Cluster Manager, Operations

What will you be doing?

As Operations Cluster Manager, you are responsible for overseeing the operations cluster, which includes the facilities, finance, HR, IT, and AFAS application management departments. These departments are shared by the PO-Raad and the VO-Raad. You have personnel responsibility for the finance and HR teams, as well as the AFAS application manager. The facilities and IT departments are managed by their own managers.

The cluster manager ensures that operational processes are aligned so that the cluster’s operations optimally support the core processes of both councils and, together with the teams, strike the right balance between management and service delivery. As a cluster manager, you act as a bridge between strategy and operations. You know how to capitalize on opportunities, set clear priorities, and maintain a broad perspective. You foster excellent relationships with relevant stakeholders both within and outside the organizations.

Together with the operational teams, you will ensure that the annual operational plan optimally supports the strategic agendas of the PO-Raad and the VO-Raad. In close coordination with the controller, you will monitor the financial and organizational frameworks and adjust them as needed. You are able to provide coaching-style leadership to employees and create the conditions necessary for their professional and personal development. In addition, you have an eye for the various roles and functions within the cluster. You make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of HR policy and, together with the HR team, you implement the established HR policy.

Who are you?

• You are able to operate effectively at all levels of the organization and to initiate and optimize business processes.
• You have a proactive attitude, strong analytical skills, and a knack for building things.
• You can maintain a clear overview and have an eye for long-term perspectives and consequences.
• You work closely with the boards and staff; you are committed, a team player, and an effective communicator.
• You serve as a proactive point of contact for the executive boards, the management team/managers, the works council, and, where necessary, the board of directors.  
• You have relevant knowledge of finance, HR, facilities management, and IT.
• You have proven leadership experience and are attuned to organizational dynamics.
• You have an interest in education and/or the public sector.
• You have a good command of the Dutch language.
• You have experience working with digital tools such as Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. Knowledge of Afas is a plus.

What do we offer?

The Operations Cluster Manager works for both the PO-Raad and the VO-Raad but will be employed by the PO-Raad. In addition to a pleasant work environment within a motivated team that fosters an informal yet professional work culture, we offer an excellent benefits package: 

• A full-time position of 0.8 or 1.0 FTE.
• The PO-Raad offers a competitive salary (pay scale 13 or 14, depending on experience), the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, with pay determined based on education and work experience, up to €7,632 per month for full-time employment.
• Vacation pay 8%
• Year-end bonus: 8.3%
• 232 vacation hours for full-time employees and the option to accrue additional compensatory leave
• Option for hybrid work
• Internet and telecommuting allowance
• ABP Pension Plan
• Travel Expense Policy and/or NS Business Card
• Laptop and phone
• Work-from-home equipment, such as a chair and a monitor

About the PO-Raad and the VO-Raad

The PO-Raad and the VO-raad are the sector organizations for primary and secondary education. These associations represent the common interests of school organizations in public (special) education. Through visits, networking events, and the General Members’ Meeting, our members are involved in shaping the PO-Raad and VO-Raad’s positions. The councils are thus authoritative advocates. In addition, the councils drive innovative projects and knowledge sharing in education. Quality is our top priority. After all, it concerns the future of our children and, by extension, the future of the Netherlands.

Interested?

If you are interested in this position, please email your cover letter and resume to vacature@poraad.nl by June 30 at the latest, with the subject line “Application for Cluster Manager of Operations.” If you have any questions about the position, please contact Sanne Scholten, Director of the PO-Raad, at s.scholten@poraad.nl.

The^first round of interviews will take place on July 3, 4, or 5, and the^second round of interviews will take place on July 7 or 11.