Program Manager

Do complex societal challenges—where technology, strategy, finance, and governance converge—energize you? Are you someone who doesn’t wait for a programme , but rather gets excited about building it? And do you find it interesting to navigate between executive management, the board, asset managers, project leaders, and subject matter experts to set the course together and realise results? If so, we have a unique challenge for you.

Location

Number of hours

36 hours per week

Salary

Scale 12, Minimum 5303, Maximum 7417

Interested?

You can submit your response by Thursday, August 13, 2026

Apply Now

Profile photo Durk Bakker

Is this what you're going to do?

Imagine this: A year ago, you took on a new role within the Wastewater Chain Management team. The ambitions were clear. Based on the annual plan’s goal tree, there were significant challenges ahead: working toward a fully circular and energy-neutral wastewater chain, meeting increasingly stringent discharge requirements, and building a robust infrastructure ready for tomorrow’s challenges. The goal on the horizon was clear. How we would get there still needed to be worked out.

As the architect of the programme , you have now successfully shaped programme path. Together with your colleagues, you have translated strategic goals into concrete measures, projects, and priorities. There is a clear understanding of what is needed to realise the goals, the choices involved, and how available capacity and resources can best be utilized. You have not only established structure but also connexion between the board, management, and operations.

But perhaps even more importantly: you’ve established a position where you can truly make a difference. You’re a valued partner in discussions with executives, managers, and subject matter experts. You move effortlessly between strategy and implementation and influence the decisions being made today that will shape tomorrow’s wastewater management system. It is precisely this combination of in-depth subject matter knowledge, organizational dynamics, and the freedom to build something new that keeps you coming to work with energy every day.

What are you going to do?

From climate change to urbanise from public health to sustainability: water is increasingly tied to issues that affect our daily lives. The pressure on the wastewater management system is increasing, and with it, the urgency to organise it effectively. With us, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to this effort—not on the sidelines, but at the heart of the societal challenges of today and tomorrow. You’ll work on collaboration, innovation, and progress—making a difference in the living environment of millions of people.

As a program manager, you are responsible for developing, establishing, and advancing a new program line within the wastewater sector. You translate strategic goals into a feasible programme ensure that the right activities and projects are launched to realise these goals. In doing so, you constantly keep an eye on coherence, capacity, risks, planning, and available resources. Budget responsibility lies with the line organization, but you play a decisive role in determining which measures are necessary to realise our ambitions.

In this role, you’ll constantly navigate the balance between ambition and reality. On the one hand, you’ll be dealing with administrative ambitions, societal challenges, and strategic goals. On the other hand, you’ll be collaborating with teams that must ultimately realise these goals realise the available capacity, resources, and frameworks. It is precisely in this tension that you feel right at home.

You will work closely with colleagues from departments such as Strategy, Maintenance, Planning & Projects, and Communications. You will also maintain contact with councils, provinces, and other partners. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

  • Developing and maintaining the program structure;
  • Translating strategic goals into concrete measures and activities;
  • Ensuring consistency among projects, studies, and implementation measures;
  • Advising management and the board on priorities, risks, and progress;
  • organise collaboration among different teams and disciplines;
  • Encouraging collaboration within and outside the organisation;
  • Providing insight into the progress of program components.

About the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority

Noorderzijlvest Water Authority waterproofing the future for waterproofing the future, clean and healthy water, and sufficient water in every season across a large part of Groningen, North and Central Drenthe, and a small part of Friesland. For our more than 400 employees, ensuring a healthy and future-proof living and working environment for the approximately 383,000 residents in our region is our top priority. This requires dedicated professionals who excel in their respective fields and are driven by passion.

About the Wastewater Management Team

We are the Wastewater Management Chain Team. A driven, committed, and passionate team of 29 enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. We manage 13 wastewater treatment plants, more than 100 sewage pumping stations, and 500 km of pressure pipelines; in addition, we provide comprehensive advice on the entire wastewater management chain—from policy to implementation. We aim to do this as much as possible in a data-driven way and by applying new digital innovations. We have both feet firmly on the ground and involve the local community in our work.

Here's what we're asking of you

We’re looking for someone who feels comfortable in an environment where not everything is set in stone yet. You have strong analytical skills, can bring structure to a situation, and know how to connect people with different interests and perspectives. You understand how administrative decision-making works, but consider it just as important to stay connected to the practical realities on the ground. You switch effortlessly between interacting with senior management, the board, team managers, project leaders, and subject matter experts. One moment you’re discussing strategic choices for the coming years; the next, you’re talking with subject matter experts about the feasibility of a specific measure. That variety energizes you. 

In addition, you have:

  • At least a completed higher professional education (HBO) degree.
  • You have experience in planning initiatives and developing a multi-year program plan (including funding and capacity).
  • You have practical experience developing and managing programmeand programme .
  • You have at least 3 years of experience in programme .
  • An interest in infrastructure, water management, asset management, or a similar technical field is a plus.

Here's what we offer you

  • Initially, this will be a fixed-term contract (1 year). If you prove to be a good fit, we will convert your employment contract to a permanent position.
  • A salary of up to €7,417 gross per month (pay scale 12) for full-time employment.
  • A job in the social services field.
  • In addition to your gross salary, you will receive 21% as an IKB (individual choice budget). You can choose to have this paid out or use it in another way, such as to purchase additional time off.
  • A personal budget of €6,000 (€12,000 for those under 35) for training, plus reimbursement for commuting expenses or a work-from-home allowance.
  • Excellent opportunities to achieve a good work-life balance, for example through our work-from-home options.
  • A pension plan with the ABP Pension Fund.
  • The position is based in Groningen. Our office is easily accessible by bike, public transportation, or car.

Will you be our program manager?

Are you enthusiastic and do you have the required qualifications? If so, please upload your cover letter and resume using the application button. The application deadline is August 13, 2026. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, August 19.

  • Would you like to know more? Please contact Brendo Meulman, team manager for Wastewater Chain Management, at 06-10329819.
  • If you come to work for us, we’ll ask you to submit a Certificate of Good behaviour VOG).

Your future department and organisation

About the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority

The Noorderzijlvest Water Board is located in a unique area where subsidence by natural gas extraction and earthquakes significantly impacts water management. The consequences of these developments, as well as climate change, are affecting the (bin)water system. Rising sea levels, more frequent and longer periods of heavy rain interspersed with prolonged droughts, as well as challenges related to sustainability and new (problematic) substances: these are problems that call for robust solutions. We want our (bin)water system to function as naturally as possible and to be climate-resilient, resilient, and healthy in the long term. This requires us to implement appropriate and affordable measures in a society that wants to have a say in these matters and exert influence over them.

To water authority the challenges facing our water authority , we are implementing organisation so that we are better able to work in a forward-looking and integrated manner. We believe this will lay a solid foundation for strategic thinking, for translating those plans into our day-to-day work, and for carrying out our work as efficiently as possible. And that is becoming increasingly important in a society that is changing and placing high demands on us.

Do you have any questions about the application process for this job opening?

Please contact Esther de Jager-de Brouwer, counsellor and Selection counsellor , at 050 304 89 11 or werven@noorderzijlvest.nl.

Are you excited? Apply now!

Fill out the application form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Apply now

Dynamic water world

Are you a thinker or a doer? We’d love to meet you. At the water authority , no two days water authority ever the same!

Learn more about the organisation