Job Description

Planning Advisor – National Signage Service (NBd)

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Client: Rijkswaterstaat
Contract Type: Project-based (Extension possible: up to 12 months)
Experience Level: Junior–Mid (2+ years)

About the Role

Join the National Signage Service (NBd)—a unique collaboration of over 360 public road authorities across the Netherlands—and help shape the way millions of people navigate the country every day.

As a Planning Advisor, you'll play a key role in designing and advising on signage systems that ensure road users—drivers and cyclists alike—reach their destinations safely, efficiently, and intuitively

Your Impact

You will be responsible for developing signage plans that are not only technically sound but also legally compliant and aligned with national standards. Your work directly contributes to a coherent, uniform, and reliable signage network across the Netherlands.

Key Responsibilities

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  Develop signage plans, including routing, destination, and wayfinding strategies
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  Conduct intake sessions with road authorities (municipalities, provinces, Rijkswaterstaat)
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  Translate requirements into legally compliant signage plans
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  Estimate and manage project costs, timelines, and scope
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  Collaborate with internal teams (Work Planners, Project Coordinators) on feasibility
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  Coordinate with external stakeholders and ensure alignment throughout the process
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  Deliver finalized plans for formal adoption by the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management
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  Document agreements and maintain accurate project records

What You Bring

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  Minimum 2+ years' experience in drafting signage, routing, or destination plans (cars and/or bicycles)
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  Bachelor's degree (HBO level) in Traffic Engineering, Urban Planning, or similar
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  Strong understanding of planning, organization, and project coordination
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  Excellent Dutch communication skills (mandatory)
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  Customer-focused mindset with strong stakeholder engagement skills
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  Knowledge of CROW guidelines and the Road Traffic Act

Preferred Experience

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  Experience with AutoCAD and similar design tools
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  Familiarity with systems such as Isah and Meridian
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  Ability to contribute to process improvements and innovation

Core Competencies

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  Strong communicator and relationship builder
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  Structured, organized, and detail-oriented
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  Proactive and results-driven
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  Analytical with a practical, solution-focused mindset
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  Collaborative team player with a high level of ownership

Work Environment

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  Based in Utrecht with a collaborative, team-oriented culture
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  Supportive environment with knowledge sharing and continuous learning
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  Hybrid working possibilities
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  Opportunity to work on projects with nationwide impact

Important Application Guidelines

Please ensure full compliance before applying:

• No freelancers/self-employed professionals (ZZP/BV)
• 
  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 candidate email address in the cover letter
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  Candidates must meet all mandatory requirements
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  Minimum 1-month notice period applies in case of early termination

Why Join Rijkswaterstaat?

Be part of an organization that keeps the Netherlands moving. Your work will directly contribute to road safety, accessibility, and smart mobility solutions used by millions every day.