Public Space Team Manager

Here's what we offer you

• A gross monthly salary based on scale 12 of the municipal collective bargaining agreement, with a maximum of €7,253 for full-time employment as of July 1, 2026;
• An Individual Choice Budget of 17.05%;
• A 36-hour-per-week position with a permanent contract;
• Pension contributions through ABP, travel allowance, and discounts on various insurance policies;
• Flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home;
• Space for training programs, courses, and workshops;
• An informal organization with short lines of communication and room for initiative.

Who are you?

You are a strong, approachable leader with a keen sense of public spaces. You don’t need to be a civil engineering specialist, but you understand what’s happening on-site and have a genuine interest in the work of the people carrying out the projects.

You feel right at home on the construction site, but you can also guide a portfolio holder through a politically sensitive issue. You are clear without being aloof, and you know when to give people space and when to set boundaries.

In addition, you should have the following:

• college-level work and thinking skills;
• experience as a manager in a complex environment;
• an understanding of administrative relationships and political dynamics;
• experience with team development, cultural change, and establishing structure;
• the ability to switch between strategic, tactical, and operational levels;
• an interest in management, implementation, technology, or the physical environment;
• an eye for operations, finance, quality, and safety;
• a collaborative approach, even when interests clash;
• You understand the Frisian language and, ideally, speak it as well, or are willing to learn it.

Experience working in a municipality is a plus, but not a requirement. What’s more important is that you understand what it takes to work in a political and social context.

What will you do?

As Public Space Team Manager, you are responsible for the team’s direction and cohesion. You lead the Implementation and Management team leaders and are a member of the management team.

Within Public Space, you will lead two divisions: Implementation and Management. The Implementation team consists of over 50 employees, including those hired through AB and Caparis. The Management team consists of 16 employees. Day-to-day management is handled by two team leaders. You will have ultimate responsibility for results, development, and collaboration.

There is a clear challenge in the field: creating more structure, stability, and connection between the various locations. In addition, the Operations team needs to focus on further strengthening an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and comfortable. You don’t have to micromanage everything, but you do know when to make your presence felt.

A key part of your role is bridging the gap between the external and internal spheres. You bring together management, implementation, policy, and governance, and help make decisions that are feasible in practice.

You will also work on further professionalizing the team. This includes strengthening team cohesion, fostering an open work culture, and clearly defining responsibilities. Day-to-day management is handled by the team leaders and supervisors; you will maintain an overview and step in when necessary.

In the coming period, we will face several key challenges, such as traffic safety, the visual quality of village centers, biodiversity, sustainability, playgrounds, sports, and the development of new residential areas. Additionally, working with the residents involved requires clear communication and realistic expectations.

Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• managing the Implementation and Management team leaders;
• further developing structure, connectivity, and culture within public spaces;
• be visible at City Hall, on construction sites, and in the field;
• linking implementation, management, policy, governance, and external partners;
• focusing on results, priorities, finances, quality, and safety;
• overseeing collaboration with partners such as Caparis, AB, and suppliers;
• translating administrative tasks into actionable steps for the team.

About the Municipality of Opsterland

The municipality of Opsterland has over 30,000 residents and consists of 16 villages characterized by lush greenery, open spaces, and engaged residents. The organization has over 300 employees and operates under the motto: “It *can* be done.”

Working at Opsterland means working in a casual, down-to-earth organization where you can adapt quickly and take on responsibility. Within the Public Space department, you’ll work with a variety of target groups and locations. In addition to our own staff, colleagues from AB and Caparis are also part of our daily operations.

Interested?

Please send your resume and cover letter to solliciteren@wierenga-degraaf.nl. Do you have any questions about the position or the organization? If so, please contact Rutger Balk at 06 23 65 27 58.