As the managing director you are a member of the departmental board, working alongside the dean and vice-deans. The departmental board works as a collective on the strategic direction of the department and ensures that policies are effectively put into place. The focus of the dean and vice-deans is on education, research and impact. In day-to-day operations, the managing director oversees the business and management aspects of the department adhering to departmental and university policies. This results in a well-functioning business model, a balanced HR policy, and sustainable financial practices. Supported by the department office, you are responsible for finance, HRM, ICT, communication/public relations, facilities and housing.

In addition, the managing director participates in various university-wide consultation bodies and contributes to TU/e wide projects and themes. You actively establish and maintain contacts with other departments and services of the university and relevant private and public partners. Working with other directors you make a substantial contribution to shaping a modern and efficient operational management at the TU/e.

The Department of the Built Environment

The Department of the Built Environment is one of nine departments at TU/e. The department has more than 260 academic staff, including about 190 PhDs, EngD (engineering doctorate) trainees and Postdocs. All permanent employees contribute to teaching in the department's various undergraduate and graduate programs, and train an average of about 1,500 students.

The department houses a unique combination of disciplines in the field of design, technology, engineering and human behavior in the built environment. All under one roof! We act at all levels of scale, from materials to buildings to entire cities.

The department is functionally divided into four sub-disciplinary units, each with a primary focus on teaching and research. This is only possible in close cooperation with various support services. In its Strategic Plan 2030, the department has expressed the ambition to add impact as a third pillar next to education and research within its mission. This underscores our determination to be meaningful for social challenges and transitions in the built environment. These challenges are numerous and topical, choosing to focus on the themes of energy, sustainability, health and inclusiveness. This means working together on complex and systemic issues and training system engineers.

To fulfil this ambition the department is transitioning from a disciplinary-oriented organization towards a more thematically oriented department, working in co-creation amongst the units and with the stakeholders in the domain of the built environment.

As the managing director, you contribute to the ongoing development of the department with a background in managing complex organizational changes within a professional setting. Your ability to prioritize and provide clear direction is valued. You enjoy connecting with both scientists and support staff, demonstrating a balanced approach of diplomacy, clarity, and decisiveness. You quickly understand complex issues and have the ability to persuade others using an insightful balance of interests and financial considerations. You maintain a service-oriented attitude, recognizing the need for firmness when necessary.

To succeed in this role, the following criteria should be met:

• Academic working or thinking level.
• Substantial relevant management experience (minimum 5 years as a director), preferably acquired in an academic or research environment.
• Characteristics such as being unifying, optimistically perseverant, open-minded, creative, transparent, result-oriented, and having the ability to bring ideas to fruition.
• A management style characterized by creativity, flexibility, effective communication, and goal orientation.
• Demonstrated experience in acquiring and maintaining business contacts.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English (C2 level).

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• An appointment initially for a period of 4 years;
• A monthly salary of minimum € 6.836,- to maximum € 8.815,- for full-time employment; depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 15 collective labor agreement for Dutch Universities);
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;
• TU/e considers the development of its staff important and provides ample facilities for professional and personal development;
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical;
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits;
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance;
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet;
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.