Head of the Spatial Planning Division

What makes this job particularly interesting?

Team development: Building a close-knit team is a key objective for the department head. Since two departments were recently merged, team development is still in its early stages. Together with two team leaders, you will build a strong team. You will foster trust, connection, and growth. Our people are already intrinsically motivated professionals; you will nurture their talents and help them work together even more effectively.

Taking services to the next level: Zaanstadtakes a task-oriented approach. This means that you will work with residents, business owners, and community partners to develop local solutions. You ensure that your department takes a clear stance on this and optimizes service delivery.

Strategic collaboration: Asa department head, you are a crucial link, both internally and externally. Collaboration with other departments, the Municipal Executive, and external partners requires your insight into complex political and administrative relationships. In this regard, you are a steadfast, reliable sparring partner.

Or as one of your future colleagues puts it:“Working at Bouw RO means building the safety and livability of Zaanstad.” 

What are you working on?

As department head, you will invest in the development and strengthening of the Construction and Spatial Planning Department. The department includes structural engineers, inspectors, enforcement officers, consultants, administrative staff, and legal advisors working in the areas of construction and childcare supervision and enforcement. Together, you will work on the technical aspects of spatial development and construction projects in Zaanstad. You will collaborate with various departments, including Environmental Permits, Subversion, Street Supervision, Public Order and Safety, the Foundation Repair Team, and the Zaandam-East Pact.

In addition:

• You will develop and implement strategic policies in the areas of construction and urban planning;
  
• You will be responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of the Quality Assurance Act within the Zaan organization;
  
• You monitor the quality and progress of projects and processes within the department;
  
• You will advise the executive board, the mayor and aldermen, and the city council on issues related to oversight, enforcement, and child care;
  
• You represent the municipality in external meetings and partnerships;
  
• You identify developments and trends in building regulations and urban planning and apply them to project implementation;
  
• You will be responsible for the department's professional development.

Of course, you’ll be doing this work together with your team.

What do we expect from you?

You are an inspiring and positive leader who is able to bring people together. As a coach, you are empathetic, curious, and focused on development. You listen, identify what people truly need, and leverage their unique qualities. In doing so, you maintain a balance between the interests of your department, the organization, and the city. You’re also confident and assertive: you speak up when necessary, even when it gets uncomfortable. And just as important: in this role, you’ll set a clear example in line with our core values: courage, space, appreciation, and trust.

• A college or university level of education and thinking in the fields of architecture, urban planning, or law.
  
• Extensive experience as a manager in a political and administrative setting.
  
• Familiarity with laws and regulations such as the Wabo and the Environment Act.
  
• You are results-oriented, customer-focused, and a natural bridge-builder.

The Department of Construction and Spatial Planning

More than 50 experts from the Construction and Spatial Planning Department work on the implementation and enforcement of spatial planning policy. They provide advice on the issuance of permits for construction projects, foundation repairs, and childcare facilities. Our inspectors oversee the repair, restoration, and renovation of (historic) buildings. Attention is also paid to structural safety and fire safety during supervision and enforcement. The legal staff are responsible for the legal quality of enforcement procedures. And the policy advisors manage the processes and policies. Thanks to the strong support of the administrative staff, we work together to ensure the timely completion and documentation of procedures. In this way, they ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in notifications and permits.

About the Municipality of Zaanstad

Zaanstad is one of the 20 largest municipalities in the Netherlands. By 2040, our municipality will have grown into a city with over 200,000 residents. We want to make Zaanstad more beautiful and stronger. By working toward a prosperous, safe, and sustainable city where Zaanstad residents can live, work, and enjoy their leisure time in a pleasant and healthy environment. We work toward this goal every day with 1,800 colleagues. We strive to be a vibrant and inclusive organization—a place where you can be yourself and feel at home and valued, with the freedom to develop your unique talents and put them to work for the city.

What do we offer?

A great job with a reputable and ambitious employer. A role where you’ll help shape the future of Zaanstad. You’ll be working alongside enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues. Together, we make a difference!

What else can you expect?

• A salary between €5,630 and €7,416 gross per month (pay scale 13 based on a 36-hour workweek). Your exact salary will depend on your knowledge and experience.
  
• A job for 32–36 hours per week.
  
• 194.4 vacation hours based on a 36-hour workweek.
  
• An Individual Choice Budget (ICB) amounting to as much as 17.05% of your salary. You can use this for extra vacation days, training, a bicycle, or additional pay.
  
• Hybrid work: both at our unique city hall, located right next to the Zaandam train station, and from home. Work hours and days can be arranged flexibly.
  
• A work-from-home allowance of €3 net per day.
  
• A reimbursement of €168 per year for the cost of your health insurance.
  
• A travel allowance of €0.23 per kilometer. It doesn't matter how you travel.
  
• Other benefits include a pension through ABP, a group discount on health insurance, and partially paid parental leave.

For a detailed overview of our terms of employment, please visit: www.werkenbij.zaanstad.nl/over-zaanstad/arbeidsvoorwaarden.

Interested?

The Municipality of Zaanstad is being advised by Colourful People in this matter. Hatice Türkmen, a partner at Colourful People, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. She can be reached at h.turkmen@colourfulpeople.nl or on your mobile at 06-46081232. Please feel free to send your comments via the application form on the website with a resume and cover letter.

The application deadline for this position is through January 4, 2025. The preliminary interviews are scheduled for January 9 and 10. Meetings with Zaanstad are scheduled for week 4.