MVRDV is a global operating firm with a team of more than 300 employees, dedicated to innovative architecture and urban design. Founded in 1993, the MVRDV headquarters are based in Rotterdam with subsidiaries in Shanghai, Berlin, Paris, and New York.

We are currently looking for a new Head of Urban in our Rotterdam headquarters. In this role, you will collaborate with the Partner responsible for Strategy and Business Development, the Managing Director, Finance Director, Studio Directors of the various markets, and the Founding Partners.

Your very diverse tasks will focus on three particular subjects: Strategy and Business Development, Projects, and Operations.

Strategy and Business Development

You represent MVRDV in contact with current and potential clients and enlarge and further develop MVRDV’s network of clients. You contribute to developing MVRDV’s characteristic Urban Design and research approach.

• Setting up and maintaining a strong network with local partners with a focus on the Dutch Market (public and private clients, municipalities, co-architects, advisors and engineers).
• Analyses of the local markets, assist in marketing strategy making.
• Acquire direct commissions in close collaboration with BD.
• Input in the negotiation process for contracts and fees.
• Internal collaboration with market teams.
• Attend presentations and workshops with local stakeholders.

Projects

You will be the first line of contact between MVRDV and the client.

• You have experience in leading large and complex projects (in different scales and complexities).
• Manage client and design process and keep track of planning and budget.
• Coordination between the Rotterdam design team and the local stakeholders/advisors.
• Client meetings, workshops, and site visits during planning (national and international).
• Frequent contact with the design team on progress and results, ensuring excellent output to clients.
• Supervising the internal collaborations where urban knowledge is key.
• Write texts for the business plans and tenders.

Operations

Responsible for general managerial matters of Urban Studio, including but not limited to Finance, Human Resources, and Administration.

• Assist in creating the business plan for Urban Studio and revising it annually, including targets and strategy.
• Monitor the finance situation of Urban Studio in close collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Recruitment and people-related activities (reviews, development, training, social events, and team spirit).

• The candidate has strong leadership and social skills (empathic, inspiring, and encouraging).
• The candidate is outspoken and able to present MVRDV-urbanism to the outside world.
• The candidate is a good communicator, is fluent in English and Dutch, and has experience in Business Development, marketing, and strong project management skills.
• The candidate has strong writing skills.
• The candidate has an MSc in Urban Design and/or is registered as an urban planner.
• The candidate has extensive knowledge of and affinity with our work philosophy and approach to Architecture and Urbanism.
• The right candidate for this position has a minimum of 10 years of proven experience in the Dutch market managing projects, clients, and teams.
• The candidate has academic experience.

What we offer

Beyond the opportunity to work within a globally and ambitious company, here are a few benefits that we offer:

• Competitive salary according to the Collective Labor Agreement for Architects in scale 10, up to and including € 6,600 (based on full-time employment, 40 hours/week).
• Personal development budget.
• Travel allowance for your home-office commutes.
• You automatically take part in the Architects Pension scheme when working for MVRDV.
• 30 paid holiday days based on a full-time employment of 40 working hours per week.
• Regular excursions, parties, and corporate activities such as sports.
• A healthy lunch in our office.
• We contribute to your sports subscription at OneFit.
• A great office location in the center of Rotterdam near the train station.

We’d love for you to join us!

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented communities apply for jobs only if they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you recognize yourself in this statement? MVRDV encourages you to reconsider and apply. You do not need to tick all the boxes to join our team. We care more about your motivation and potential! We look forward to your application.

How to apply

Please fill in the online form and upload your motivation letter, CV, recommendation preferably as PDF not larger than 5mb. You can also check how we hire.