Working at CITYFÖRSTER
CITYFÖRSTER is an international practice for architecture, urbanism and strategy, with a strong base in Rotterdam. We work on projects that focus on urban quality, social relevance and the long term. We do this in teams that take responsibility, are intellectually rigorous and continuously challenge one another.
Over the past years, we have grown — in size, in complexity and in ambition. This calls for an organisation that evolves alongside the practice: clear in its structure, careful in its decision-making, and supportive of design quality and the long-term development of people.
Head of Operations
The Head of Operations is responsible for the functioning of the organisation as a whole. Not as a managing director and not as a designer, but as a senior sparring partner to the partners on matters of organisation, processes and operational rhythm.
You ensure that the way we work matches both the scale we have reached and the ambitions for the years ahead. In doing so, you create space: for design quality, for innovation, and for the development of people towards greater responsibility and, ultimately, partnership.
Your role
CITYFÖRSTER works with self-organising teams and roles ("circles"). We want to preserve this. At the same time, this way of working requires clear frameworks, a consistent rhythm of meetings and reporting, and an organisation that is predictable and legible for both partners and teams.
As Head of Operations, you shape this structure. You develop and safeguard the rhythm of planning, meetings and reporting, without slipping into micromanagement. Management information supports decision-making, rather than driving it.
A key part of the role is embedding tools and workflows in daily practice. Simplicate has been implemented but is not yet used to its full potential. Within the Microsoft ecosystem (Teams, Planner, Outlook), there is also room for improvement in terms of coherence and consistent use. You focus on adoption — not by imposing systems, but by logically connecting them to everyday work.
You manage the Management & Team Assistant and work closely with finance and HR. Together, you ensure an organisation that runs smoothly, even under pressure, and that can grow sustainably alongside the practice.
Key responsibilities
- Organisational structure, workflows and meeting frameworks
- Planning, meeting and reporting rhythms and management information at partner level
- Adoption and consistent use of tools (including Simplicate and Teams/Planner/Outlook)
- Leadership and development of the support organisation
Profile
You are an experienced operations or organisational manager, preferably in a knowledge-intensive or project-driven environment. You understand how professionals work and what they need to perform at their best.
You bring calm, overview and structure, without taking over content or expertise. You move comfortably between strategic frameworks and practical implementation, and you know when to steer and when to step back. Discretion, sensitivity to relationships and a sharp eye for detail come naturally.
What we are looking for
- Senior-level experience in organisational development, processes and reporting
- Affinity with design, architecture or creative environments
- Ability to introduce structure without bureaucracy
- Natural authority, a calm leadership style and strong communication skills
Praktisch
The position is based in Rotterdam and involves 32–40 hours per week. You will work closely with the partners and have regular contact with our other offices across Europe. Salary and employment conditions are in line with a senior role within an architectural practice.
Are you interested in helping CITYFÖRSTER develop organisationally and creating space for content and quality? We look forward to hearing from you. Please send your CV and a short motivation to application@cityfoerster.net with 'Application Head of Operations' in the subject line.