Head of Operations
A place for and by the community: that’s what matters to us at the Drachten | Smallingerland Library. As an educational and cultural organization, the library lets you borrow books and e-books. You can browse, sit down for a while, and read the newspaper. But we want to go further than that. Our ambition is to help everyone become self-reliant and to support them, while also providing a space for talent and enjoyment. This is reflected in our courses and consultation hours focused on language and digital skills, our close collaboration with the education sector, and the social and educational activities we organize. People of all ages are welcome here, and we are happy to serve all kinds of library users. In this way, we are working toward becoming a Community Library. In December 2023 and 2024, Drachten | Smallingerland Library was named the “Best Performing Library in the Netherlands.”
Does this sound like you: organizing, being knowledgeable, and ensuring that all tasks run smoothly? Then Drachten | Smallingerland Library is looking for you! We are seeking an enthusiastic
Head of Operations (32–40 hours per week)
Domain
As Head of Operations, you will work with your colleagues to ensure a smooth workflow within the organization. You will serve as the line manager for the staff in the secretarial and administrative departments.
Who are you?
As Head of Operations, you are the linchpin of the library; an indispensable hub within the organization. You have an eye for opportunities that arise and are skilled at maintaining a broad perspective. Finance, HR, and IT are areas that appeal to you—and ideally, you’re already familiar with them—and you’re eager to take the lead in these fields. Improving service quality is a top priority for you, both within the organization and for library users. You are well-informed about current developments in the library world. You value working as a team and enjoy collaborating with colleagues in the Fries Bibliotheken Netwerk. You think and work at a minimum of higher professional education (HBO+) or university (WO) level, and you support the vision of Bibliotheek Drachten | Smallingerland.
What will you be doing?
In practical terms, this means that you:
- Management information provided is used to monitor progress and take action when necessary;
- You are familiar with the planning and control cycle and actively contribute to the budget, annual report, financial statements, and HR workflow. You do this in collaboration with the Provincial Support Agency Fers;
- Overseeing the smooth operation of internal and external IT networks, in collaboration with Fers;
- In consultation with the director, develops proposed policies, drafts new policy plans, and prepares other documents;
- You will maintain contacts in the facilities management field, as building management is also part of your responsibilities.
What do we offer you?
- Initially a one-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position;
- Salary based on pay scale 10 (job classification: Domain Specialist, Public Libraries Collective Bargaining Agreement);
- An inspiring role to fill within the library;
- Colleagues who are committed to working together;
- Opportunities for professional growth in an environment that encourages lifelong learning.
Are you excited?
We look forward to receiving your cover letter and resume by Monday, January 5, atwerkenbij@bibliotheekdrachten.nl, addressed to Rien Vrijenhoek, Executive Director. Feel free to make your application as creative as you like! If you have any questions about the position, please email Rien at rvrijenhoek@bibliotheekdrachten.nl. We aim to have you start as soon as possible.
Drachten | Smallingerland Library values diversity and inclusivity. We believe it is important that our team is as diverse as the people we work with and for.
