🚀 Our client, a Public Sector Entity based in The Netherlands, is looking for an Interim Program Manager for a large Regional Development initiative.

Our client is involved in multi-year regional programs focused on innovation, sustainability, economic development, and improving overall social and economic conditions. The organisation works with public authorities, educational institutions, companies, and social partners to deliver impactful regional projects.

This role follows a 2.5–3 days per week assignment structure (approximately 26 hours per week).

This Interim Program Manager assignment runs from February 2026 to December 2027, with the possibility of extending the contract twice for an additional 1-year period.

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Your responsibilities and duties:

1. Integrated Program Leadership

• Providing overall leadership for a key program line focused on sustainable innovation, covering:

• Managing multiple complex projects simultaneously

• Leading sub-project managers and taking ownership of selected projects

• Safeguarding progress, governance, planning, and quality delivery

• Ensuring alignment between interconnected projects and policy themes

2. Strategic Coordination Across Public–Private Environments

• This role operates within a broad ecosystem involving government bodies, companies, and knowledge institutions. Responsibilities include:

• Acting as a central connector between public and private partners

• Translating strategic policy goals into practical implementation

• Ensuring alignment with regional development priorities

• Offering strategic advice and guidance to senior stakeholders

3. Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement

• Building and maintaining strong relationships across public authorities, companies, and societal partners

• Encouraging participation and cooperation across all parties involved

• Navigating diverse interests and enhancing alignment across projects

• Ensuring continuous engagement and effective communication channels

4. Pilot Execution, Validation & Implementation Supervision

• Leading pilot initiatives and validation processes

• Steering implementation trajectories

• Managing dependencies, progress, and project risks

• Ensuring realisation of strategic outcomes

5. Governance, Coordination & Reporting

• Ensuring governance structures are functioning and decisions are well-prepared

• Coordinating reporting cycles, program documentation, and steering information

• Supporting meetings, coordination bodies, and decision-making processes

Minimum Requirements for for the Interim Program Manager role

Professional Background

• 8+ years of program management in complex public–private environments

• Proven experience in AI, digital transformation, data ecosystems, or digital innovation

• Experience with cluster development (e.g., innovation, logistics, energy, or related sectors)

• Experience with cooperative structures, governance models, partnerships, and legal/organisational frameworks

• Background in talent development, labour mobility, learning ecosystems, or comparable fields

• Academic working and thinking level

• Experience with innovation, transformation, systemic change, or ecosystem-building programs

• Experience advising senior-level stakeholders

Sector & Ecosystem Experience

• Proven experience working on regional, public, or innovation-driven programs

• Experience engaging with companies, supply chain partners, or sector networks

• Experience activating stakeholders and coordinating multi-party collaborations

• Experience leading pilots, proof-of-concept activities, and implementation processes

Competencies

• Strong strategic and governance insight

• Connecting leadership and stakeholder sensitivity

• Negotiation and facilitation skills

• Legal, financial, and innovation-oriented thinking

• Strong analytical and result-driven mindset

• Proven capability to coordinate and orchestrate complex ecosystems

Additional Mandatory Requirements

• C1 level Dutch (must)

• Must be a registered ZZP contractor, or willing to arrange this quickly

• Willing and able to work on-site regularly for program and governance meetings

• Must be willing to undergo a screening procedure (VOG) if selected

• Maximum hourly rate: €167.50 per hour (including all fees, excluding VAT)

• Willingness to provide two professional references

• Ability to provide copies of diplomas and certifications

• Commitment to working 100% personally on the assignment (non-substitutable)

• Agreement to work under an interim/ZZP contract (no employment contract)

• Ability to invoice based on approved hours

• Competitive hourly fee is required, as the client prioritises cost efficiency

Deadline to apply: January 9th, 2026

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