General director (CEO)

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen (OBV) and the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (ASO) merged on 1 March 2026. Together they form the largest cultural employer in Flanders ( Belgium). More than 500 permanent staff members with a wide variety of backgrounds, including over 200 performers, work together to produce and present opera, dance, symphonic concerts and educational projects. We are an organisation where we always aim to work together, to pioneer new approaches and to inspire a wide audience. We apply this philosophy across our various departments. The legal entity underlying this merged organisation is the non-profit association ASOBV. We are looking for an inspiring and enthusiastic General Director (CEO).

ROLE

As General Director, you will develop an ambitious strategy and relevant policies through dialogue, and oversee their translation and implementation within the organisation. You will report directly to the Board and lead the management team. As a people manager, you will manage various teams and managers.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Strategic decision-making and implementation
  • You will finalise the policy plan (‘beleidsplan’) -2028–2032 by 1 December 2026;
  • You will develop, in consultation and with creativity, the vision, strategy, planning and implementation of the policy plan (‘beleidsplan’) in line with the long-term objectives and the artistic vision of the (merged) organisation;
  • You will ensure alignment between the policy plan (‘beleidsplan’) and the ‘Beheersovereenkomst’; 
  • You will lead the translation and implementation of the strategy;
  • You will promote the further harmonisation of the ASO-OBV merger;
  • You will coordinate the launch of a new name, corporate identity and communications from the 2028–2029 season onwards.
• Management
  • You have a participatory, coaching and approachable management style that strengthens the corporate culture. You build trust, strive for consensus, but you can also make decisive decisions where necessary;
  • You oversee the annual budget and, together with the board and managers, monitor its implementation throughout the year. You assess financial business cases to support strategic decisions;
  • You consolidate financial reporting for submission to public authorities;
  • You are actively involved in key recruitment, follow up on performance reviews and development discussions with your team, and in this way contribute to the development of ASOBV’s HR policy.
• External relations
  • You represent ASOBV to external stakeholders. You develop an active and constructive relationship with political and administrative authorities and with all relevant networks.
  • You develop a coherent policy regarding public engagement and additional funding from the business community, patrons and friends.

PROFILE

A proactive and communicative leader who will make  an impact and brings the following background:  

• a master’s degree or equivalent
• at least 7 years’ relevant experience in a similar managerial role
• international perspective and references
• strong written and spoken communication skills
• a problem-solving and pragmatic attitude
• in-depth knowledge of the sector
• if a non-native speaker, willing to learn Dutch
• experience in dealing with government bodies.

WE OFFER

• an attractive, creative working environment full of opportunities and variety
• an organisation in full development
• a challenging role with an impact on the success of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen and the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra
• a fixed-term contract (5-year term, renewable once)
• a competitive salary within the sector
• immediate start.

WISH TO APPLY?

Please send us your cover letter and CV at the latest by 19/04/2026 via selectieAD@obv-aso.be.

Following an initial selection round based on your CV and cover letter, there will be a personal interview. A task and an assessment are part of the selection procedure. Please submit your CV and cover letter in your native language and in English. All applications will be treated confidentially.

ASOBV is committed to promoting equal opportunities in its recruitment policy. A person’s qualities are more important than their age, gender, ethnic background or nationality.