KWR is looking for a Program Manager/Project Manager Waterwise (32-40 hours)

Who we are

Clean and safe water is a major asset. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute, contributing to applied scientific research throughout the entire water cycle. Our mission is “Bridging Science to Practice.” Our 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and increasingly in the rest of Europe. The ten Dutch drinking water companies and the Belgian ‘De Watergroep’ are our shareholders.

Our researchers work at the intersection of science, practical implementation, business, and society. Their strength lies in translating scientific knowledge into applicable practical solutions. To support our research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall, and a test pond, and we build our own pilot plants, which are often used in (on-site) practical research at our clients.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a proactive and creative colleague to lead the Waterwise research program that KWR implements with and for the Dutch and Flemish drinking water sector. Together with colleagues, you’ll translate questions from the drinking water sector into practice-oriented research and encourage the application of research findings in the water utilities’ daily practices. This way, you’ll actively contribute to KWR’s ambitions, expand our network, and create impact from research. You’ll work closely with a strategic program manager and be supported by an assistant program manager.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Coordinating the implementation of the KWR Waterwise research program and managing various necessary activities and any subprograms to achieve the intended strategic objective(s);
  • Monitoring the quality, development, and impact of the KWR Waterwise research program;
  • Bringing together experts from drinking water companies and KWR researchers and motivating and encouraging these parties;
  • Maintaining a network of relationships with relevant stakeholders for collaboration and/or knowledge sharing;
  • Disseminating output (dissemination and valorization) from the KWR Waterwise research program and promoting its use.

Your profile

You can combine research and practice and translate this into projects with partners in the (drinking) water sector in the Netherlands. You have experience with program coordination and/or project management and establishing and maintaining long-term partnerships with Dutch and Flemish parties. You are also able to identify strategic opportunities for the drinking water sector. You are a strong team player, customer-focused, and adept at planning and organizing your own work and that of your colleagues. You have experience with acquisition and maintaining client relationships.

Furthermore:

  • You have a completed Master’s degree in a relevant field, preferably related to (drinking) water;
  • You have at least 5 years of experience managing large and complex projects and/or programs;
  • You have experience in establishing research collaborations, preferably in a knowledge-driven environment;
  • You are an enthusiastic, creative, and results-driven team player and are known as a go-getter;
  • You can translate knowledge into practical solutions;
  • You are able to represent KWR, have strong communication skills, can act decisively and have a good sense of relationships;
  • You are active in a national network;
  • You speak and write fluent Dutch and English;

If you don’t meet the full profile but are enthusiastic about this position, we would still like to receive your cover letter and resume.

Our offer for you

We strongly value personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities to achieve this, including excellent onboarding and a variety of courses and skills training. A good work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions and is a member of the Water Companies Collective Labor Agreement, including a Flexible Employment Benefits Budget of 15.49%. Partial remote working is also an option.

The innovation & Valorization Team

Our experts in the Innovation & Valorization team coordinate the collective research program to provide high-quality scientific knowledge to Dutch water companies, ‘De Watergroep’ (Belgium), and the interests group Vewin. We also coordinate the collective research for the dune water companies and perform program management for TKI (Top Consortium Knowledge and Innovation) Water Technology, which funds public/private research and innovation projects. We also play a coordinating role in UPPWATER, the program to stimulate the economic growth of Dutch water technology, and we shape KWR’s European research program.

Are you the program manager we’re looking for? Do you want to advance water science and work with us towards a sustainable society? Then send your cover letter and resume by email to vacancy@kwrwater.nl before 12 December 2025, referencing vacancy number 230088. If the selection committee is interested, we will contact you immediately to schedule an initial interview.

Meer informatie

For more information about the position, please contact Gerard van den Berg (Innovation & Valorization Team Leader) at +31 30 6069 549 or gerard.van.den.berg@kwrwater.nl.

For more information about the application process, please contact José van Lieshout (HR Advisor) at +31 30 6069 536 or jose.van.lieshout@kwrwater.nl.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

share