area of efficiency improvements in the organization, ways of working and structure.
Product and Operations Manager Maritime Service Suite (MSS)
2020 - 2022
Saab Technologies B.V.
- Defined a new product suite called Maritime Service Suite, intended to replace all current product lines.
- Developing and introducing the Maritime Service Suite in the market.
- All developments are based on modern cloud-native technologies and architectures such as Kubernetes and Micro Services.
- Defined and introduced new, on SaaS based, business models, both for on-prem as well as cloud applications.
- Setting up of a new international product development department.
- Introducing new way of working based on DevOps.
Services
I gained my 35 years of experience at larger companies, such as Hollandse Signaalapparaten, Thales and Saab, but also at the small and medium-sized company HITT, of which I was also a co-owner. My area of knowledge is strongly determined by my experience in strategy, definition, development, sales and maintenance of complex software systems in the field of air traffic control and maritime traffic control. This critical infrastructure requires 24/7 operation with availability requirements of 99.5% and higher and are integrated with sensors such as Radar, AIS, Cameras, Direction Finders and Weather and Sea State sensors.
Our clients were mainly both local and national governments. The contract value of the projects varied from 250 kEuro to 30 MEuro. The projects were often carried out turnkey and had to meet strict government requirements for project execution and management.
The above experience allows me to consult companies on a broad spectrum of topics. Some examples are shown below.
Company Strategy
Determine together with the customer what the core values of the company are. Determine how these core values can be used to grow the business, while considering market trends and competition. Advising on the roll-out of the business strategy.
Product Management
Defining an efficient product management organization together with the customer, especially for complex software systems. Guidance in the actual roll-out. Help with the preparation of a development roadmap.
Define Systeem Concepts
Define and establish complex, software-dominant, future proof, modern system concepts. In particular in the domain of maritime and aviation traffic control.
Software Product Development
Defining and advising in how to structure an efficient modern software development organization, including processes, working methods and methodologies. Supervision of transformation from traditional to agile development departments.
Acquisitions and Divestments
Advice and support by drafting information memorandums and performing due diligences, especially in the areas of business strategy, product management and software development.
Interim Management
Interim Management as Head of Strategy, Chief Product Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Product Manager, Product Development Manager and Quality Assurance Manager.
Testimonials
I head the privilege to work with many good people. Colleagues, clients, partners and suppliers. Please find below some of their testimonials.
Innovation driven by more than 30 years of experience. Real team anchor, passionate and strong leadership skills making team perform at it’s best, even under pressure. Open, compassionate and a real pioneer in his field of expertise made our cooperation a unique exploration journey!
Dimitry Kovtunenko
Marketing & Sales Area Manager
Next to that Joost is passionate, reliable, driven and very pleasant to work with, he is also strategic, visionary
and can align latest technologies in current and future business models and translate this in business plans and development of new products.
Ruben Creutzburg
Head of Operations Surveillance Systems
Whoever hires you will be lucky enough to hire a pleasant and loyal team player, with a great deal of knowledge and experience in the field
of complex technical systems/products and with an excellent vision of the direction future developments will take.
Jan Boxum
Director Operations
It is a pleasure to work with Joost. An entrepreneur with a warm heart. Customer focused; with an eye for detail as well as for the strategic direction.
Mario Flos
Head of Engineering
Joost has a visionary personality with the perseverance to implement his
strategical views and a wealth of maritime experience to rely on. It's
always been a pleasure to work with him.
Gert Willems
Managing Director
Joost's enormous enthusiasm was contagious and created a very nice team atmosphere. Joost is really concerned with everyone's well-being. What impressed me most is his broad knowledge. He knows the industry very well, understands technology and is always open to new ideas.
Nelly de Muynck
Software Developer
Joost is a forward looking entrepreneur that understands change management. He is up-to-date with technology and therefore choses the best way forward in any tasks. Adding to that a warm personality and business acumen, makes Joost a person that I enjoyed working with for many years.
Lars Jernbäcker
Global Growth Manager
Joost is an inspiring thinker with a remarkable ability to unravel complex issues and translate them into clear strategies. His visionary way of thinking deeply impressed me. His engagement, talent to motivate, and keen insight into technology and organization stand out. Working with Joost is a true pleasure.
Marlot Schoenmaker
Project Manager
Contact
JBruls Consulting B.V.
Chamber of Commerce number: 88699463
VAT Identification number: NL864735996B01
If you want to contact me, please fill in the contact form below.
Location:
Lage Esweg 1, 7441AV Nijverdal
Email:
info@jbrc.nl
Mobile:
+31 (0)653 186860