Managing Director

The Heerlen Entrepreneurs Fund and the Municipality of Heerlen have joined forces to strengthen the city’s strategic positioning and are seeking a director to develop the city’s marketing vision and strategy and shape the new organization. The goal: to put the city more firmly on the map, improve its reputation, and generate more attention for all the positive things happening in Heerlen. Are you ready to work on fostering pride among residents, attracting new residents and visitors, and promoting Heerlen as an attractive location for businesses, investors, talent, and students?

Who are we looking for?

Someone who listens openly and sincerely. Who communicates clearly and with a steady hand. Who builds with fearlessness. Who understands and embraces Heerlen. Who thinks outside the box. Who connects people. Who spots opportunities and helps shape them. Who inspires. Who builds the organization and the story of Heerlen with realism, steadfastness, and ambition.

What are you going to build?

The new city marketing organization in Heerlen plays a central role in positioning the city as a unique and attractive place to live, work, do business, and enjoy leisure activities. The executive director leads the organization and serves as the link between local stakeholders, national partners, and international networks.

What kind of impact do you want to make?

The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing an ambitious and forward-looking city marketing strategy. He or she will build a strong brand for Heerlen, ensure effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, and help raise the city’s profile both locally and internationally. For this young organization, it’s all about pioneering. That means this role requires someone who is not only strategically strong but also hands-on and willing to take the initiative. This is especially true during the startup phase of this new organization, but certainly applies afterward as well. At its core, it comes down to building and expanding an organization while simultaneously achieving early successes.

What will you be doing?

Strategy and Policy

• Developing and implementing a clear city marketing vision and strategy for Heerlen
• Creating a strong and consistent brand image for Heerlen, both within and outside the city.
• Monitoring trends and developments in the fields of city marketing, place branding, and urban development.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Building and leading a professional team that operates based on a shared vision.
• Creating an open and results-oriented organizational culture.
• Ensuring transparency and accountability to the Supervisory Board.

Networking and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the face of the organization and the point of contact for external relations. 
• Actively maintaining and expanding networks at the local, national, and international levels.
• Collaborating with the municipality, businesses, cultural institutions, and other partners to achieve shared goals.

Financial and Operational Management

• Responsible for sound financial management and achieving established KPIs.
• Applying for and managing grants and other forms of funding.
• Reporting to the Supervisory Board on progress, results, and challenges.

Who are you?

First and foremost: the right attitude and a DNA that fits Heerlen are more important than checking off every skill. Heerlen is a city in development, with a burgeoning sense of pride among its residents and, above all, room for boldness and experimentation. You can easily make up for a little less experience with 100% dedication, good ideas, strong listening skills, a strong work ethic, persuasiveness, an eye for quality, and a little patience. What we do look for: 

Experiences

• Relevant experience in place branding, city marketing, or a similar role.
• A proven track record in successfully building and leading organizations.
• Experience with or an aptitude for working in an administrative environment and with various stakeholders.

Skills

• Strategic insight: Able to develop and implement a long-term vision.
• Hands-on approach: Willing to take on operational tasks and contribute directly to implementation, especially during the organization’s early stages.
• Interpersonal skills: A natural networker with excellent communication skills.
• Results-oriented: Focused on achieving measurable results and impact.
• Creativity and innovation: Able to translate innovative ideas into practical solutions.
• Commitment: A deep connection to the city of Heerlen and its unique context.

Networking

• Has a large local, national, and international network that can help strengthen Heerlen as a brand.
• If you don't currently live in Heerlen, you must be willing to spend a significant amount of time there and eventually move here.

What does Heerlen have to offer you?

• Heerlen is a city where anything is possible, where there is room for experimentation and out-of-the-box thinking
• You’ll have a unique opportunity to help shape the future and image of Heerlen.
• You have the opportunity to build a new organization from the ground up.
• You'll work with a wide range of dedicated and passionate partners.
• You will earn a competitive salary and receive attractive benefits.
• One-year appointment with the possibility of a multi-year contract

Interested?

The Citymarketing Heerlen & Partners Foundation is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to assist with recruitment and selection. Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply via the application form on the Colourful People website and submit your cover letter and resumeby Sunday, April 13. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 30. We aim to fill the position as soon as possible. Want to know more? Contact Winfred Voordendag, partner at Colourful People, via w.voordendag@colourfulpeople.nl or 06-28284706.