Head of Services

About HKU

HKU is the largest university of the arts in the Netherlands, with over 4,000 students, and one of the largest educational institutions in Europe focused on art, culture, and the creative industries. HKU offers a wide range of programs across nine academies.

HKU exists because creating art offers new perspectives, inspires stimulating interactions, and thereby gives shape and meaning to society and the challenges it faces. As HKU, we are at the heart of that society and strive to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. Our success depends entirely on the quality and commitment of our people and the ideas they bring. That is why we are curious about your talent and how you can make a difference for our organization.

Due to the retirement of the current Head of Services, we are looking for a new Head of Services for the IBB-Laan, Pastoe Fabriek, and Mariaplaats (Utrecht Conservatory) locations. In this role, you will work directly with the Head of Operations at these locations, and you will be jointly responsible for facilities services for the educational programs. Together with the other Head of Services and the two Heads of Operations, you will form a team led by the Facilities Manager, who reports to the Director of Facilities.

Every day, you will lead a diverse and experienced team of fifteen employees, consisting of reception and service desk staff. For students, staff, and visitors alike, this team serves as the first point of contact for front-line services. From offering a warm welcome to answering questions about the location and the supporting organization.

What is your role?

• You are in charge of a dedicated team consisting of service desk staff and receptionists, and you’re a natural leader;
• Together with the Head of Operations, you will ensure the proper delivery and adherence to the agreed-upon services;
• Together with the other head of services, you ensure consistency between your department’s and HKU-wide work processes and procedures, and you are responsible for driving innovation and digitization of these activities within the department’s services;
• You are responsible for scheduling and planning services;
• You will work in a process-oriented manner to improve service delivery and, to that end, make well-reasoned proposals;
• You will serve as the point of contact, both internally and externally, for the services we support.

What do you bring to the table?

• HBO-level work and thinking skills and an educational background in hospitality and/or facilities management;
• Experience in leadership, improving facility services, and coordinating and organizing work;
• Knowledge of legal requirements regarding leadership and safety, the digitization of work processes, and a solid understanding of team development;
• A proactive, service-oriented, and people-oriented attitude, combined with strong communication skills;
• You live in the immediate vicinity of the city of Utrecht.

What do we have to offer?

With us, you’ll work in an inspiring environment where creativity, technology, and innovation come together. You can be completely yourself here. The school year has dynamic peak periods when we all pull together, but this is balanced by a generous number of vacation days. You will receive a salary in accordance with the HBO collective bargaining agreement, scale 10 (€3,639.22 to €5,699.76 for full-time) and attractive benefits, such as a year-end bonus, a museum year pass, and a bicycle plan.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe it is important that everyone feels welcome and valued. We believe that diversity enhances creativity and strive to bring together the different perspectives and experiences from society within our organization. We actively take steps to promote diversity and inclusion and collaborate with organizations that support us in this effort. In addition, we organize (internal) events and gatherings during Keti Koti, International Women’s Day, and participate in Pride Utrecht.

Apply

• For more information about the position, please feel free to contact Dorine van Kampen at dorine.vankampen@hku.nl. Please use this email address only to ask questions.
• You can apply through Sunday, January 18, using the “Apply” button.
• The first interviews are expected to take place during the week of February 2–6.
• A cover letter is not required. However, we would like to receive your resume and your answers to the following questions, in your own words, so that we can get a good idea of what you bring to the table:
• Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt on the fly to provide good service, and how you came up with an effective solution ?
• What leadership qualities do you value the most, and how do you incorporate them into your own leadership style?
• Can you give an example of how you contribute to an open and pleasant work environment, so that your colleagues feel seen and appreciated?

The position is being advertised both internally and externally. In our selection process, we recognize the value that diversity brings to our organization. Recruitment efforts in response to this job posting are not appreciated.