Would you like to help build the foundation of the tax authority on Bonaire, and are you someone who knows how to create structure without bureaucracy?
As a permanent member of the Strategic Management Team (SMT), you will help shape and decide on B/CN’s organization-wide direction. You will bridge the gap between strategic thinking and practical implementation, and actively promote this shared vision both within and outside your team.
You will have overall responsibility for a team of approximately 25 employees tasked with duties such as registering taxpayers, processing tax returns, issuing tax assessments, handling customer inquiries, and addressing objections and appeals. Administrative support is also part of the job description. The team is diverse, with varying levels of experience, and faces significant challenges. It requires a leader with authority who can provide structure, set direction, and has a human touch. Someone who sets boundaries, is approachable, and builds a culture of trust.
Your assignment
As the Taxation Team Leader, you will oversee both day-to-day operations and the change process. As an experienced manager, you will ensure the quality of execution, foster team development, and ensure that the organization is prepared for the future of taxation. You will work closely with fellow team leaders, technical specialists, and the director.
You will also be (jointly) responsible for the replacement and further development of the tax collection system: you will organize the process, act as the project sponsor, and ensure alignment with the broader strategy. In doing so, you will strike a balance between structure and flexibility, while always keeping the human element in mind. Working on Bonaire and serving Saba and St. Eustatius means working in a close-knit, diverse community. This requires leadership that connects, listens, and is context-sensitive. As a member of the Management Team, you serve as a role model in leadership: you build trust, foster collaboration between departments, and act with transparency.
What do you bring to the table?
- College or university level of work and thinking, preferably in business administration, law, or taxation;
- At least five years of managerial experience, preferably in government or an administrative setting;
- Proven experience with team development and change processes;
- An interest in taxation and/or data-driven work; knowledge can be developed on the job;
- Experience managing diverse teams, ranging from entry-level employees to subject matter experts;
- A clear vision of leadership: transparent, people-oriented, firm, and results-driven
- A leadership style that provides direction while allowing room for flexibility: you know how to set goals, but also how to adapt to where the team is at;
- Experience with culturally sensitive and context-aware leadership
- Excellent command of Dutch and English; knowledge of Papiamento is a major plus.
What makes you a good fit for this role?
- You have natural leadership skills and know how to motivate a team that needs to get moving;
- You can switch between strict rules and a focus on people;
- You feel at home in a multicultural environment and understand the importance of context, connection, and trust;
- You are able to translate organization-wide goals into clear direction for your team—and foster engagement and a sense of ownership along the way;
- You are steadfast when you need to be, and flexible when you can be;
- You bring calm to complex situations and create room for growth.
Working and Living on Bonaire
Working on Bonaire is wonderful, but it also requires a conscious decision. The team leader we are looking for is based on Bonaire or must be able and willing to commit to the island. This requires cultural sensitivity as well as stability in your personal life. Living and working in the Caribbean Netherlands has an impact—on you and your partner or family.
Good to know:
- The salary is in U.S. dollars, the official currency of Bonaire;
- The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax system. Income above the tax-free allowance of $21,373 (
) (in 2025) is taxed at 30.4% (first bracket) and 35.4% (second bracket); - You will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands. A relocation package applies to candidates from outside the island.
What we offer
You will be offered a one-year temporary contract, with the possibility of a permanent position if your performance is satisfactory. The position is classified in pay grade 13, with a monthly salary ranging from $4,801 to $6,785 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience. In addition, you will receive vacation pay and a thirteenth month’s salary (both 8.33%), a wellness allowance, and a competitive pension plan through the Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN). With a 36-hour workweek, you are entitled to 182 vacation hours.
Procedure and Schedule
The selection process consists of interviews, a case study, and a reference check. The process follows this order:
1. RCN civil servants on the BES Islands (internal);
2. Residents of the Caribbean Netherlands (external);
3. Other candidates.
Interested?
Are you the strong, unifying, and experienced manager who can make a difference for this team and the island? If so, apply as soon as possible via the application form on the Colourful People website. Before applying, please contact René Burgler at Colourful People via r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or +31 6 285 75 436. We’d be happy to explore together whether this role is a good fit for you and whether living and working on Bonaire aligns with your wishes and situation. Important: we’ll only ask you to submit a cover letter and resume after this conversation. This way, we keep the process personal and tailored to you. We plan to conduct the interviews in early October.
