Chief of Operations

Job Description

Industry: Movies and Sound Recording
Seniority for this role: Executive
About IFFR International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) annually welcomes new and established filmmakers and artists from all over the world, providing a stage for independent films, talks, exhibitions, performances, installations, immersive media and more. In addition, we are a film festival that also focuses on film enthusiasts: our audiences. IFFR offers audiences visionary programming and year-round activities. Each year during our 11-day festival in January/February, we welcome over 250,000 visits to our festival screenings and events. From 30 January to 9 February 2025, we will host the 54th edition. This will be the final edition for our current Chief of Operations, who has decided that following this year’s edition will be the right time to pass on the role to someone new. About the role As Chief of Operations, you will be responsible for the seamless delivery of IFFR’s activities, focusing on strategic planning, operational alignment, and cross-departmental collaboration. You will lead the Operations team, including Production and Digital Services (IT) to deliver a high-quality festival and year-round experience that reflects IFFR’s vision. Towards the festival, you also build a team of freelance professionals including IT specialists, producers and coordinators. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will manage operations for one of Europe’s largest film culture events, delivering over 1,100 screenings, talks, and events across Rotterdam. You will refine processes, strengthen collaboration, and introduce tools and practices to make our operations efficient, sustainable, and future-proof, in line with our mission and strategy. In this role, you take ownership of cross-department projects, including our digital strategy. You will report directly to the Managing Director and be part of the Executive Team. As a Chief of Operations, you will inspire, challenge, and motivate your team, while navigating challenges with clarity and enthusiasm. You are a true connector, go-getter, and result-oriented individual. You can establish sustainable collaboration with our local and national partners regarding digital processes, the website, ticketing systems, venues, catering, film technology and other production partners. Your focus areas: Translate IFFR’s strategic goals into clear, actionable plans and ensure alignment across all departments. Create and manage a comprehensive planning framework that ensures seamless delivery of festival and year-round activities. Inspire, lead and support the Operations team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and results-driven environment. Together with the Head of Production, build and nurture relationships with venues, suppliers and technical partners to ensure smooth operations. Maintain a secure environment by strengthening safety protocols and ensuring compliance across all operations. Implement tools and technologies that enhance efficiency, user-friendliness, and environmental responsibility, contributing to IFFR’s sustainability goals. Boost audience engagement and revenue through improved planning, insights and alignment with IFFR’s strategy. What we’re looking for Proven leadership experience in operations, ideally in the culture, festivals or events sector. A strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving. Strong project planning, team leadership, and budget management skills. A collaborative mindset with the ability to build and nurture relationships and align teams. Solid experience with IT systems and event production. A commitment to innovation, sustainability, and diversity. Fluency in Dutch and professional-level English, and living in the Netherlands. What we offer: At IFFR, you’ll be part of a passionate, ambitious team that sets the bar high and knows how to organise an amazing film festival. We value teamwork, results and a vibrant, supportive work environment. Full-time position (38 hours per week) Fixed-term contract with the intention of extension 25 days of paid leave (pro-rate) and 5 additional compensation days Pension scheme (Nationale Nederlanden) 8% holiday allowance Team activities and merchandise discounts This role is scaled in IFFR’s salary structure at Scale 12, which is published on our website. The application process: We welcome your concise motivation and CV via the application button. Only complete applications – via the button – will be processed. Please submit your application for this vacancy by 16 January. We will notify you via email if we would like to invite you for interviews. The interview process consists of the following steps: A 30-minute introductory call First interview with our Managing Director and a member of the IT/Production team Second interview with an Executive Team member and a member of the IT/Production team Final interview with one of our Directors and the Head of People & Culture IFFR is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the city of Rotterdam. We believe in creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their ethnic, economic, cultural, or religious background, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. We warmly invite all interested people to apply for this vacancy. Show more Show less