Three members of the Supervisory Board

The renovated side wing of the historic Kropholler complex not only provides space for exhibitions focused on shoes and leather, but also houses a number of maker labs where design and experimentation take center stage. In addition, the museum features an extensive Knowledge Center, a museum shop, and spaces for meetings and events.

As a museum, we focus not only on heritage, craftsmanship, and technology, but also on fashion, design, sustainability, and innovation. As a stage, workshop, study center, and laboratory, we aim to occupy a unique and distinctive place in the cultural landscape. In the new Schoenenkwartier, it’s not just about viewing and learning, but also about participation and raising awareness.

In the run-up to this move and reopening, the current governance structure—comprising a Board of Directors and an Executive Board—will be reorganized into a Supervisory Board and a single Managing Director.

Supervisory Board Schoenenkwartier is currently still managed according to the board-management model. In 2022, this will be changed to a Supervisory Board model, in which the management is responsible for day-to-day operations and the Supervisory Board (SB) oversees the management’s policies. The SB provides the management with advice and support and serves as an important sounding board. The Supervisory Board is also responsible for evaluating the performance of the statutory director. We are therefore actively recruiting members for the Supervisory Board.
Currently, the board consists of three members, with a rotating chairmanship. These board members will initially join the new Supervisory Board and will step down one by one over the next three years, ensuring that the new Supervisory Board never exceeds five members. One board member will step down in 2022, one in 2023, and one in 2024. As of the end of 2024, the Supervisory Board will thus consist of five members, all of whom will have joined between 2022 and 2024.

Appointments are made for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional four years. The Supervisory Board meets an average of six times a year for its regular meetings. In addition, there are a number of more substantive, topic-specific meetings each year. We expect new members to meet the general profile of a Supervisory Board member, as outlined below, in addition to the specific profile. Specifically, the Schoenenkwartier is seeking candidates who fit the profile

• Chair of the Supervisory Board with a background in politics and public administration
• Member of the Supervisory Board with a background in Manufacturing | Finance
• Member of the Supervisory Board with a background in Marketing | Communications | Education

General Profile and Responsibilities of Supervisory Board Members

General Profile

• The Supervisory Board is composed in such a way that its members possess sufficient expertise regarding the foundation’s objectives. The profile of each member of the Supervisory Board includes (at least) the following aspects:
• The members share an interest in (industrial) heritage, fashion, and/or the history of Waalwijk and De Langstraat
• The members share the foundation's objectives
• Preferably, members should have supervisory experience or relevant skills and an affinity for civil society organizations;
• The members have knowledge and experience in administrative decision-making processes and are familiar with the dynamics of public sector organizations
• Members are expected to have a clear perspective on the executive director’s policies regarding strategy, positioning, financing, collaboration, and cultural entrepreneurship.
• In order to evaluate the foundation’s policies and the performance of the executive director, the members must be capable of acting in an analytical, critical, and decisive manner;
• The members are able to strike a good balance between engagement and maintaining an appropriate level of oversight, and can serve as a sounding board for the executive director
• In addition, the members demonstrate a high degree of integrity and a strong sense of responsibility;
• The goal is to achieve a balanced mix of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the general conduct of the foundation’s affairs;
• Overseeing the management and policies implemented by the executive board;
• Approving the acceptance of outside positions by the executive board and appointing and dismissing members of the executive board;
• Determining the compensation and other terms of employment for the executive board;
• The duties and powers assigned to the members of the Supervisory Board under the articles of incorporation;
• Compliance with the Cultural Governance Code based on the "comply or explain" principle;
• Approving management decisions;
• The adoption and amendment of policy plans drawn up for any given year or a series of years; of the budget, the annual report, and the financial statements;
• The appointment of the certified public accountant for the purpose of the financial statements.
• Possessing a broad and relevant network and a willingness to utilize it
• Is prepared and able to attend meetings and prepare for them.

The board of the Shoe Museum is committed to diversity, based on the understanding that a variety of backgrounds and perspectives benefits the museum’s continued development. This requires all members to demonstrate commitment and respect for differences in personal skills, cultures, generations, backgrounds, gender, and sex.

The current board possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of organizational development, HR policy, finance, and museum policy. The profiles we are seeking complement these areas, though they may also partially overlap with the competencies already present on the board.

Profile: Chair of the
We are seeking an experienced chair for this position. As “primus inter pares,” the new Chair will play a key role in the transition from the Executive Board to the Supervisory Board. The Chair of the Supervisory Board is expected to lead the Supervisory Board meetings and serve as the primary point of contact on the Supervisory Board for the CEO and any other relevant parties. The chair is responsible for the functioning of the Supervisory Board as a whole, invests in team building, and serves as a sparring partner for the executive board.

You have extensive administrative and supervisory experience, a keen understanding of political, administrative, and bureaucratic dynamics, and are well-versed in governance structures. The chairperson is also committed to ensuring compliance with the Fair Practice Code and the Diversity and Inclusion Code. Naturally, you have an affinity for the arts and culture sector and the creative industries.

You serve as a liaison between fellow supervisors and the board. You possess excellent communication skills and are attuned to organizational dynamics. You are also independent and analytically strong, and you know how to identify strategic connections in order to provide direction and structure to discussions. You know how to empower others and are capable of self-reflection.

We expect the chairperson to be available for meetings and gatherings in addition to the regular Supervisory Board meetings, as needed. The chairperson should ideally be actively involved in the community where the Schoenenkwartier operates. Candidates with a broad network of contacts in boards, institutions, and community groups in the region are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Profile: Board of Trustees member with a background in the manufacturing industry | business
For this position, we are seeking a candidate with a background in the manufacturing industry, preferably with business knowledge and experience in financial management. A degree in economics, business administration, or public administration is preferred for this position. Candidates with a background in fine arts or design programs may also be suitable for this role.

You have an affinity for, and experience in, one or more of the following areas: (industrial) heritage, the manufacturing industry, fashion, and design—not only in terms of content but also from a business perspective. You are capable of eventually taking over the role of treasurer on the board and have a network in the manufacturing industry that can add value to the Schoenenkwartier.

You operate at a strategic level in your day-to-day work and understand governance structures. You have a clear understanding of current developments within the sector and, based on this, can critically evaluate and assess the broad outlines of policy development at the Schoenenkwartier. In addition, you possess strong communication skills, are self-reflective, and are a team player.

Profile: Board of Trustees Member with a background in Marketing | Communication | Education
For this position, we are seeking a candidate who holds a senior management role in the fields of marketing, communication, and/or education. A degree in, for example, communication studies, marketing, or education is preferred for this position. Knowledge of and experience with the arts sector, and specifically museums, are desirable.

You are able to ask strategic questions and evaluate vision and strategy regarding the positioning, market approach, audience development, and branding of the Schoenenkwartier. You have a relevant network in the arts sector, within educational institutions, or in the field of education.

You operate at a strategic level in your day-to-day work and understand governance structures. You have a clear understanding of current developments within the sector and, based on this, can critically evaluate and assess the broad outlines of policy development at the Schoenenkwartier. In addition, you possess strong communication skills, are self-reflective, and are a team player.

Recruitment Process In this recruitment process, Het Schoenenkwartier is being assisted by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the process, please contact Winfred Voordendag, a partner at Colourful People (06 2828 4706).

You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website by June 19 at the latest. Interviews with the selection committee will take place on Monday, July 4 (morning).

In line with its own social vision and the principles of good governance, the Supervisory Board gives preference to candidates who enhance the diversity of the team.