Job Opening: Area Developer

What will you do?

As an experienced area developer, you will be responsible for complex land-use development projects within our municipality. You will use area development to enhance the quality of life and vitality of our villages.

You drive projects forward from inception to completion. In doing so, you keep an eye on both the spatial challenges and the people, interests, and opportunities involved. Complex issues don’t intimidate you. On the contrary, it is precisely in situations where interests diverge, procedures are complicated, and political sensitivities come into play that you maintain a clear overview and stay on course. 

You know how to get stakeholders on board and ensure that plans become a reality, step by step. Together with our urban planner, planning economist, spatial advisors, and other colleagues, you’ll form project teams. You’ll take the lead in the process, bring together expertise, and ensure that plans remain feasible and achievable. You are responsible for preparing administrative decision-making and advising management, executive leadership, and the board on opportunities, risks, and strategic choices. 

Participation is an important part of your work. You’ll engage with residents and other stakeholders, listen to different perspectives, and ensure clear communication. You understand that community development is about more than just construction: it’s also about building support, quality of life, and the future of our villages.

You won’t just be focusing on current developments. You’ll also identify opportunities for new initiatives and contribute ideas about the future of Opsterland’s spatial planning. You’ll have plenty of room to bring your own ideas to the table and influence the direction of these developments. 

Thanks to the short lines of communication within our organization, you can respond quickly. You’ll have direct contact with executives, colleagues, and external partners, and you’ll be given a great deal of responsibility.

Do you live in Opsterland or the surrounding area? If so, you’ll literally see the results of your work in action. The housing projects, public facilities, and developments you’re working on have a direct impact on the living environment of our residents. It is precisely this visible social impact that sets this position apart from a comparable role in the commercial sector.

Here's what we offer you

• Attractive employment conditions; a competitive salary based on Scale 11 of the Municipal Collective Bargaining Agreement (up to €6,422 gross per month for full-time employment). In addition, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of 17.05%. Including the IKB, the maximum gross monthly compensation can amount to €7,516. You’ll also receive travel expense reimbursement, a pension plan through ABP, and discounts on various insurance policies. 
• A varied job; one day you’re talking with residents about a development project, and the next day you’re advising policymakers on land-use planning and strategic decisions.
• Plenty of opportunities to develop through training, courses and workshops.
• Room for your ideas; if you think things can be done differently we are open to that.
• Excellent work/life balance; we will provide you with a laptop and a cell phone so you can work from home as well as in the office.
• Attention to your vitality; participation in our vitality program, annual multiple activities with the entire organization and team, and a fun work café!

Who are you?

We’re all different, and that’s wonderful. It means we can accomplish so much more together than we can on our own. Still, all of our area developers share a number of common traits. Do you see yourself in this description?

• You have extensive experience as a land-use planner or in a similar role and know how to drive land-use development projects forward.
• You enjoy working with others and believe in being better together.
• You get a boost of energy from carrying out plans and achieving results.
• You have proven experience with projects that involve conflicting interests and are able to maintain a clear overview in such situations.
• You have a good sense of what’s going on in an administrative setting and know how to respond appropriately.
• You are a strong conversational partner, communicate clearly, and keep others informed about developments, decisions, and interests.
• You think in terms of possibilities and look for solutions, even when issues are complex.
• You enjoy making progress and naturally take the lead in that process.
• You take ownership of your projects and are driven to achieve results.

This is us

We are proud of our municipality, which is home to more than 30,000 residents, 16 villages, and plenty of green space. Every day, we are dedicated to supporting our residents and businesses. We open doors to new ways of doing things and look beyond the horizons of our landscapes. Our motto? It *is* possible. 

Working for Opsterland means working with over 300 enthusiastic and friendly colleagues. We have a great work atmosphere, plenty of humor, genuine interest in one another, and a high five for a smart solution. We’re open to everyone. And with us, you can be yourself. You’ll have the freedom to organize your work in a way that suits you. We care about your growth and are happy to support it. And we encourage you to take on new adventures. Opsterland gives you the freedom—are you up for it?

Getting excited?

Let me know! I’m Lian de Boer (team manager) and my phone number is
06 – 21 33 29 04. You can also send me a WhatsApp message. We can even meet up and have a cup of coffee together! 

Apply online?

Show us who you are and apply! Who knows—this could be the start of a wonderful adventure. Reach out to us in whatever way feels right for you. You can send a cover letter and resume, submit a video application, or get creative in some other way. We’d love to be surprised! We’re accepting applications through September 27, 2026.

Apply