Operations Manager (p)

Haag Wonen: Developments and Context

Haag Wonen operates within a complex social and urban context. The housing association manages approximately 21,000 homes in The Hague and works every day to provide quality, affordable housing for those who need it. In doing so, Haag Wonen constantly strives to strike a responsible balance between its social mission and the financial resources needed to continue investing in the long term.

In recent years, the organization has evolved into a financially stable housing association facing a significant challenge in terms of construction and sustainability. At the same time, Haag Wonen faces complex strategic decisions. The housing association must invest in new construction, maintenance, and sustainability improvements for a relatively old housing stock, while financial pressure is mounting due to higher construction costs, interest expenses, and regulations. This requires careful consideration of what is necessary, feasible, and socially responsible.

In addition, issues related to quality of life and social cohesion play a major role. Haag Wonen operates in neighborhoods where social disparities are evident and where housing is closely linked to livelihood security, safety, and the quality of community life. This is precisely why knowledge of the target group and an understanding of the social context are of great importance in the oversight process.

Digitalization and AI are also seen as key developments for the coming years. At Haag Wonen, we are paying close attention to the impact of digital innovation on our services and the organization. This also requires monitoring accessibility, the human dimension, and the social implications of digitalization.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a member of the Supervisory Board for Haag Wonen who has a strong social profile. The Board is looking for someone who understands the lives of tenants and residents and who can bring this perspective to the oversight process in a clear and balanced manner.

We are looking for a commissioner who understands that public housing is about more than just real estate. Housing is linked to security of livelihood, the quality of life in neighborhoods, and the way people find their place in society. Especially in an urban environment like The Hague, this calls for someone who can interpret social trends and connect them to administrative considerations.

We are seeking a board member with an affinity for public housing and social issues in an urban setting. Someone who is familiar with—or is able to fully understand—the lives of tenants and residents from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The board member understands the challenges surrounding livelihood security, quality of life, and social cohesion, and can link social trends to strategic and administrative issues.

Haag Wonen is looking for someone who can carefully weigh complex dilemmas, make independent judgments, and collaborate constructively within the board. A board member who is critical and analytical, yet does not lose sight of the human perspective. The ability to effectively combine oversight and advisory roles and to serve as a sparring partner for management and fellow board members is also important.

In summary, we are looking for a board member who:

• has an interest in public housing and social issues in an urban setting;
• has experience working in a social services setting;
• has a good understanding of the lives of tenants and residents;
• can link societal signals to strategic and administrative issues;
• carefully weighs complex dilemmas and makes independent judgments;
• works together critically and constructively within the council;
• incorporates the human perspective in a meaningful way;
• knows how to effectively balance oversight and advice and acts as a sounding board for the board of directors and fellow supervisory board members.

The following personal and general qualities are important for a board member:

• authenticity, consistency, and openness;
• administrative insight, grounded in realism, common sense, and an understanding of the complexities of housing authorities;
• strategic insight;
• integrity and a sense of ethics, by being approachable and acting ethically;
• social responsibility, with an awareness of the specific (social) role of housing associations;
• independent judgment, including the courage to ask difficult questions;
• ability to work as part of a team;
• a forward-looking vision;
• self-reflection.

Experience as a regulator is a plus, but not required. More important are administrative acumen, the ability to reflect, and the ability to view complex issues from different perspectives.

Knowledge of or an interest in topics such as healthcare, welfare, quality of life, or diversity is a definite plus. We also encourage candidates with a legal background who are interested in this role to apply. Given the current composition of the board, in the event of equal suitability, the board expresses a preference for bicultural (female) candidates.

The Board of Supervisors

The Supervisory Board oversees the performance of the Executive Board and the general state of affairs within Haag Wonen. In addition, the Board acts as an employer and a sounding board for the Executive Board. The Board places a strong emphasis on understanding the concerns of tenants, the municipality, and other stakeholders.

The board values openness, independence, and collaboration. Diversity in background, experience, and perspective is considered essential for effective oversight and consistent with Haag Wonen’s social mission.

The board consists of six members and has an audit committee and a compensation committee. Regular meetings, committee meetings, thematic meetings, and working visits are held annually.

What do we offer?

• A socially significant supervisory role with a tangible impact on public housing and quality of life in The Hague.
• A dedicated and professional team on the supervisory board.
• Compensation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• About six meetings a year, plus working visits or thematic meetings.

Interested?

Haag Wonen is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information, please contact Hatice Türkmen, a partner at Colourful People, at 06 46 08 12 32.

If you are interested, please apply by June 12 at the latest, including a cover letter and resume. The preliminary interviews are scheduled for June 16 and 17 (online). The final interviews at Haag Wonen are scheduled for June 29 and July 10.