Q-LAB Innovation Coach

What will you be doing?

As a police force, we work in Q-LABS using our own innovation method—based on Design Thinking and Lean Startup—to develop solutions for issues with a social impact. This includes developing advanced (investigative) technologies, promoting a more inclusive police force, and designing smart processes. Our approach addresses challenges in police practice, with a focus on end-users and a belief in the power of diverse perspectives. 

You will oversee these innovation initiatives from start to finish, ensuring they are successfully integrated into the organization. You will establish the necessary conditions, environment, and coaching to launch and execute high-quality experiments. This includes addressing legal feasibility, ethical considerations, and privacy safeguards. The team you work with consists of specialists in the field of innovation and trainees from the police organization. These trainees bring a wealth of police knowledge to the table, and you teach them how to innovate. You foster an environment where there is room for all ideas and insights within the team. Together with the team, you identify the underlying problem, explore possible solutions, and develop an initial minimal viable product. You are the person who ensures that evaluation, handover to the line organization, and implementation take place, while taking into account the various contributions of all stakeholders. 

As an innovation coach, you are also responsible for developing and refining the innovation methodology—which is based on Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile—and providing training on these topics to the team. As a coach, you encourage less experienced colleagues to adopt an innovative mindset. 

Where will you be working?

This position is with Q-LAB Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. There are also Q-LABS in Rotterdam, Weert, Ede, and Tilburg. The Q-LABS are part of the Q_NL network and collaborate closely with one another and with other innovation teams within the police organization. Q_NL provides guidance and toolkits, and you will be connected with other innovation coaches in professional groups to ensure continuous learning. As the Q_NL network continues to develop, you will increasingly be able to leverage the experiences of others, thereby enhancing the police force’s innovative capacity and speed. 

Why would you want to work at Q? Because we often do things a little differently. You have to love that. It’s not just for the sake of it—we operate on a foundation of trust and the belief that work is more than just a job. In this great workplace, having fun is important; it’s what keeps us going where others give up. Want to learn more about Q-LABS? Listen to this podQast, check out our videos, and visit our site at www.politie.nl/q. You can also find us on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Who are you?

You are energetic, enterprising, and find fulfillment in streamlining processes and coaching an innovative team. You draw strength from helping others discover new work methods and approaches. You know how to inspire others, regardless of their background or experience. For you, it’s all about the energy you bring to a subject, always looking for opportunities, even when faced with resistance. You’re flexible and adapt to changes and new opportunities. You’re determined to make a meaningful contribution. 

With your passion for social impact, you work with others to create value for society through innovation. A safe and inclusive work environment is essential to you, and you encourage colleagues, regardless of their learning style or experience, to grow and develop. You are adept at understanding complexity, draw key insights from various sources, and connect the different pieces of information in a clear and organized manner. 

You are eager to learn more about the police organization and to further develop yourself both professionally and personally. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and adapt your approach to influence others depending on the situation. You are also an active listener and know how to connect with others in various ways. You are willing to participate in training to perform your role to the best of your ability. 

You will also have access to:

• Bachelor's degree level of work and thinking;
• At least two years of experience in leading innovation projects and teams and facilitating the entire design process;
• Expert in Design Thinking and Lean Startup, with knowledge of Agile/Scrum;
• Experience with (digital) prototyping, user research, and testing;
• Both technological and social innovations;
• Willingness to learn. 

What we offer

The position is based in Utrecht. We are looking to fill one full-time position. This is a temporary position for up to three years, working 36 hours per week. 

You can also expect the following from us:

• A gross monthly salary of at least €3,554 and at most €5,598 (scale 10 Bbp) based on a 36-hour workweek;
• An Individual Choice Budget (ICB) consisting of two parts:
• A gross portion of 17.86% of your salary. With this budget, you can customize part of your employment benefits. For example, you can choose to have your budget paid out, purchase vacation time, or use it for professional development activities such as training.
• A net allowance of €377 per year. You can use this budget for things like sustainability goals, union dues, and wellness initiatives.
• A good pension plan and paid parental leave (more information about leave, policies, and options). 

The formal position within the police department's job classification system is Operations Specialist B.

If you have previously worked for the police and hold a police diploma, you can retain your law enforcement status in this role. 

Interested?

On September 29, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., we’re hosting a virtual meet-up where you can meet the team and ask any questions you may have. Please sign up at q-nl@politie.nl. 

Please call or email Boudewijn van der Garde, coordinator (06 – 50 63 15 77, boudewijn.van.der.garde@politie.nl) or Robin Smallenbroek, QNL innovation coach (06 - 38 24 67 78, robin.smallenbroek@politie.nl) for information about the position, or contact Brenda van Roosmalen, Head of the Police Profession Unit (06 - 22 51 45 95, brenda.van.roosmalen@politie.nl) for more information about the Police Profession Unit and team. 

If you have any questions about the application process, please call or email Willy van Middelaar, recruiter (06 - 18 65 88 65, willy.van.middelaar@politie.nl). 

Apply by October 6, 2025, via the application button.  

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening. 

Another important point is

• A background check is part of the selection process.
• Apply in whatever way works best for you! We’d love to learn more about who you are, what you can do, and what drives you! If you’d like to submit a video, please upload it to YouTube or Vimeo with a password and send us the link along with the password to q-nl@politie.nl.
• Effective police work requires a variety of perspectives. What unique perspective will you bring to our team? 

You have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized through EVC. Alternatively, you have at least two years of demonstrable experience at the required level of work and thinking. You must demonstrate this with your resume, supplemented by an official job description, job posting, or other document that clearly states the required level of work and thinking.