Head of Development Department

Head of Development Department In this key role, you shape what the green city of tomorrow will look like and how Bern will address climate change. You lead a strategically central department, further develop the green city infrastructure, and bring demanding projects to implementation maturity. You can expect a scope for design that only a few functions in the public sector offer, and room to grow. Head of Development Department Become part of our team Your work has an impact – for Bern and for the people who live and work here. Help us shape the community and the future of this city: visible, tangible, sustainable. The Directorate for Civil Engineering, Transport and Urban Green Spaces is responsible for an attractive public space. Stadtgrün Bern is responsible for public green spaces, parks, playgrounds, and operates cemeteries and city gardens. What you will be working on You will lead the Development Department with around 22 employees in the four specialist groups Climate Adaptation, Strategic Planning, Urban Trees, and Nature and Ecology, and further develop their specialist strategies. You will manage overarching projects and plans of strategic and political importance and shape green spaces, parks, squares, and neighborhoods that will determine the face of the city for generations to come. You will develop and negotiate viable solutions for urban green spaces with the necessary political instinct. You will ensure that green spaces have their place in a growing city and negotiate with planning and infrastructure departments on an equal footing. You will develop instruments and concepts based on the urban green space strategy and hand them over to implementation on a solid foundation. What you bring You have a university degree in Landscape Architecture, Spatial Planning or Urban Planning, Civil Engineering or a related field, ideally supplemented by business management knowledge. You have been leading at the corresponding level for several years, are familiar with your field in depth, and share the enthusiasm for green topics. You think strategically and with foresight, have a fine sense of politics, and move sovereignly between administration, committees, and the public. You communicate clearly and convincingly internally and externally, listen well, and negotiate skillfully. Even in heated moments, you remain sovereign and find common ground. You lead in a modern and empowering way, give your people space and trust, and are pleased when they grow beyond themselves. You think in terms of long-term impact and are happy to give others the stage. Your benefits in Bern For meaning & city life With us, you can make a difference. You help shape city life, take responsibility, and make Bern a better place to live. Security & stability We offer you fair pay, clear structures, regulated working hours, and long-term prospects. Space for your whole life Our work model adapts to your life wherever possible. With us, you can balance all areas of your life. Growing with Bern We give you space for development, further education, and independent action. Healthy in everyday life With sports, exercise, and counseling, you stay fit: physically, mentally, socially – and not just at work. Advantages for every day We offer you practical extras that make your daily life easier and more enjoyable. Contact Do you have questions about the application process or the employer Stadt Bern? I'm happy to help. Patrizia Fortunato Deputy Head of Directorate Personnel Service Would you like to know more about this position and our team at Stadt Bern? I'm looking forward to getting to know you and helping you further! Schärer Head of Stadtgrün Bern Uncertain if you meet all the requirements? Even if you don't (yet) meet all the requirements – we're curious, want to get to know you, and look forward to your application! Your application process This is how the application process works with us: Step 1: Online application Submit your application documents online via our job portal. To process your documents further, you need to create a login. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation. We evaluate each application individually based on the criteria in the job posting. This may take some time. If your application is a good fit, we will contact you for an initial interview. Step 2: Interviews In the introductory interview – by phone, on-site, or online – we want to get to know you. We check whether your expectations of the position match ours, what experiences and skills you bring, whether our culture appeals to you, and how you fit into the team. If there is mutual interest and depending on the position, several interviews may take place. All your questions about the position, the team, or the employment conditions are always welcome. Step 3: Further steps in the process Depending on the position, we arrange a trial or familiarization day, assign you a technical task, organize a team meeting, or invite you to an assessment. As a rule, reference checks are also part of our application process. You will be transparently informed about all steps in the process. Step 4: Application decision You have convinced us and we have convinced you? After a verbal commitment, you will receive a confirmation, contract documents, and information on how to proceed until you start the position. Didn't work out? We're happy if you apply for other exciting positions despite the rejection. For Bern. With heart. With impact. In the city of Bern, over 4,500 people work together across five directorates and more than 80 professions. We are committed with passion and conviction to the people who live and work here. Together, we shape the community and the future of this city – visible, tangible, sustainable. For our city.