Director of the Zeeland Public Health Service

Our goal is to make Zeeland a region where people live long, healthy lives and where everyone can participate. We do this on behalf of Zeeland’s thirteen municipalities and in close collaboration with various partner organizations. GGD Zeeland is also a crisis response organization that stands ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take action in emergencies that threaten public health. Many colleagues have a role in the crisis response organization in addition to their daily duties, so that we can effectively scale up and respond during crises.

Due to our director’s departure to the Zeeland Safety Region (VRZ), we are seeking a new director for the GGD. You will be the new figurehead and the driving force behind the further development of the GGD in Zeeland. We are looking for an experienced leader who can decisively implement changes and guide organizational development. You will oversee the transition from a self-managing to a line-managed organizational structure. This requires a leader who is capable of continuing the “foundations in order” approach while simultaneously engaging the team in organizational development. The management team consists of the managers of general healthcare, youth healthcare, Veilig Thuis, operations, the director of public health, and the director of youth care procurement. The MT is supported by the group controller and management advisor.

The boards of the GGD and the VRZ have expressed their desire to develop a joint operational and facilities plan for the GGD and VRZ over the coming year. As director of the GGD, you will serve as the lead coordinator, responsible for effectively guiding this collaboration and developing a future-proof operational and housing strategy for both the GGD and the VRZ. This “exploratory year” will lay the foundation for a potential future governance and management structure for the GGD and the VRZ.

This role, which involves a special assignment, requires strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to manage change.

Profile of the ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate for this position is a strong, unifying leader with experience in change management. You have—or are developing—a clear vision for public health and safety, and you know how to translate this vision into concrete actions. You know how to take an organization to the next level and have a keen eye for the development of employees and teams. You understand that the further organizational development of the GGD is a major undertaking, and that the transition to line management demands a great deal from both employees and managers. In addition, you have strong business management knowledge and can not only initiate changes but also successfully complete them. You view collaboration with the Works Council as an essential opportunity to promote inclusive decision-making and gain valuable insights. Furthermore, you have the decisiveness to make tough decisions and actually implement changes. Living in or near Zeeland, or a willingness to relocate, is a significant advantage.

To be successful, we consider a good combination of the following qualities and competencies to be important:

• Business Insight and Organizational Development:
  You have a keen eye for organizational development and know how to build a robust organizational structure. You understand the complexity of business management issues and know how to translate them into strategic solutions that support operational tasks.
• Connective leadership and networking:
  You are a skilled networker who builds and maintains relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. You foster collaboration at all levels, promote a flexible culture, and encourage social cohesion across departments.
• Innovation and Change:
  You are innovative and not afraid to think outside the box. You see opportunities to leverage technology and innovative solutions to take the GGD to a more modern and effective level.
• Empathetic and approachable:
  You are approachable, empathetic, and have a strong focus on transparent communication. You listen to employees’ concerns and communicate clearly and promptly, especially during times of change. You foster an inclusive work environment where everyone feels heard and valued, regardless of background or position.
• Decisiveness and the ability to get things done:
  You are decisive and have the drive to turn decisions into concrete actions. You ensure that plans are carried out and results are achieved.
• Vision for public health and safety:
  You have, or are developing, a strong vision for how public health and safety can be promoted. Together with the VRZ director, you will become a leading advocate for public health and safety and will be able to communicate this vision to employees, municipalities, and partners.
• Crisis Management and Administrative Sensitivity:
  You have experience in crisis management and are familiar with administrative processes within the government. You are able to ensure continuity, even in challenging situations.

Job Requirements:

• At least 10 years of experience in various management positions within similar (public) organizations.
• Experience in managing complex partnerships and change initiatives.
• Knowledge of administrative processes, crisis management, and risk management.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A keen eye for results and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

What we offer:

Depending on your education and experience, GGD Zeeland offers a salary based on job grade 16. You will also receive an individual flexible spending allowance (17.05% in accordance with the SGO Collective Bargaining Agreement). Other terms of employment are available upon request.

Contact and application process:

GGD Zeeland is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. Interested? Please contact René F. Burgler, Esq., senior partner at Colourful People, via r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or via 06 28 57 54 36.
You can upload your resume and cover letter (in PDF format) no later than November 7 via www.colourfulpeople.nl. If we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close the application process early. We would appreciate it if you could contact us by phone at an early stage to express your interest. The digital pre-selection interviews will take place on November 11 and 13, followed by interviews with the selection and advisory committee on November 22, 2024. A development assessment is part of the process. We aim to complete the process in November.