Job Opening: Senior Wood Construction Project Developer

Turn your job into something NICE.

Have you proven yourself as a project developer and are you ready for a place where your ideas become reality?
NICE is looking for a senior project developer to build affordable, bio-based, and nature-inclusive residential neighborhoods—projects that stand the test of time and make a real impact.

About NICE

NICE Developers projects that contribute to a better world. Guided by five shared values—CO₂ reduction, social inclusion, biodiversity, and circular construction—we build iconic, bio-based, and nature-inclusive buildings that have a positive impact on neighborhoods, people, and the climate.

Projects like SAWA, the first 50-meter circular wooden residential building, demonstrate what is possible. Sustainable construction on a large scale, with a visible impact.

We are a scale-up with a small, close-knit team of passionate developers. Together with Mei architects and planners and shareholder Focus on Impact , we build projects with substance, ambition, and quality. Our ambition is grand, and our projects are concrete.

What will your responsibilities be?

As a senior project developer at NICE, you will work alongside the managing partners throughout the entire development process: from the initial concept and feasibility studies through to construction and completion. You will work on new timber-frame buildings, as well as on renovations and additions using timber. The focus is on ongoing projects and exploring the feasibility of new locations, where you will translate opportunities into concrete and feasible development plans.

In this role, you’ll have plenty of freedom to take the initiative and shape projects. You’ll develop business cases, assess feasibility, and focus on results. You’ll assemble design teams and guide the process, moving seamlessly between concept, design, and implementation. You’ll also work on tenders, development strategies, schedules, cost estimates, and decision-making documents.

You always develop projects based on and for the neighborhood. That’s why you actively involve neighbors, users, and interested buyers (both individuals and investors) in the development process. You know how to gather ideas, wishes, and insights, connect them, and translate them into a strong plan. You communicate clearly, listen carefully, and know how to get others on board with your vision.
As a NICE Developer, you see every development as an opportunity to add something valuable to the city, the neighborhood, and future users. In addition, you actively contribute to NICE’s growth by sharing knowledge and further strengthening the team.

Who are you?

You are a senior project developer with a strong technical foundation and a clear passion for building.

Enclosed:

• Do you enjoy working on complex urban projects involving many stakeholders with diverse interests?
• Take ownership of your projects and ensure that plans are actually carried out from concept to completion
• make careful assessments and choices that lead to feasible, high-quality, and achievable plans
• Are you actively seeking new ways to grow and contributing to innovation in the industry?

You're looking for an environment where pace, substance, and execution come together.
A place where ideas grow into concrete projects.

What you bring:

You hold a university degree, preferably in real estate, and have at least 7 years of experience as a project developer at a development firm, housing association, or developer-builder. You have proven experience in residential development, from inception through to completion, including inner-city projects and tenders.

You excel at project management and work in a structured manner according to the GOTICK framework. You are skilled at crafting compelling business cases and financial justifications and are adept at making well-reasoned decisions. In addition, you understand the interplay between business cases, design, and context, and can effortlessly switch between strategy and execution.

You have a strong understanding of public and private law as it relates to area and project development, and you understand how these principles impact projects and decision-making.
You have excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, both verbally and in writing. You know how to engage others in your narrative and interact easily with various stakeholders.

Above all, you bring a clear sense of drive to the table: you’re passionate about biobased and circular construction. You enjoy working as part of a team, take the initiative, and combine empathy with a focus on results. You want to contribute to sustainable, scalable impact that also makes economic sense.

What defines you?

✔   Analytical and pragmatic
✔   Conceptually strong and results-oriented
✔   Commercially and substantively astute
✔   Determined and solution-oriented
✔   Curious about innovation in biobased and industrial construction
✔   Team-oriented and open to collaboration√

What we offer:

At NICE, you’ll have the opportunity to play a key role in the construction industry’s transition. You’ll work on projects with a tangible impact that are regularly brought to fruition and sometimes even make the news.

You’ll be joining a passionate and dedicated team with flat hierarchies, where there’s plenty of room for initiative, ownership, and entrepreneurship. You’ll work closely with experienced partners and designers in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

The workplace is just as unique as our projects: you’ll be working from the NICE Developers Mei architects & planners office at the adjacent SAWA project.
We offer employment terms and conditions that match your experience and expertise. Depending on your situation, a commuting allowance may be available.

In addition, you’ll help build a mission that goes beyond individual projects. You’ll see your ideas come to life in the city and in completed developments. We celebrate our successes together—from winning bids to project completion—often on-site with the team and our partners.

At NICE, we believe that diversity enhances the quality of our projects and our team. Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better plans, stronger collaboration, and greater impact.

Practical Information

• Start date: immediately
• Hours: 32–40 hours per week
• Location: Rotterdam

Are you the NICE Developer we are looking for?

Does this sound like you, and are you interested in working on projects that truly make a difference?
Recruitment for this position is being handled by Building Heroes. Please send your resume and cover letter to Thijs Rozema at thijs@buildingheroes.nl or call 06-15572408.