About the Role:
For one of our strategic partners in the Netherlands, we are looking for an experienced Regional Program Leader – Sustainable Innovation, Circular Economy & Government.

This is a senior, part-time role focused on delivering a large-scale regional development programme in the Rotterdam region, bringing together government, municipalities, Dutch Fresh Port companies, education and social partners.

You will lead complex innovation and sustainability initiatives, translate policy into real impact, and act as a key connector across public-private ecosystems. The role is long-term, hands-on and designed for professionals who thrive in intergovernmental environments, system change and circular economy projects.

Freelance (ZZP) or subcontracting cooperation is possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a large-scale regional development programme focused on Sustainable Innovation, Circular Economy and Government collaboration in the Rotterdam region.

• Manage and coordinate four strategic projects within the Sustainable Innovation programme:

  • Residual Flow Hub (Circular Economy)

  • Data & AI – Digital Control Room

  • Energy Cooperative & Energy Hubs

  • Cluster Power 2.0 (TalentHub & learning ecosystem)

• Act as the link between public, private and semi-public stakeholders, including municipalities, province, national government, Dutch Fresh Port (DFP) companies, education and social partners.

• Translate broad policy and welfare objectives into concrete implementation plans and results.

• Provide integrated program governance, monitoring, reporting and stakeholder alignment.

• Manage and coach project managers; act as project lead where required.

• Ensure alignment between Sustainable Innovation, Healthy & Safe Living Environment and Talent Attraction & Retention programmes.

• Represent the programme as a business contact officer towards Dutch Fresh Port partners.

Requirements – Skills & Experience in Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Government

• 8+ years of experience in program or portfolio management within public-private or intergovernmental ecosystems.

• Strong background in innovation, sustainability, circular economy and system transformation.

• Proven experience with AI, data ecosystems, digital transformation or digital twins.

• Experience in cluster development (fresh produce, logistics, energy, innovation).

• Solid knowledge of PPP structures, cooperatives, governance and legal frameworks.

• Demonstrable experience working with Dutch Fresh Port (DFP) stakeholders and networks.

• Experience with regional or national subsidy programmes (e.g. RegioDeal, NPRZ or similar).

• Ability to operate at board, C-level and governmental level (municipalities, provinces, MRDH).

• Academic working and thinking level (HBO / WO / PhD).

• Fluent Dutch (minimum C1) and strong stakeholder communication skills.

Offer

• Part-time assignment: approx. 2.5–3 days per week (±26 hours).

• Long-term engagement: initial contract until end of 2027, with optional extension up to 2029.

• Flexible cooperation model: Freelance (ZZP) or subcontracting (detachering).

• Opportunity to lead a high-impact regional innovation and sustainability programme with strong governmental and industry relevance.

• Collaboration with senior decision-makers across government, education and business.

• Competitive compensation, aligned with experience and engagement model.

If you meet the criteria and are excited to take on impactful work with flexible hours, we’d love to hear from you, apply now to be considered for this opportunity.