Project Manager, Area Development

You’ll be working directly with the alderman and the board on exciting and challenging urban development projects, such as the development of the Driebergen-Zeist Station Area and the housing project in Huis ter Heide.

As a Project Manager for Area Development, you will also serve as the public face of large and complex projects, including programs comprising various subprojects. In addition, you will be a pillar of strength, a source of inspiration, and a sounding board for the other project managers. And you will play a key role in the ongoing development of the Project Office team.

You will oversee projects through various phases: from concept to completion. Even before the project gets underway, as a Project Manager for Area Development, you will inspire enthusiasm for your plans among those who are key to the final outcome. You gather the information you need and bring order to the chaos of disciplines and people who must contribute to your project. You know how to delegate what you cannot do yourself and are open to help even when it isn’t offered. A well-structured project brief is your first milestone. You direct the execution, make adjustments where necessary, and keep the momentum going when others have doubts.

You’ll play an active role in collaborating with your municipal and administrative clients. Together, you’ll ensure that the right people—both within and outside the organization—are informed and engaged as you work toward the program and project goals. In Zeist, we are convinced that the real experts are found outside City Hall: in the community. That is why you enjoy reaching out to the community, so as to make the most of our residents’ ideas and initiative.

Upon completion of your program or project, you’ll clearly define who will take over which responsibilities from you and how things will proceed from there. You have an affinity for the issues that matter to a municipality. Think, for example, of housing, urban development, sustainability, and the economy. Your focus will be on spatial projects, but you’re also eager to roll up your sleeves for other issues. And variety keeps you sharp, after all.

This is you

As an Experienced Project Manager in Area Development, you easily build relationships and connections, are a team player, and are also a fun and easygoing colleague. You keep a cool head and focus on progress and project control. It would be a rare occurrence if you didn’t deliver a good result. You approach this with realism and a down-to-earth attitude. You are proactive, decisive, take initiative, are flexible, and work creatively when seeking solutions. We are also looking for:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or Civil Engineering;
• You have extensive experience with strategic and highly complex projects and programs, preferably in the field of spatial planning;
• You are aware of your surroundings, have a keen political sense, and take administrative sensitivities into account;
• Your natural enthusiasm helps you build rapport with people and get them to work with you;
• You have strong organizational skills and are unwavering when it comes to sticking to budgets and deadlines.

Here's what we offer

We believe it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance. That’s why we continue to offer a hybrid work model. We provide the right facilities for working from home and offer an excellent workplace at our town hall in the beautiful center of Zeist. If you work for the Municipality of Zeist, you’ll enjoy excellent employment benefits, such as:

• Depending on your education and experience, as a Project Manager you can earn up to €6,103 gross per month in pay grade 12, based on a full 36-hour workweek. You may be placed in an entry-level or advanced pay grade depending on your knowledge and experience.
• In addition, you’ll receive a Flexible Spending Account equivalent to 17.05% of your salary and a generous ABP pension.
• You will receive a one-year employment contract, with the possibility of a permanent position. We are committed to building a long-term relationship.
• There are also countless programs designed to support your personal development. We call this “learning on the job.” No one stands still here—you can always move forward.

This is Zeist

The Municipality of Zeist is a modern employer with employees who are committed and, above all, true to themselves. We operate based on our core values of “trust, strength, and closeness.” The work atmosphere is open and pleasant, and communication lines are short. With about 400 colleagues, we work for and with approximately 66,000 residents. This means it’s not too large, communication lines are short, and opportunities are plentiful. Our culture is informal, and our approach is integrated and interactive.

Continuous development is essential: as an organization, we need to stay informed about what’s happening in society and respond flexibly. We encourage you to bring your own perspective and value to the table, so we welcome anyone with the right experience and qualities for the role. No matter where you’re from, what your background, lifestyle, or faith is, if you see yourself in the job description, apply!

At Zeist, you’ll work with a sense of personal responsibility and receive support from the organization, allowing you to continue growing both personally and professionally. We’re not looking for a perfect employee, but for someone who is willing to use their strengths, imperfections, and self-awareness to tackle challenges with humor and courage.

Procedure

The Municipality of Zeist is being assisted in this process by the recruitment and selection agency Colourful People. If you have any questions, please contact René F. Burgler, a partner at Colourful People, at r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or send a WhatsApp message to 06 2857 5436.

Please express your interest by submitting your cover letter and resume as soon as possible, but no later than December 11, via the "Apply" button below. In your cover letter, we would like to hear how your talents will benefit Zeist.

The Schedule:

• Week 49, December 11: deadline for comments
• Week 50/51: Preliminary interviews at Colourful People
• Week 3: First interview with the selection committee
• Week 4: Second meeting with the advisory committee

We plan to complete the process in January.