Director

About De Blauwe Kei

Since 2018, De Blauwe Kei has been located on Noordkade in Veghel, the cultural hub of Meierijstad and the surrounding area. This former animal feed factory is a place where art, food, culture, and leisure come together. Here, De Blauwe Kei “creates and mixes” together with fellow organizations from The Culture Factory; Phoenix Cultuur, Cultuur Haven Veghel, and De Compagnie. Together with these cultural partners, the theater has helped launch unique events, such as the BIJT! Art About Food Festival.

The inspiring and vibrant Noordkade offers several (theater) venues and locations that invite you to experience surprising theater, whether in an intimate or grand setting. From breathtaking dance to impressive theater. From big names in cabaret to emerging talent. And from must-see classics to innovative, unconventional productions waiting to be discovered, featuring, for example, mime, puppetry, and modern circus. In an average season, there are about 150–200 events on the calendar. Thanks to its diverse program and many collaborative partners, the theater is a major cultural pillar for the entire region. With nearly 20 colleagues and a service team of about 30 enthusiastic volunteers, we’re there for our theater makers and our visitors before, during, and after the performance. A close-knit team that works hard in an informal atmosphere to create high-profile and tasteful theater!

The theater is thriving: its ambitions are grand, its possibilities are boundless, and it is eager to capitalize on them. After more than six years of pioneering, developing, and growing, De Blauwe Kei is now a rock-solid institution, both artistically and financially. It offers a program that sets trends and sets the tone in an unparalleled setting. The theater is seeking a director who, together with the enthusiastic and professional team and the partner organizations within Cultuurfabriek, wants to continue building the theater of the future.

The Cultuurfabriek is a cooperative of four cultural foundations: the Phoenix Cultuur Foundation (art education, talent development, and amateur arts), the Cultuur Haven Veghel Foundation and Exploitatie BV (facility management and hospitality), the De Compagnie Foundation (professional visual arts), and the Blauwe Kei Foundation, Theater aan de Noordkade. In collaboration with fellow directors and organizations, initiatives are developed that can only take shape at Noordkade.

The position

As director of De Blauwe Kei, Theater aan de Noordkade, you will play a key role in shaping the theater’s strategic and operational direction. Together with the programmer, you will be responsible for the programming and artistic profile of De Blauwe Kei. You are the central figure who develops Blauwe Kei’s policy and embraces opportunities for collaboration with the various partners on the Noordkade. You are responsible for the business and organizational management and position Blauwe Kei as the leading theater in the broader region.

What should you bring:

• Theater and culture enthusiast: You have a passion for theater. You’re creative, which allows you to come up with innovative ideas. You have an affinity for culture and the performing arts, know how to bring fresh ideas to the table, and have an eye for the possibilities and social impact of the Blauwe Kei. But you also understand the importance of innovative and inclusive programming and know how to integrate it into the bigger picture. Your creative input is expected; it is an advantage if you already have extensive experience with cultural and creative initiatives.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset: You have a business-minded approach and know how to secure the necessary funding for all ambitious plans. You understand the Noordkade’s ambitions, proactively seek out new partnerships, and work with partners to develop a strategy that strengthens the balance between theatrical and commercial programming.
• Knowledge of organizational management: You have knowledge of and experience with the day-to-day management of an organization, preferably in the cultural or social sector. You understand the interplay between commercial revenue, grants, and the public.
• Collaborative and strategic leadership style: You are a director who is able to inspire others and engage them in shared goals, even beyond the boundaries of your own organization. Collaboration, vision, and a strategic, overarching approach are key.
• Sensitive and a strong communicator: Because you operate in a complex environment with many different types of stakeholders, effective, transparent communication and the ability to respond flexibly to diverse interests are essential.
• Visible and supportive leadership: In addition to your strategic responsibilities, you are a director who maintains a visible presence. You serve as the organization’s supportive leader, committed to the development of its staff. But you are also the face of the theater to artists, audiences, and stakeholders. At major performances and events, you act as the theater’s host for artists, partners, and VIPs.

What we offer you:

At De Blauwe Kei, you can expect a competitive salary that reflects your responsibilities and experience (between €6,500 and €8,123 gross for full-time work). In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% vacation pay bonus and a year-end bonus. The theater offers generous vacation days. You’ll work in an inspiring environment that strives for continuous innovation, with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development. Flexibility is a top priority, with options for hybrid work. We encourage a diverse and inclusive workplace and are curious to learn more about you, even if you haven’t held a role like this before.

Procedure

De Blauwe Kei is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Jantien Plooij, a partner at Colourful People (06-17703534) or via j.plooij@colourfulpeople.nl.

You can express your interest by uploading a cover letter and resume (in PDF format) by November 26, 2024, using the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page. Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Jantien Plooij. Rest assured that your information will be treated confidentially.

Schedule

The interviews will be held on December 12 (first round) and December 16 (second round) at the Noordkade.