Job Description

Operational Contract Manager – Traffic & Water Management

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (Hybrid)
Client: Rijkswaterstaat
Experience Level: Mid–Senior

About the Role

Rijkswaterstaat is looking for an operational contract manager to play a key role in managing contracts within the waterway marking department This is a high-impact position where you will oversee contracts related to fixed and floating waterway markings—contributing directly to safe, efficient, and sustainable waterways across the Netherlands.

You will operate as a subject matter expert, working closely with project managers, strategic contract managers, and key stakeholders to ensure contracts deliver value and align with broader organizational goals.

Your Impact

As an Operational Contract Manager, you are responsible for the end-to-end contract lifecycle—from procurement strategy and tendering to execution and performance monitoring.

You will:

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  Translate operational needs into effective procurement and contract strategies
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  Manage and optimize ongoing contracts for performance, risk, and collaboration
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  Act as a trusted advisor to both internal and external stakeholders
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  Drive improvements in production capacity and contract outcomes
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  Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement within contract frameworks

Key Responsibilities

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  Lead the development of procurement strategies and contract advice
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  Manage tendering processes, contract formation, and implementation
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  Monitor contract performance, risks, and opportunities
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  Ensure alignment with strategic and cross-project objectives
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  Collaborate with project teams, buyers, and technical departments
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  Drive process improvements and implement lessons learned
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  Act as a sparring partner for stakeholders across all levels

What You Bring

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  Minimum 3+ years' experience with UAV-GC contracts or similar collaborative contracting models
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  Bachelor's degree (HBO level or higher), preferably in Law, Business Administration, or related fields
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  At least 3 years' experience managing bundled/portfolio-based work
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  Strong understanding of contract management and procurement strategies
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  Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
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  Fluency in Dutch (mandatory)

Preferred Experience

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  Drafting procurement and contracting strategies for complex infrastructure projects
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  Coordinating procurement processes and contract preparation phases
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  Advising on strategic collaboration and governance
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  Experience with UAV-GC tendering within infrastructure projects

Core Competencies

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  Results-driven and proactive
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  Strong communicator (written & verbal)
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  Analytical and solution-oriented
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  Collaborative and stakeholder-focused
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  Persuasive and resilient
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  Organizationally aware and adaptable

Work Environment

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  Hybrid working model
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  Based in Rotterdam with collaboration across teams and locations
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  Dynamic, impact-driven infrastructure environment

Important Application Guidelines

To be considered, all submissions must comply with the following:

• No freelancers/self-employed (ZZP/BV)
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  CV must be submitted in PDF format with full name and place of residence
• No personal data or photos (GDPR compliant)
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  Include the candidate's email address in the cover letter
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  Maximum 2 candidates per supplier
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  Candidates must meet all mandatory requirements
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  Applications above the maximum rate will not be accepted
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  Minimum 1-month notice period required upon early termination
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  Only candidates proficient in Dutch will be considered

Why Join Rijkswaterstaat?

Be part of projects that shape the Netherlands' infrastructure and water systems. Your work will directly contribute to safety, sustainability, and innovation in one of Europe's most advanced public infrastructure environments.