Business Manager

Business Manager

Posted Date Feb 09, 2026 Employment Type Full-time Experience Level Director Location Netherlands Category ** Programming ** Company **council of international schools **

Who are we? We are a not-for-profit membership community committed to developing socially responsible leadership through international education. We support our global community of schools and higher education institutions in developing effective practices to foster healthy, interculturally competent global citizens.

We serve a diverse and global learning community and believe it is important to seek and include people who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences within our team. We are committed to attracting, hiring, supporting, and developing a diverse, high-quality team. We believe our success is dependent on the distinctive perspectives, capabilities and commitment of our people.

Learn more about our mission and what it’s like to work at CIS by visiting our website: www.cois.org.

What does this role entail? As a Business Manager at CIS, you will lead a team of finance and business administration professionals in ensuring the financial health and operational integrity of the organization, providing strategic oversight of budgeting, compliance, and resource management. You will safeguard organizational assets, manage risk, and optimize systems and processes to support informed decision‑making and efficient operations. By leading financial strategy and business administration, you will enable CIS to deliver its services effectively and maintain trust with members, partners, and stakeholders.

As a Business Manager, you will be based at the CIS office in Leiden, the Netherlands, and will be responsible to the Executive Director for overall results.

What will you be doing?

1. Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to organizational strategy and effectiveness as a member of the CIS Leadership Team, shaping systems, structures, and policies that support the CIS membership community, employees and consultants.
• Collaborate with fellow CIS leaders to ensure integration and alignment across departments, maintaining clear communication and shared purpose.

2. Financial Management

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Advise the Board of Trustees and Leadership Team on financial strategy, preparing and managing the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and financial reports to support informed decision-making.
• Support the Leadership Team with financial modelling to determine pricing policies for membership services.
• Manage investment of reserve funds and capital expenditure, liaising with external financial advisors to optimise returns within risk parameters.
• Oversee general accounting operations including the use of financial systems and platforms, accounts receivable, collections, budgeting, payroll, and expense management, ensuring financial accuracy, cost efficiency, and timely debt collection.
• Establish and manage bank accounts, monitor cash flow, and oversee currency exchange processes.
• Ensure integrity and accuracy in all financial transactions and reporting systems.

3. Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and maintain internal policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, monitoring legislative and regulatory changes to update policies as needed, and conducting audits to verify internal adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Netherlands/EU and U.S. financial and tax regulations, filing statutory reports and returns accurately and on time.
• Serve in the capacity of organizational Data Protection Officer to oversee compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Schedule and manage annual external audits, liaising with auditors and providing required documentation.
• Maintain and update the organizational risk register to proactively identify risks, advising the Leadership Team on potential risks and mitigation strategies to protect organizational integrity.
• Liaise with external advisors, auditors, solicitors and statutory bodies to ensure adherence to compliance standards.

Looking to advance your Development & Programming career with relocation support? Explore Development & Programming Jobs with Relocation Packages that include comprehensive packages to help you move and settle in your new role. 4. Asset and Facilities Management

• Oversee the management of assets and contracted services, ensuring alignment with governance and financial policies:

o budget for and manage strategic investments in assets and services; o review and negotiate vendor terms and agreements for all digital and physical assets and contracted services, ensuring all vendor agreements comply with financial, legal and tax requirements; o track contractual payments and renewal dates and ensure timely renewals to avoid service interruptions; and o prepare for and manage internal or external audits related to asset management.

• Oversee the management of office facilities, including:

o preparation of requests for proposals (RFPs) to procure equipment, goods, and services in compliance with organizational standards; o implementation of cost optimization measures in the procurement of goods and engagement of services; o management of lease agreements, utilities and communication services, office layout and space allocation, and maintenance activities; o development and implementation of processes for the operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management of equipment; o negotiation and management of vendor and supplier relationships, ensuring service quality and adherence to contractual obligations; o maintenance of accurate inventory records of all physical assets; and o implementation and adherence to health and safety procedures, serving in the capacity of Head of the Certified Emergency Response Team.

5. Salaries and Benefits Management

• Design and administer compensation and benefits policies in consultation with the Leadership Team, ensuring compliance with employment laws and government regulations.
• Research and recommend employee benefit plans and providers, negotiating and managing benefits programmes including health, disability, accident, travel, general and professional liability insurances, and pension plans.
• Monitor industry remuneration trends on an annual basis.
• Manage the establishment and oversight of salary, fees and benefits administration for employees and consultants.
• Ensure timely and accurate employee tax filings and compliance with government regulations.
• Liaise with external legal, tax, immigration, and pension advisors to maintain compliance and optimise benefits offerings.

6. People Management

• Lead and mentor a team of professionals focused on accounting and business administration.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Ensure team members have the skills, tools, and support needed to deliver high-quality services to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Are you eligible? You are welcome to apply, regardless of your background, if you are willing to make a mid- to long-term commitment to this role and you meet the following criteria.

Residency

• You are already a legal resident of the Netherlands with authorization to work in the country, OR
• You are willing and able to relocate to and take up residence in the Netherlands, with CIS sponsoring your immigration visa, providing a comprehensive relocation benefit, and assisting with the move.

Discover our full range of relocation jobs with comprehensive support packages to help you relocate and settle in your new location.

Educational Qualifications • Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. • Professional accounting certification such as CPA or ACCA.

Professional Experience

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial management and business administration within international, non-profit, or membership-based organizations. Of which:

o 3+ years of experience in a leadership or senior management capacity with responsibility for budgeting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. o substantial work experience gained in organizations operating in the Netherlands (or, at minimum, within organizations elsewhere in the EU).

• Experience managing assets and facilities, including vendor negotiations and contract management.
• Experience managing audits and risk registers.
• Experience in compensation and benefits administration across multiple jurisdictions.

A plus:

• International and intercultural working experience.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency using financial digital systems and platforms (e.g. Certinia, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Well-developed knowledge of international finance systems, including multi-currency cash management.
• Strong understanding of payroll systems and benefits administration platforms.
• Well-developed knowledge of Dutch and international (notably U.S.) tax regulations and reporting requirements with an ability to monitor regulatory changes and apply compliance standards across jurisdictions.
• Ability to prepare RFPs and manage procurement processes.
• Familiarity with health and safety compliance requirements.
• Fluency in English and Dutch, both spoken and written.

To view the position announcement in full - the competencies for the role, what you can expect from CIS in terms of compensation and benefits, and what happens next once you submit an application, please visit our website: https://www.cois.org/about-cis/news/post/~board/news/post/cis-vacancy-business-manager

Ready to apply? Preferred starting date: August 2026

Please submit your details, motivation letter, curriculum vitae (CV) and details of your referees by completing this application form: Показать контакты

Deadline for receipt of applications: Sunday 15 February , 23:59 CET

Have questions? We welcome them! Please email us at: recruitment@cois.org