Manager Governance & Support

Would you like to join SURF in a new position called Governance & Support Manager? You will report to the Director of Operations. Would you like to manage five secretaries and the Office Management, Project Office and Facilities teams? Do you enjoy focusing on sound decision-making on the one hand and efficient SURF-wide support on the other? If this appeals to you, we are looking for you!

Where you will work

SURF is the ICT cooperative for Dutch educational and research institutions. Together with them, we work on digital services and complex innovation challenges to enhance the quality of education and research.

As Governance & Support Manager, you ensure that the various departments can really focus on the content. Together with your teams, you facilitate a uniform way of working: process guidance for projects, meetings and decision-making. You also ensure that colleagues can work comfortably, both in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

The team you will join

You will report to the Director of Operations and manage:

• the five secretaries: they provide support and assistance to various (external) SURF committees in decision-making and policy development;
• the Project Office team, which has expertise in running efficient projects;
• the Office Management Team: this team provides support to all organisational units within SURF and ensures structure;
• the Facilities Team: this team is responsible for the buildings, rooms and reception.

Working at SURF means working for a unique and open organisation. This is evident in everything we do: the structure of the organisation, the set-up of the project teams, the culture in our offices and the atmosphere among our colleagues. We offer excellent terms of employment and a flexible work/life balance. You will be able to work independently and will be given the space and freedom to use and develop your talents to the fullest.

What you will do

As Governance & Support Manager, you will work with the team leaders to ensure good governance. You will also support the board, management and programme/project leaders with your teams. Furthermore, your department is new, so there is still a lot to do. Of course, you will be involved in the budget cycle and contribute to the implementation of SURF's annual plan. Most importantly, you will ensure a pleasant, safe working atmosphere where there is attention for the people in your team and where team members work with passion.

What else will you be doing?

• You will promote a learning attitude, with continuous improvement as the norm.
• You ensure that decision-making within the SURF organisation runs smoothly. You also guarantee the quality of decision-making in the SURF organisation.
• You draw up a menu of services that the organisation can expect from your departments.
• You will involve SURF in further professionalisation in the areas of project management and effective meetings;
• You will also contribute ideas on policy on topics such as hybrid working, document management and information provision.
• You motivate others and work according to SURF's three core competencies: entrepreneurship, result-orientedness and connection.

Your skills and experience

• You are an experienced manager: you are a discussion partner for your team leaders and set clear guidelines. Above all, you are a manager who creates a team: you focus on cooperation and create a pleasant working atmosphere.
• You empower team members, can handle difficult conversations and establish a working method in which everyone can flourish.
• You provide connective, inspiring and coaching leadership.
• You can switch smoothly between the interests of the department and those of the organisation.
• You are organisationally sensitive, decisive and results-oriented.
• You have higher professional education (HBO) level working and thinking skills and experience with project-based work.
• You have experience in at least two of the four areas of expertise of the teams.

Prior to starting this job, a VOG must be presented.

SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.