As a team leader of the facility management of the Business Unit Horticulture, you are responsible for the smooth operation of the greenhouse complex at the location in Bleiswijk. The research greenhouses are the heart of our organization. All of our experiments take place there, and knowledge is developed to make the horticulture sector more sustainable.

In the role of team leader for the facility management, you will lead around 20 skilled employees, who together are responsible for the planning, execution, and care of the experimental crops needed for the research. You ensure a safe and open working atmosphere in which your team members can thrive. You are responsible for the budget and personnel planning of the experimental farm.

Together with the head of the technical service, who is part of your team, you ensure that the greenhouse facilities are well-maintained and meet the research requirements. You maintain contact with suppliers and other external partners. You are responsible for the necessary permits for our operations and are the first point of contact for the municipality and government agencies. You recognize the importance of rules for safe and hygienic working and ensure that they are enforced. You understand the high standards our research must meet, maintain good relationships with the researchers and assistants, and think along with them. You also have contact with the facility services of WUR at the corporate level, for example, regarding energy contracts. You report directly to the Business Unit manager.

Your main tasks as team leader facility management are:

• ensuring the optimal functioning and well-being of your team and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect;
• good planning and execution of a wide range of experimental crops, in consultation with the researchers;
• maintaining contact with external parties and internal services regarding operations;
• ensuring smooth operations, including maintenance of facilities and equipment (in collaboration with the Head of Technical Services);
• enforcing rules regarding safe and hygienic working conditions;
• monitoring the financial performance of the experimental farm.

Where you will work
Wageningen University & Research, Business Unit Horticulture and Flower Bulbs, is the internationally leading contract research institute for horticulture and flower bulb cultivation. We focus on innovations that help the sector become more energy-efficient and sustainable. On behalf of and in collaboration with the business community, science, and government, issues are analyzed and translated into applied research and innovation projects. WUR Horticulture & Flower Bulbs is led by the Business Unit Manager and has over 160 employees divided into six research teams, an experimental farm team, and a business office team.

You are an experienced and decisive team manager with a pragmatic, entrepreneurial, and flexible attitude. You are attentive to the person behind the employee and can sense when a coaching or more directive leadership style is needed. You are aware of the individual needs and motivations of the team members, but also the interests of the team as a whole and the organization. You see opportunities rather than difficulties. You have a proactive attitude and an independent but customer-oriented mindset. You have an open personality and easily make new contacts. You are familiar with the agricultural sector, preferably horticulture. Experience with crop trials or research is an advantage.

Additionally, you have:

• a completed HBO/WO education in a relevant field;
• several years of management experience;
• the ability to switch between different leadership styles;
• good communication skills;
• a good command of Dutch and English.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality;
• a fixed December bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.202,- and €5.949,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). Additionally, a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. You will initially receive a one-year contract, which will be extended in mutual enthusiasm.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The 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, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.