Director/Executive Secretary

A dynamic director and a leading figure in the effort to make Zeeland safe

The VRZ stands out due to its geographic spread and the unique combination of waterways, industry, nuclear facilities, and cross-border challenges with Belgium, complemented by a thriving, high-volume tourism sector. The VRZ is an organization that not only stands ready to provide assistance during incidents and crises but also functions as a “normal” business. Its unique location as a delta region presents specific challenges in the areas of water safety and disaster response, requiring close collaboration with local governments and emergency services. “Strong together for a safe Zeeland”—that is the VRZ’s powerful mission.

We are looking for a new director

We are seeking a new director who can further develop the VRZ as an organization and steer it toward a future of clarity, safety, and strategic development. In this role, you—together with your management team—will have ultimate responsibility for the entire organization. You will simultaneously serve as secretary and chief advisor to the Executive Board and General Board, but not as regional fire chief. This makes the position unique, as you will truly be the linchpin in translating the board’s ambitions into concrete and sustainable policies and the organizational objectives of the VRZ as a whole.

A key responsibility is to lead the organization toward greater professionalization. This involves strengthening leadership and defining and communicating a shared vision, while setting an example and maintaining an outward focus. You are able to translate administrative, political, and societal developments into the organization’s objectives, and you provide direction for political ambitions regarding the further development of crisis management. In doing so, you constantly seek a balance between ambitions and available resources, and you know how to maintain this balance in the interaction between the organization and the board.

A key part of your role is representing VRZ in regional, supra-regional, and national networks. You will take a proactive stance on behalf of VRZ and foster collaboration, both internally and externally. The organization has already made significant strides in optimizing collaboration, and it is up to you to continue and strengthen this progress.

As Director of VRZ, you will be at the helm of a proud and deeply committed organization comprising approximately 230 employees and over 1,150 volunteers who play an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Zeeland region every day. With your leadership, vision, and ability to foster collaboration, you will contribute to the success of our people and our mission!

Profile

We are looking for a director who can bring people and organizations together—both internally and externally—and who remains steadfast in challenging times. You are diplomatic, empathetic, a good listener, and persuasive. Openness, decisiveness, integrity, resilience, and empathy are core qualities we seek in the new director. You possess administrative and strategic insight, adaptability, enthusiasm, a sense of responsibility, and self-awareness. You are a leader who can further develop vision and strategy, communicate effectively, and implement plans. Experience in strategic crisis management is a plus, and experience in fostering collaboration is essential, in addition to, of course, a relevant range of work experience. Living in or near Zeeland, or a willingness to relocate, is also a plus. In short, we are looking for a new figurehead for the VRZ who represents us and a safe Zeeland!

Terms of Employment

Depending on your education and experience, VRZ offers a gross monthly salary of up to €9,345 based on a 36-hour workweek (job grade 16, effective January 2, 2023). In addition, you will receive a flexible spending account (18.63% of your salary). Other terms and conditions are available upon request.

Contact and Information Procedure

The VRZ 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, or by uploading your resume (in PDF format) via www.colourfulpeople.nl, and we will contact you.
The (pre-)selection interviews will take place in week 3, and the interviews with the selection and advisory committee will be held on February 9, 2024. We plan to complete the process in February.

The VRZ strives to reflect society and believes in the power of diversity. We are therefore eager to learn more about who you are and what drives you.

For more information about the organization, visit:www.veiligheidsregiozeeland.nl,the 2022–2025 Long-Term Policy Plan,the 2022–2025 Regional Crisis Plan, andAbout the Organization