Program Manager for Innovation & Experimentation

Utrechtzorg is looking for a

Program Manager for Innovation & Experimentation

What does the job entail?

As a program manager, you are responsible for the innovation and experimentation initiative across the three labor market regions in which Utrechtzorg operates. The ambition in the 2024 annual plan is to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding innovation and new ways of working at the necessary organizational levels among our participants. You will inspire and encourage Utrechtzorg participants to prioritize (social) innovation. You are knowledgeable about current trends in social and technological innovation in healthcare and social services and translate that into Utrechtzorg’s mission.

You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to do this, but ideas and plans will only succeed if you can gain support from our network of stakeholders (healthcare and social services organizations, education, and government). You’ll need to align your efforts with the goals set out in the IZA regional plan, as well as with the multi-year plans from Regioplus and Utrechtzorg. “Innovation and new ways of working” is one of the three main priorities here, alongside “retention” and “lifelong development.” You know how to navigate various grant programs (e.g., IZA, TAZ) and networks (e.g., Health Hub Utrecht, Utrecht Talent Alliance, Gooi and Vechtstreek region, and Samen Sterker Eemland) to support and facilitate participants in setting up regional collaboration initiatives and transformation plans to implement the ambitions in the areas of innovation and new ways of working.

Examples of successful projects include: deploying digital coaches and healthcare technology ambassadors, the Improvement Lab for complex regional issues, ensuring the continuity of the “Innovative Working in Healthcare” development program, and collaborating with the Health Innovation School Utrecht. Finally, you’ll encourage cross-sector networking in the region, for example by co-organizing the U forward innovation breakfast. Want to see more examples? Check out: Innovation and Experimentation at Utrechtzorg.

What kind of candidate are we looking for?

You have:

• At least 5 years of experience in project or program management, preferably in the fields of innovation, the labor market, and/or healthcare and social services. This includes: initiating projects and programs, applying for funding, implementing and reporting on projects, and working with grants.
• You have strong strategic and analytical skills and can see the bigger picture across the industry.
• Experience working with executives, innovators, and HR professionals.
• Experience with stakeholder management and fostering collaboration in a complex environment.
• A clear vision for innovative organization and innovation within a network.
• Academic-level work and thinking, along with a solid theoretical foundation in organizational innovation, change management, innovation, or network-based organization.

Ideally, you should have:

A network in the Utrecht, Amersfoort Eemland, and Gooi & Vechtstreek employment regions

You bring:

• Innovative and systematic approach.
• Organizational sensitivity: you can inspire and bring people together.
• Energy and strength.

Who are we?

Utrechtzorg connects healthcare and social services organizations with the education sector, government, industry associations, and other stakeholders with the goal of making and keeping the regional healthcare and social services labor market future-proof. Promoting regional collaboration is central to our mission. Utrechtzorg’s strength lies in our cross-sectoral approach combined with excellent networks, enabling us to bring the right parties to the table for every regional labor market challenge. Utrechtzorg is an indispensable link in achieving a balanced labor market. We are a foundation with an executive director and a Supervisory Board. The entire organization consists of 15 colleagues and an equally large flexible pool of independent contractors. We work closely with the Regioplus association.

What do we offer?

• A challenging job with opportunities for rapid professional growth, an interesting network, and a stimulating work environment.
• Utrechtzorg is home to many dedicated colleagues who will make you feel welcome right away. We are a small, close-knit organization with an important social mission.
• A position for 24 to 32 hours per week. The position is classified under FWG 60 of the VVT Collective Labor Agreement (up to €5,196 based on full-time employment, depending on experience). This includes vacation pay and a year-end bonus.
• The option to work remotely, in addition to working (together) in our modern, open-concept office in Houten.

Would you like to comment?

Utrechtzorg works with the executive search firm Colourful People for its recruitment and selection process. Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply via our application page. For more information about the organization and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, partner at Colourful People (M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume by January 20 via the Colourful People website. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for February 8 and 13, with the goal of having the candidate start as soon as possible.

Interested in working at Utrechtzorg, but not in this position? We are also looking for a Labor Market Transition Project Manager; see: Project Manager job opening