Director of Human Resources and Organization

About us

The Quadraam Foundation is an educational organization comprising fourteen schools, over 12,500 students, and approximately 1,500 staff members. Our mission is clear: to help every student succeed in learning. Our schools are firmly at the helm; the Quadraam Central Office (CBQ) provides support. Within this management philosophy, we operate based on the core values of Responsibility, Ambition, and Curiosity (VAN). We believe in professional autonomy, ownership, and learning together. Within the CBQ, the People & Organization (M&O) department is where HRM, educational quality, communication, the in-house academy Quriuz, and the Q High School come together. These disciplines collaborate closely on the development of people and the organization. M&O’s services are focused on the development of the schools, and the schools’ needs guide this process. Committed professionals and advisors from various disciplines work, in close collaboration with schools and CBQ, toward a single goal: enabling strong education within an inspiring, safe, and agile organization where people work, learn, and grow with joy and a sense of ownership.

About the assignment

As Director of Management & Organization, you will provide direction for this broad department and for the way Quadraam approaches people, learning, and organizational development. You will report to the Executive Board and be part of the management team, alongside the Director of Operations and the Executive Secretary. You will help build a future-proof Quadraam: an organization that is dynamic, stays on course, and has firmly anchored its values in its vision and mission. You will lead a team of approximately 35 professionals and serve as an authentic figurehead who gives concrete form to the transition toward cohesion. At the same time, you will further develop the department into a strategic partner for the schools. You will connect people and departments, work toward a shared vision for supporting the core educational process, and foster a learning organization culture. You ensure that M&O operates as a single, recognizable partner—professional, accessible, and strategic. You know how to strike a balance between staying the course and allowing room for growth, encourage ownership and exemplary behavior, and are decisive in achieving results. You create a safe environment for development and growth, both within and outside your own team. You listen attentively, are not afraid to confront issues, and maintain a lighthearted and humorous approach. You switch effortlessly between people and levels—from teacher to principal, from administrator to policy advisor—and serve as an authoritative sparring partner who inspires trust. You connect the core missions of secondary education—quality, opportunity-rich, and inclusive education—with a strategic vision for HRM and organizational development. In this way, you work toward sustainable change with a long-term perspective: carefully, people-oriented, and with clarity regarding direction and results.

What do you bring to the table?

You are an experienced leader who stays the course in dynamic circumstances and thrives on collaboration. You have a vision for people and the organization, think holistically, and act with care. In addition, you bring the following:

• Academic level of work and thinking, with a relevant background in HRM, organizational studies, psychology, or a related field;
• Extensive experience with strategic HRM, organizational development, or change management in a complex environment;
• Experience with organization-wide transitions and cultural change is a plus;
• Administrative experience and/or the ability to operate effectively in an administrative context;
• Understanding the dynamics of education.
• Experience in fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring results within teams or departments.

You recognize yourself in the following competencies

• Strategic acumen – you look ahead, think holistically, and translate vision into results, while supporting the continued development of M&O to serve the schools;
• Focus and steadfastness – you maintain your course in complex situations and lead the effort to empower schools to take greater ownership;
• People-oriented – you see the person behind the role and create opportunities for growth and ownership;
• Courage and flexibility – you adapt smoothly to change and have the courage to stand your ground, drawing on your connections and determination;
• Stylistic flexibility – knowing when to take the lead and when to let go, with a sense of context, timing, and humor;
• Emotional intelligence – you listen, connect, and maintain strong relationships at all levels;
• Decisiveness – you act with conviction, make choices, and ensure that plans are actually carried out;
• Reflection and a focus on results – you can take criticism in stride and keep things in perspective; you say what you do and do what you say;
• Change Management – You drive change in people and processes, with perseverance and a belief in growth.

What we offer

• The gross annual salary is based on the CAO VO, scale 14, and amounts to a maximum of €125,000 (2025 price level) for full-time employment (40 hours), depending on knowledge and experience;
• Attractive employee benefits (ABP pension, vacation pay, year-end bonus);
• 90 LBP hours (full-time), 11 weeks of vacation leave, a laptop, and a phone;
• Opportunities for hybrid work and ongoing professional development;
• A learning and engaged organization where initiative, diversity, and curiosity are valued.

Application Process

Do you see yourself in this profile, even if you don’t meet all the requirements? If so, we strongly encourage you to apply. We are being supported in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information, please contact Judith Gunneweg, senior partner at Colourful People:j.gunneweg@colourfulpeople.nlor06-51515567. You can upload your cover letter and resume via the application button on the Colourful People website.

Please submit your applications by November 16, 2025. Interviews will be held in Duiven on December 9 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) and December 16(9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). The discussion regarding terms of employment will take place on December 18 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.).

Quadraam believes in the power of different perspectives and is looking to bring in new talent that complements the leadership team and highlights diversity.

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