Innovation Designer at Q-LAB

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. 

As an innovation designer, you’ll work with the Q-LAB to conduct experiments that make police work better, more enjoyable, and easier. The team you’ll be part of consists of innovation specialists and trainees from the police organization. These trainees bring a wealth of police knowledge to the table. As an innovation designer, you’ll be responsible for the actual implementation of the experiment. Starting with a problem, you’ll work on user research, ideation, prototypes, tests, and MVPs. You’ll also contribute ideas on the further development of our innovation methodology, which is based on Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile. From time to time, you’ll provide training on these topics to the team and encourage less experienced colleagues to adopt an innovative mindset. 

In addition to your work within the experimental team, you will work on your personal development alongside other innovation designers and our internal trainees, and you will participate in observational internships in police practice. We also look forward to introducing you to our philosophy and approach, and we believe it’s important for you to stay up to date on the latest developments. We do this through a series of workshops, training sessions, and seminars, and there’s plenty of room for your own ideas. 

Where will you be working?

This job opening is for Q-LAB Zeeland - West Brabant in Tilburg. There are also Q-LABS in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Weert, and Ede. The Q-LABS are part of the network organization Q_NL and collaborate closely with each other and with other innovation teams within the police organization. You will receive guidance and toolkits from Q_NL and will be connected with other innovation designers in professional groups to continue learning. As the Q_NL network continues to develop, you will increasingly be able to benefit from the experiences of others, thereby enhancing the police force’s innovative capacity and speed. 

Why would you want to work at Q-LAB? Because we often do things a little differently. You have to love that. It’s not just a coincidence—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 fuels us to keep going where others stop. Want to learn more about Q-LABS? Listen to this podQast, check out our videos, and visit our website at www.politie.nl/q. You can also find us on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Who are you?

You are enthusiastic and enterprising; you thrive on innovating within an innovation team and helping colleagues adapt to a new way of working. With your passion for social impact, you collaborate with others to create value for society through innovation. You have a strong ability to understand complex issues, draw key insights from various sources, and connect the different pieces of information in a clear and organized way. 

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 carrying out innovation projects;
• Expert in Design Thinking and Lean Startup, with knowledge of Agile/Scrum;
• Experience with (digital) prototyping (Adobe, Figma), user research, and testing;
• An affinity for both technological and social innovations;
• A willingness to learn. 

What we offer

The position is based in Tilburg. There are two full-time positions available. This is a temporary position for a maximum of three years, requiring 32 to 36 hours per week; fewer hours are not negotiable. 

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 salary level depends on your knowledge and experience and will be assessed during the interview. 

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

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 Robin Smallenbroek, Innovation Coach (06 - 38 24 67 78, robin.smallenbroek@politie.nl) if you would like more information about the position. For 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 hold a bachelor’s degree or have been deemed to have equivalent qualifications 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.