Operations Manager

Cyclists' Union

The whole of the Netherlands is cycling! That’s the Fietsersbond’s dream. The Netherlands has more bicycles than people—we own 25 million bicycles. And together, we cycle over 15.5 billion kilometers every year. The OV-fiets, 24-hour free parking, and through-cycling routes. These are all thanks to the Fietsersbond! The Fietsersbond works hard to ensure that cycling remains fun and safe for everyone, from young to old, from classic bikes to handcycles. We do this by lobbying the government and collaborating with the business community. We have 32,000 members who support us and 2,000 volunteers who ensure that the interests of all cyclists are heard throughout the Netherlands. Are we done yet? No, not by a long shot. Because cycling can be more fun and safer, and many more people should be able to experience the joy of cycling. And to achieve that, a flexible internal organization is one of the prerequisites!

Dutch Cycling Embassy

To strengthen and capitalize on the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in cycling, the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) Foundation promotes Dutch cycling knowledge, expertise, and products abroad. With a small and enthusiastic team of seven staff members and two interns, we work on various projects both at home and abroad. We do this in collaboration with our network of 100 participants (governments, companies, research institutions, NGOs). The DCE’s activities include hosting and guiding foreign delegations, organizing seminars and workshops abroad, connecting Dutch experts with international partners, and answering questions, sharing knowledge, and co-developing training modules for cycling professionals worldwide.

Together, we are looking for a:

Operations Manager (28–32 hours)

What will you be doing?

Contributing to even more cycling joy! One of the key requirements for achieving this is a flexible internal organization where you promote the job satisfaction of our people. That’s where your talents come in. For this reason, the Fietsersbond and the DCE have decided to establish the Huis van de fiets : a leading shared service center where various companies collaborate to further strengthen the Netherlands as a cycling nation. We therefore want to better align our operations and integrate them in certain areas. And we are looking for a physical location where not only we, but also other cycling organizations, can have an office. You will be tasked with organizing that integration and relocation.

The Fietsersbond and the DCE are evolving into a learning organization where job satisfaction, talent development, and personal responsibility are priorities at every level. We recently launched an ongoing dialogue and conducted a talent analysis. It is your task to further implement and shape this new HR policy, including the diversity policy. You will directly manage four employees in the Operations and Finance department. In total, there are 25 people working at the Fietsersbond and 7 at the DCE. As Operations Manager, you are responsible for all operational management, ranging from facilities, IT, and grant procedures to finance. 

You will work closely on a daily basis with the Fietsersbond management team, including the Executive Director and the managers of Policy and Communications & Membership. The Director of the DCE joins the weekly meetings. You will also serve as the first alternate for both directors in their absence.

The operations and finance team, which you directly supervise, consists of four people. Your team works not only for the national office but also, in part, for the DCE.

Who are we looking for?

• You have at least 3 years of experience in a managerial role;
• You have strong business acumen and knowledge of HR and business processes;
• You can quickly switch between strategic, tactical, and operational levels;
• You are reliable and predictable; you work in an organized manner and ensure clarity;
• You are flexible, decisive, and naturally team-oriented;
• You are entrepreneurial and see opportunities for collaboration, growth, and development;
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills;
• You should ideally have an interest in cycling;

What we offer you

• An enthusiastic and dedicated team at the national office of the Fietsersbond and the DCE;
• Good commuting facilities for cyclists, including a bicycle plan and a shower with a changing room;
• Training opportunities;
• A one-year contract, with the possibility of a permanent position;
• Depending on your experience: a salary between €4,000 and €5,000 per month based on a full-time contract (36 hours);
• And, among other things: a pension plan, performance bonus, laptop, and phone;
• At the Fietsersbond and the DCE, we work about 50% from home and 50% in the office, and we provide you with a work-from-home allowance and travel expenses.

Please email your resume and cover letter by Wednesday, March 8, to: sollicitatie@fietsersbond.nl, addressed to Esther van Garderen, Director of Fietsersbond. Do you have any questions? Please feel free to call Esther van Garderen at 06-52783894 or Lucas Harms (Director of DCE) at 06-22818014. We ask that you set aside Friday, March 10, for the first round of interviews.