Operations Manager

About Stek

Firma Stek is a creative agency specializing in urban development, community engagement, community building, social design, and branding & design. Our clients include project developers, municipalities, housing authorities, and combinations thereof. We work on exciting large- and small-scale projects throughout the Netherlands. Our office is located in Weesp, in a really cool spot: the Laurentiuskerk.

You can read more about our socially sustainable approach on our website. We believe that this approach helps us turn every place into a welcoming space. We’re convinced of it. It’s what drives us. And it makes us happy.

What will you be doing?

As Operations Manager, you’re the one who provides clarity, keeps things calm, and provides focused guidance. You ensure that the back office is just as strong as the front office is creative. You love numbers that add up, systems that make sense, and processes that run smoothly.

You’re not just handling administrative tasks; you’re building the backbone of the organization. You identify areas where processes can be streamlined, where risks lie, and where opportunities exist. In this role, which spans the entire organization, you collaborate with senior management, project managers, and external partners. You prepare management reports and translate data into strategic direction.

In addition, you will be responsible for implementing HR policies and overseeing recruitment and selection procedures, ensuring that the Stek team remains strong and the organization is future-proof. You will oversee finances, capacity, contracts, insurance, IT, and systems. You will ensure that Gripp (project management software) is used optimally and that everyone understands how to work with it. You will prepare overhead budgets, maintain them, and advise on the pricing of our services.

You have strong strategic skills, but you also enjoy getting your hands dirty on the operational side. You get things done. You take charge. You drive improvements. And you make sure everything runs smoothly without losing sight of the collegial atmosphere.

Does working with numbers make you happy? Do you enjoy optimizing work processes? Do you enjoy helping a team perform better by establishing the right structure? If so, this is the role for you.

Work

• Ultimately responsible for ensuring accurate financial records, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and invoicing.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, and reporting on overhead budgets.
• Advising management based on financial insights, hourly rates, and service pricing.
• Managing the Operations Department (two employees).
• Managing and optimizing Gripp as project management software; setting up workflows and training employees.
• Monitoring time tracking, overtime, and leave; tracking team capacity and utilization rates.
• Implementing HR policies and overseeing recruitment and selection processes.
• Managing IT and software policy: coordinating and centrally organizing the use of software and IT matters.
• Managing contracts, insurance policies, and agreements; coordinating legal matters and procurement/supplier management.

Who you are

• You have at least 5 years of experience in a similar role, such as an operations manager, controller, or operations manager (experience in project-driven organizations is a plus).
• You have experience with accounting and administrative processes, preferably in Exact and Gripp.
• You have a college or university level of education and work experience, and you have strong financial and organizational skills.
• You work 32–40 hours per week and are (preferably) available starting May 1.
• You speak and write Dutch fluently.
• You combine strategic insight with a hands-on approach.
• You are enterprising, proactive, and take initiative.
• You can easily switch between numbers, people, and processes.
• You feel responsible for the big picture and think in terms of the organization as a whole.
• You are a strong sparring partner for senior management and a coaching-style leader for your team.
• You enjoy a fast-paced, dynamic environment and love working with others to build a strong, fun organization.

What we offer

• A key role at a creative and ambitious agency.
• A great deal of freedom, responsibility, and room for initiative.
• Option to work partly from home and partly at the office.
• An inspiring workplace in the historic Laurentius Church in Weesp.
• Work on impactful projects throughout the Netherlands.
• Estimated salary up to €6,500 gross for a full-time position (40 hours).
• Pension plan with employee contributions.
• An Apple laptop.
• A fun and healthy lunch at the office.

Will we hear from you soon?

Are you the energetic, hands-on Operations Manager we’re looking for? Please send your (brief) cover letter and resume, preferably by March 16, to: info@defirmastek.nl. We’re moving quickly and would like to schedule the first interviews for March 19, 23, and 24.

Want to know more?

For more information about us, visit www.defirmastek.nl. Would you like to grab a cup of coffee before applying? That’s perfectly fine. Call or email Heleen at 0294-308034or heleen@defirmastek.nl