Operations Team Leader

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is seeking a passionate, hands-on team leader with a vision to strengthen the museum’s business strategy and financial foundation in its new home. The Nederlands Fotomuseum is the national museum of photography—belonging to all of us, for all of us. Are you the visionary and doer who can help our museum continue to grow? If so, we’re looking for you to fill the role of

• Operations Team Leader (m/f/x) (38 hours)

About the Organization and Its Mission

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is the national treasure trove of photography in the Netherlands. With an extensive and growing collection of over 6 million images—including the archives of leading photographers such as Ed van der Elsken—the museum is committed to preserving this visual heritage for future generations. At the same time, the museum serves as a platform for contemporary photographers and showcases interesting developments within the art form of photography. The mission extends beyond preservation and management: the museum offers a deeper understanding of the world and richer stories and perspectives through the lens of the camera. The museum is currently located on Wilhelminakade, but will move in 2025 to Pakhuis Santos, a prominent historic building in Rotterdam South. The organizational culture is open and informal, with a clear and ambitious direction and vision for the future.

Vision for the Future and Developments

During this dynamic phase of moving into this beautifully renovated building, this position will play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the Netherlands’ premier museum of photography. This move promises not only a physical transformation but also a strategic renewal—a treasure trove of photography, activities, and the photographic heritage of the Netherlands. The ambition is to become even more of a living room for the city, including an inviting café or restaurant. The Operations Team Leader is crucial to the success of this endeavor and the museum’s future viability.

What will you be doing?

As Operations Team Leader, you will serve as the tactical and operational hub, setting the strategic direction and ensuring the organization’s financial health. You will also develop new visitor-friendly services, such as the short-stay apartments, the museum shop, and the museum’s food and beverage offerings. With a team of five enthusiastic colleagues, you will manage a diverse range of responsibilities spanning HRM, Finance, Housing, IT, and Facilities, as well as Sponsorship, Fundraising, and internal Operations.

Strategic contribution

You will contribute to the development of the museum’s long-term strategy and objectives. This requires the ability to look ahead and translate trends—both within and outside the cultural sector—into (commercial) opportunities for the Fotomuseum. You will initiate and lead projects that contribute to the innovation and growth of the Fotomuseum. This can range from adjustments to the digital and physical infrastructure to the development of new services and products that strengthen the museum. You will contribute ideas and serve as a valuable sounding board for the director-manager.

Financial Management

You will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of financial processes. This involves preparing, managing, and monitoring budgets. You will be responsible for reporting financial results to management in a timely and accurate manner and for identifying financial risks. You will ensure effective risk management and oversee the efficient organization of the financial system.

Management of short-stay accommodations, retail, and hospitality

You will oversee the commercial activities within the building, such as relationships with the operators of the short-stay apartments, café, restaurant, and museum shop, with a focus on increasing revenue and audience reach. You will promote an entrepreneurial approach to ensure that the various facilities excel as essential components of the museum experience.

Team Management and Development

With a hands-on approach, you will lead the museum’s day-to-day operations. You will ensure smooth workflows and maintain contact with suppliers and external partners. In doing so, you will strive to optimize visitor satisfaction and guarantee a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and guests. You are decisive and clear in your expectations, and you set a clear course. You inspire confidence and, together with the executive director and the other team leaders, foster an open and welcoming atmosphere in which everyone is encouraged to work passionately together toward an inspiring mission.

Who are we looking for?

You are a thinker and a doer with a pragmatic, hands-on approach. You are decisive and clear in your expectations and leadership style. You have proven experience in similar roles. You can work both independently and as part of a team, and you are an inspiring and unifying leader. You have an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for innovation, and a knack for finding creative solutions. You feel at home in a dynamic environment and are accustomed to working in an informal, open organization with short lines of communication. You value a healthy work-life balance and have the talent to bring out the best in your team and the organization. And last but not least, you love culture and have an affinity for photography.

Skills

• Proven leadership experience in business operations;
• Strong financial knowledge, with the ability to prepare financial reports and analyses;
• Commercial acumen, particularly in the context of short-stay accommodations, museum shops, and the hospitality industry;
• Experience with project management and leading change processes;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• A structured approach and organizational skills;
• A proactive attitude and decisiveness;
• Empathetic and socially skilled;
• Extensive knowledge of business processes and information systems.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a similar management position;
• Experienced in project management and driving innovation;
• Able to think and act both strategically and operationally;
• Proficient in both Dutch and English;
• Financially savvy and familiar with relevant software packages;
• Knowledge of and experience with cultural and/or nonprofit organizations is a plus.

What do we offer?

At the Nederlands Fotomuseum, we offer a stimulating work environment where you can make a difference. You will play a crucial role in the museum’s continued development and success, and you will be given the freedom and responsibility to put your vision for operations into practice. You will be working in the cultural heart of Rotterdam, within an organization that brings together art, creativity, and commerce. Below is an overview of what we offer:

• A challenging full-time position at a renowned cultural institution
• A competitive salary; pay grade is determined based on expertise and experience within Grade 12 of the Museum Collective Bargaining Agreement
• A dynamic and passionate team working together toward an inspiring mission
• Opportunities for professional development and personal growth
• Flexible working hours and a good work-life balance
• A temporary position with the possibility of a permanent position upon satisfactory performance
• Competitive benefits package, including a pension plan and travel allowance

As part of our mission to provide a national and international home for photography, we are looking for an Operations Team Leader who is eager to join us on this journey. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Interested?

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Naima Azough, partner at Colourful People (06-43449717) or n.azough@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploadingyour cover letter and resume by February 22, 2024, via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this page.