Department Manager, Policy & Projects

Wageningen – A global city in pocket size

In Wageningen, people come first. Not just in words, but above all in deeds. Every day, we work on fostering engagement, compassion, and innovative solutions that truly improve the lives of residents. Whether it involves social initiatives, sustainable projects, or new ways to engage residents: Wageningen dares to experiment, collaborate, and innovate. With courage, compassion, and determination, we are building an inclusive society where everyone can participate.

Wageningen has a strong identity as a city of freedom, science, and sustainability. With Wageningen University & Research (WUR) as its international flagship, the city is known for its leading research into sustainable agriculture and food security. The city buzzes with diversity and international energy. People from more than 160 countries feel at home here. This cultural richness fosters encounters, new perspectives, and collaboration across different disciplines and cultures.

For more general information about the municipality, visit:www.wageningen.nl 

Choosing focus and direction 

Wageningen faces major and multifaceted challenges. In recent years, we have been working on four interrelated priorities: future-oriented community life, the impact economy, a sustainable city, and managing limited space. The recent governance capacity study shows that our ambitions and societal challenges require an organization that can make informed choices, collaborate effectively, and remain agile. We cannot do everything, and not everything needs to be done at once.

That is why we are increasingly focusing on focus, coherence, and reflection. We are asking ourselves more often: Are we doing the right things, and are we doing them well? This approach requires leaders who can maintain a clear overview amid complexity, provide direction, and engage people in making clear decisions—all while keeping the city, the organization, and the people who work there in mind.

For more general information about the organization, visit:https://www.wageningen.nl/organogram-3/ 

What are you going to do? 

As the Policy & Projects Department Manager, you are a visible, strategic, and approachable leader with a keen sense of organizational dynamics. The department employs approximately 80 professionals, including team leaders, policy advisors, project managers, and program managers. You are responsible for the HR management of the team leaders and program managers. The department provides advice on all municipal (policy) areas and thus covers many topics such as: housing, the economy, sustainability, nature, safety, culture, quality of life, and urban planning.

The team leaders are responsible for day-to-day operational and tactical management. You will focus on setting the strategic direction, ensuring coherence, and making integrated decisions regarding our social challenges. 

You will work to further professionalize the department by clarifying responsibilities where necessary, leveraging talents, and fostering an environment that encourages learning, reflection, and constructive dialogue. 

As a member of the Management Team, you will actively contribute to the organization’s overall direction and continued development. You will serve as a key link in collaboration with your colleagues in operations and day-to-day management. You are clear about your role and seek open and constructive dialogue and collaboration. You serve as a key point of contact for the municipal secretary on issues related to policy, tasks, and the progress of the administrative program.

In addition, you will serve as the first deputy municipal secretary and, when necessary, perform duties on behalf of the Municipal Executive. You will also represent Wageningen in regional partnerships.

You think from the outside in, bring clarity to complex situations, and foster collaboration both within and outside the organization. You connect departments, teams, areas, and disciplines, and help leadership and the organization make informed decisions: what should we pursue, and what should we set aside (for now)? You take project-based and task-oriented work to the next level.

In this way, you contribute to a work environment where people are committed to and work professionally toward the future of Wageningen. 

What do you bring to the table? 

• University-level work and thinking
• Strong in both content and concept; you are a strategic thinker and a doer
• Management experience within (preferably) a public organization
• Political, administrative, and organizational sensitivity
• Knowledge of relevant policy areas and an understanding of current developments
• Ability to assess complex challenges and translate them into clear decisions
• Experience with both task-oriented and project-based work
• Clarity, decisiveness, and the ability to get people on board with the direction and priorities

Who you are 

• Authentic, approachable, and visible
• Steady and determined, with the courage to make decisions and stand by them
• People-oriented, with an eye for the people behind the work
• Results-oriented, without losing sight of the human touch
• Relaxed and confident in your leadership
• Encouraging collaboration and development
• Someone who inspires confidence and creates space for learning and reflection 

Terms and Conditions 

This position is part of an organizational development process. The position is classified at pay grade 14, with a maximum gross monthly salary of €8,474 based on a full 36-hour workweek. The applicable collective bargaining agreement is the Municipalities Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition, there are excellent fringe benefits, including: an individual choice budget (IKB) of 17.05%, a commuting allowance, and the option to exchange a gym membership for the IKB. This is initially a temporary employment contract for a period of one year, with the prospect of a permanent employment contract. 

Procedure 

The contact persons for this process are Carien Verhoeff and Bente Wijnen of YESS Boer&Croon. Following a preliminary screening by the agency, candidates will be recommended to the client. The application process with the client consists of an initial round of interviews with the selection committee, comprising the municipal secretary, fellow managers, and the advisory committee, which consists of the Human Resources & Organization team leader and a delegation of employees from the department. This selection day will take place on February 27. This will be followed by a more in-depth round of interviews with the selection committee. An assessment may be part of the selection process. 

Apply 

For more information about the position and the application process, please contact Bente Wijnen at +31 621 917 589. Please submit your application by February 20 at the latest to:Department Manager, Policy & Projects - Boer & Croon