Head of Real Estate & Sustainability

About the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ premier museum of art and history, with a rich collection of over a million objects that tell the story of our country, from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. We are at the heart of society and aim to highlight our collection from diverse perspectives and make it accessible to everyone. Diversity and inclusion are our top priorities; we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued in our museum—both our visitors and our staff.

What makes this position special

In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to chart a sustainable course for the Rijksmuseum. As Head of Real Estate and Sustainability, you will work closely with various departments and external partners to ensure efficient and modern facility services. You will play a crucial role in making our real estate more sustainable and in creating innovative, customer-focused services that seamlessly align with the needs of the organization and its visitors.

With a clear vision for future-proof property management and sustainability, you will develop and implement a long-term strategy that supports the Rijksmuseum’s mission and ambitions. You will optimize existing real estate and facility services while initiating innovative solutions to make buildings and processes more efficient and sustainable. In doing so, you will ensure a strategic real estate strategy focused on the optimal use and sustainability of both existing buildings and new locations, including museum facilities and storage areas. You will manage the long-term maintenance plan and oversee the efficient and timely execution of maintenance and renovation projects. In addition, you will advise the management on investment plans and strategic decisions regarding renovations, expansions, and energy efficiency, and ensure smooth coordination between strategic real estate policy and operational execution.

In the area of sustainability policy, you will develop and implement strategies at both the strategic and operational levels. You will integrate sustainable solutions into all aspects of property management and facility services and initiate projects to promote energy efficiency, circular business practices, and environmentally friendly maintenance.

You will also focus on strategically improving and professionalizing facility services, with a strong emphasis on customer service, modernization, and sustainability. This includes optimizing back-office operations, cleaning services, and food and beverage facilities within the museum. You will ensure that new job descriptions and processes contribute to enhanced service quality and foster innovation.

In addition, you will be responsible for managing and negotiating complex contracts and tenders for property management, maintenance, and facility services. You will oversee compliance with contractual agreements, the quality of execution, and effective supplier management. By coordinating tenders and developing sustainable and cost-effective procurement strategies, you will contribute to the optimal management of resources and services.

This versatile role offers you the opportunity to use your strategic insight and leadership to make a lasting impact on the Rijksmuseum’s sustainable development and operational excellence.

Our ideal candidate:

• Possesses auniversity-level education and analytical skills, with a background in business administration, facilities management, or property management.
• Has extensive experience instrategic real estate managementand managing large contracts.
• Has a clearvision of sustainabilityand knows how to translate it into concrete policy proposals and implementation.
• Is a strongproject managerwith experience in modernizing and professionalizing facility services.
• Cancollaborateeffectively with internal and external stakeholders and build support for strategic initiatives.
• Has experience leading a team and knows how to inspire and motivate people.
• Thinks innovatively and is constantly looking for ways to improve processes and make them more sustainable.

What we offer

At the Rijksmuseum, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where art, history, and society come together. We offer:

• A salary in accordance with the museum collective bargaining agreement, up to€8,682(scale 15) for a 36-hour workweek.
• 8% vacation payand3.4% year-end bonus.
• A one-year contract for36 hours per week, with the intention of renewing it.
• The flexibility to alternate between working from home and working in the office, including a budget to set up your home office.
• Fullreimbursement of public transportation costsfor distances of 5 km or more (up to a maximum of €345), including reimbursement for a secure bicycle parking facility.
• After your probationary period, you will receive aMuseum Year Cardthat grants you unlimited access to 450 museums in the Netherlands, including a free guest pass for the Rijksmuseum.
• Participation in variousevents and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun.

Interested?

Are you excited about this opportunity and interested in playing a key role in the Rijksmuseum’s sustainable future? Apply now!

The Rijksmuseum is being assisted in this process by the executive search firmColourful People. You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website no later thanJanuary 6, 2025.

Thepreliminary interviewswill take place onJanuary 8–9, 2025.The interviews with the selection committee are scheduled forJanuary 16, 2025.