Operations Manager

Can you manage the operational functioning of our group and optimize the cooperation and communication inside the group and with external partners? Do you like to work in a great team at the most sustainable campus in the world? Then read on for the vacancy for an operations manager (0.8 FTE).

The chair group of Soil Biology at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has grown rapidly in recent years. Therefore, we are looking for an operations manager to start as soon as possible to support the chair holder and senior staff in day to day operational management of the group.

What are you going to do?
As an Operations Manager, you are responsible for all non-scientific management aspects of the group. You will be responsible to identify the needs of the group in management support and implement this within the group with the help of the group management assistant. The operations manager will report to the chair holder and line manage the administrative staff in the group. Furthermore, you will chair the Soil Biology advisory committee, which represents all levels of the chair group.  

Among other things, you will be involved in:

• Well-oiled operational functioning of the group;
• Managing the recruitment and onboarding process of new staff
• Monitoring and advising on the strategic personnel plan in consultation with HR;
• Day-to-day management of the secretariat and the financial administrative assistant;
• Compliance with laws and regulations;
• Supporting staff members with advice on operational processes for projects, recruitment, etc.

As operational manager, you will be responsible to engage and communicate with all members of the Soil Biology team, partners within the University and external colleagues/clients.

• Proven experience in operational management
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Quickly mastering new software applications
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Dutch is advantageous

When it comes to terms of employment , Wageningen University & Research is the place to be. A number of highlights from our collective labor agreement are, for example:
• Sabbatical leave, study leave and paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be determined in consultation, so that an optimal work-life balance is possible;
• the possibility to accrue extra holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• There is a lot of attention for vitality and you can, for a small fee, use the sports facilities on campus;
• a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme through ABP.

Of course, these excellent fringe benefits also come with an appropriate salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive salary of a minimum of € 3,226,- to a maximum of € 5,929,- for a full working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (scale 10-11). 

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment, we offer excellent training opportunities. You will get a versatile job in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You will be working on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, and at a university that has been voted the best university in the Netherlands for the 16th consecutive time https://www.wur.nl/en/newsarticle/Wageningen-maintains-leading-position-among-Dutch-universities.htm

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Rachel Creamer by e-mail: [email protected] .

For more information about the procedure, please contact Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, [email protected] 

Do you want to apply?
This can be done directly via the application button next to the vacancy on our website so that we can process personal data with your permission. This vacancy is open until 22nd April 2024.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home with us and to be offered the same career opportunities. That's why we especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information, please visit our inclusive website . A good example of how WUR deals with inclusivity can be read on the page Working at WUR with a disability . 

Wageningen University & Research
TThe mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate the unasked for services of employment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.