Project Manager for Labor Market Transition

What does the job entail?

As a project manager, you will be responsible for a new project focused on sustainable programs designed to create a future-proof labor market. To alleviate the labor shortage in the healthcare and social services sector and reduce the mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market, the City of Utrecht is utilizing its “Stimulating Labor Market Transitions” grant.

As part of its social mission “Work for Everyone,” the City of Utrecht is committed to ensuring that everyone can participate. Experience shows that addressing labor market shortages requires a regional approach and equal triple helix collaboration. The goals here are to make it easier for more people to transition from other professions to “shortage sectors” and to enable the same work to be done with fewer people. This is achieved through retraining and upskilling programs, reorganizing work or making it more suitable, and implementing labor-saving measures.

You’ll have plenty of autonomy and freedom in this role, but of course you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll work closely with other colleagues at Utrechtzorg who have extensive experience in project and program management in this region. Utrechtzorg works closely with the national association Regioplus.

This project seeks to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Attractive Labor Market Coalition (Health Hub Utrecht), the Utrecht Talent Alliance, the healthcare and social services sectors, vocational schools (MBO), colleges (HBO), and universities, municipalities (social sector), and various national transformation forums focused on specific issues. As a project leader, you play a key external role in connecting with and collaborating with partners and employers to work toward a future-proof labor market.

What kind of candidate are we looking for?

You have:

• At least 3 years of experience in project management, preferably in the fields of innovation, the labor market, and/or healthcare and social services.
• Experience in maintaining networks and fostering collaboration.
• Experience in organizing initiatives and events.
• Strong analytical skills; you can see the bigger picture.
• Business acumen and sufficient digital office skills.
• Relevant knowledge and education at the higher vocational education (HBO+) level.

Preferably, you have:
A network in the Utrecht, Amersfoort Eemland, and Gooi & Vechtstreek regions.

You bring:

• Innovative and systematic approach; enthusiasm and persuasiveness.
• Perseverance.
• Political sensitivity.
• A proactive attitude; you’re used to taking the initiative and taking the lead.

Who are we?

Utrechtzorg connects healthcare and social services organizations with the education sector, political bodies, industry associations, and other stakeholders with the goal of making the regional healthcare and social services labor market future-proof and ensuring it remains so. Promoting regional collaboration is central to our mission. Utrechtzorg’s strength lies in its 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 staff members and an equally large flexible pool of independent contractors.

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, which can be on a contract, secondment, or independent contractor basis. We are looking for someone to fill this position for the duration of the project, which is two years.
• The position is classified under FWG 55 or 60 of the VVT Collective Bargaining Agreement (up to €4,558 or €5,196 based on full-time employment, depending on experience). This does not include vacation pay and the year-end bonus.
• We offer the option of hybrid work, but we also enjoy working together in our modern, open-concept office in Houten.

Would you like to comment?

Utrechtzorg is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for recruitment and selection. Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply for this job opening via the Colourful People website. For more information about the organization and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, a 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.