Health Promotion and Research Manager

32–36 hours per week | Zeist/hybrid

Start date to be determined – 1-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position

What will you be doing?

As Manager of Health Promotion and Research, you will lead two dedicated and highly committed teams in the field of public health, with a total staff of 29 FTEs.

Public health is under pressure due to complex social issues. Municipalities therefore need data-driven strategic advice to help them set their course and make substantive decisions. This is one of the reasons why GGDrU is strengthening its expertise and advisory role through a transformation initiative.

As Health Promotion and Research Manager, you will play a central role in the restructuring and further development of the teams. You will guide them through change and growth and work with the professionals to develop a forward-looking approach to their work. You will ensure focus, clear guidelines, and a well-defined division of roles, so that expertise is utilized to the fullest and the impact on public health is made visible.

In addition, you will have full HR and financial responsibility for the team, ranging from team development and HR processes to the efficient allocation of resources and the budget. You will serve as a knowledgeable and reliable point of contact for the executive board, medical advisors, municipalities, and partners (both national and regional), and you will navigate administrative and political relationships effectively.

You will support the management and the teams in making strategic decisions, enabling them to work in a focused and impactful manner. To this end, you will monitor national and regional developments—such as the national health policy and transformation memorandum regarding AZWA—and be able to interpret them and translate them into strategic decisions and concrete priorities for GGDrU and its partners.

This will ensure that health promotion and research are strategically positioned within GGDrU and make a tangible contribution to the health of our residents.

Which team will you be working on?

As Manager of Health Promotion and Research, you will lead two closely related teams, each with its own area of expertise. Both teams carry out customized projects for municipalities and partnerships, thereby strengthening the GGDrU’s role as a source of knowledge and advice.

The Health Promotion team translates national and regional trends into concrete priorities and decisions. The team is supported by a Public Health physician, who identifies key health challenges and provides you with medical and strategic advice.

The Research Team monitors and analyzes the health situation in the region. It identifies risks and ensures that health considerations are taken into account in administrative decision-making, so that municipalities can base their policy initiatives on up-to-date and reliable data.

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership and foster collaboration between the two teams and the various departments within GGDrU, ensuring that their expertise is utilized to the fullest.

Utrecht Regional Public Health Service

GGD Utrecht Region (GGDrU) is the municipal health service for the 26 municipalities in the Utrecht region. Through our work, we help 1.4 million residents live healthier lives. We do this in collaboration with municipalities, healthcare and other organizations, and residents of the cities and towns.

In the event of a disaster or crisis, the police, ambulance services, fire department, and the GGD work together, with our team providing support in the areas of infectious disease control, environmental health, psychosocial support, and health research. During a major health crisis, the GGDrU becomes a crisis response organization. We will be counting on your flexibility and commitment.

What are we looking for in a candidate?

You possess a university-level education and way of thinking, and have extensive experience managing independent professionals. In addition, you have demonstrable administrative and senior policy experience in the field of public health, gained at the municipal or national level.

You are experienced in coaching and developing teams, remain calm and maintain a clear overview in dynamic situations, effectively manage change, and handle group dynamics with ease. You have demonstrable work experience in these areas.

You combine strategic insight with a practical, people-oriented approach and are able to translate complex policy and social issues into clear decisions and priorities for the organization and team.

In addition, you have:

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct is part of the application process. Upon starting your employment, you will take the civil service oath.

What do we offer you?

This is a position for 32–36 hours per week. The salary depends on your education and experience, ranging from a minimum of €5,885 to a maximum of €7,740 gross per month (scale 13, SGO collective bargaining agreement) for full-time employment (36 hours).

In addition to your salary, you will receive a 17.45% Individual Choice Budget (ICB), which you can use as you see fit.

We take good care of our employees. We place a high priority on well-being, inclusivity, and personal development. You can find out everything about our attractive employment benefits at: https://werkenbij.ggdru.nl/arbeidsvoorwaarden

Would you like to know more?

If you have any questions about this job opening or would like more information, please fill out the contact form at: https://werkenbij.ggdru.nl/contact. We will respond as soon as possible.

Are you excited?

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter for the Health Promotion and Research Manager position—Health Promotion and Research Manager—at GGD via the “Apply” button. The application deadline is February 22, 2026.

The first interviews will take place on February 4 and 5. The second interviews will take place on February 10.