MarkerMarkerInc
Jan Markerink
Everyone thought it couldn’t be done,
until someone came along who didn’t know that.
I get to the heart of complex societal challenges, devise new solutions where needed and see them through to results. As an executive, strategist, programme manager or coordinator, as a conference chair or as a speaker.
What you can expect from me
It’s not about the job title, but about the value I add: getting to grips with a challenge, devising solutions where none yet exist, and bringing them to results together with everyone involved. With a healthy dose of optimism, because I genuinely believe things can almost always be better. And more enjoyable.
Executive & programme leadership
Whether it’s an interim managing-director role, a national programme or a coordinating position, on an interim basis or in permanent employment: I take responsibility for strategy, results and the collaboration between ministries, municipalities, employers, social partners and, above all, the people it’s all about. I bring political, administrative and commercial networks together and deliver not just a plan, but the result.
Conference chair
I chair conferences, executive meetings and sessions where different interests come together. With a feel for both the boardroom dynamics and the room, I keep things sharp, enjoyable and to the point – on almost any subject, not only my own field.
Speaker
I share practical knowledge and experience, gained over twenty years in the public and social sector, preferably on:
- Labour market & inclusion (including mental health)
- Public-private collaboration
- The social domain & neighbourhood approach
- Governance renewal & change management
From question to result
Every assignment begins with a question. Sometimes the goals and outcomes are set in advance and it’s up to me to deliver them. Sometimes there’s only a question, a stubborn societal problem with no answer yet, and it’s up to me to come up with new ideas and then put them into practice. My strong analytical ability helps me get to the heart of things and find innovative, workable solutions.
How I do that is best compared to a conductor. As a conductor I usually play the instruments less well than the professionals in the orchestra pit, and I don’t need to. My strength lies elsewhere: I make sure everyone agrees on what is being played, how it will be performed and who has which role. That people play together when needed and solo when called for, so that harmony emerges.
Professionals can play beautifully on their own, but in an orchestra it’s about everyone bringing in their expertise at the right moment. If that doesn’t happen, it fades away or strikes the wrong note. I’m the one who creates that harmony. I help write the score or translate it into what’s possible, add what makes it better and let everyone excel in their own field. I do that with optimism and humour, because it makes the work better and working together a good deal more enjoyable. That’s what I’m good at, in whatever role.
Profile
I’m an experienced and driven executive with a solid track record in the public and social sector. I combine vision with the power to deliver, and know how to steer complex programmes successfully on substance, collaboration and results.
Almost all my assignments revolve around collaboration: bringing together multiple partners and networks, across political, administrative and commercial organisations. I develop long-term visions, translate them into workable strategies and effectively bring together diverse interests, from ministries to entrepreneurs. Always with the conviction that things can be better, and with the humour that makes it easier.
What drives me
Ultimately it all comes down to one thing: doing the right things for the people who need it most. My involvement in societal issues motivates me to put my executive and organisational skills to work for a fairer and more inclusive society. Through years of experience in leadership roles, I’ve learned to bring structure in times of change and to set ambitious yet achievable long-term goals.
I’m available for a wide range of organisations and challenges, from government to business. What my assignments have in common is that they make the world a little better, more enjoyable and more beautiful every day. If the work doesn’t contribute to that, I’m not the right person.
Experience
A selection of the organisations and programmes where I’ve made a difference. Each one a collaboration with multiple partners and networks, across political, administrative and commercial organisations.
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Sep 2025 – present
Coordinator & strategic labour-market adviser
VNO-NCW West · interim
Representing employers across the twelve labour-market regions of North and South Holland. Coordinating and leading the team of labour-market advisers, developing the strategic direction from an employer’s perspective and connecting entrepreneurs with the UWV (employee insurance agency), education providers and trade unions.
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Jun 2022 – present
National programme manager, Hoofdzaak } Werk
Divosa
A national programme, funded by the Ministries of Social Affairs (SZW) and Health (VWS), aimed at sustainably guiding people with mental vulnerabilities into work across all 35 labour-market regions. Ultimately responsible for achieving the goals, the collaboration between AWVN, the Dutch Association of Mental Health (GGZ), UWV, VNG and Zorgverzekeraars Nederland, and accountability to the ministries.
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2012 – present
Owner / managing director
MarkerInc B.V. · Rotterdam
Through my own consultancy I take on interim and project assignments with a clear beginning and end, including at the municipalities of Goeree-Overflakkee and Rotterdam, Stichting Humanitas and Scientific Eco Technologies. I choose each assignment deliberately: purposeful and always with lasting impact in mind.
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2019 – 2022
National director, Perspectief op Werk
VNO-NCW & MKB-Nederland · interim
Directing the national programme for public-private collaboration on the labour market: driving regional efforts, coaching project staff and shaping the “Samenwerken aan werk” (Working Together for Work) alliance between employers, municipalities and education.
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2021 – 2022
Managing director
Thuis op Straat · Rotterdam
Ultimately responsible for strategy, finances, HR & organisation and partnerships at this Rotterdam social-welfare organisation, active in six districts with activities for young people and local residents.
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2018 – 2019
Project manager, Sport & Culture
Stichting Humanitas · interim
Developed the free swimming-certificate project for children in the Afrikaanderwijk district – more than 1,300 children signed up within four months – and the founding of neighbourhood associations in Feijenoord, in partnership with the Jeugdfonds Rotterdam, the municipality and Sportbedrijf Rotterdam.
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2014 – 2019
Founder / general director
DAM Nederland · Rotterdam
Built a fine-meshed sustainable transport network that combined local mobility, work-and-learning schemes for people distanced from the labour market, and social connection in the neighbourhood.
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2014
Project lead, organisational development
Municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee · interim
Developed and guided the change process and cultural shift of the municipal organisation following the reorganisation.
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2012
CEO (interim)
Scientific Eco Technologies B.V. · Rotterdam
Setting up the strategic and internal organisation, leading the sales department and safeguarding a continuous improvement process including ISO 9001.
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2006 – 2012
Chair of the executive board and district council
Overschie District · City of Rotterdam
Portfolios including general governance, governance renewal, public order & safety, communications, HR & organisation, integrated youth policy and finance. Named Political Talent of the Year 2009 by the City of Rotterdam.
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2005 – 2006
Manager, business processes and quality
Creyf’s Uitzendbureau (employment agency)
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2000 – 2005
Consultant
CANEI B.V.
Off the Clock
Work matters, but there’s more to life. A few things that keep me optimistic:
- Running, full and half marathons
- Comedy club Haug
- Long dinner-table conversations about politics, education, arts & culture and the climate
- (Step)father of three children (12, 18 and 21) in a blended family
- Feyenoord supporter, against my better judgement
Contact
Looking for executive or programme leadership, a conference chair or a speaker? Or simply keen for a good conversation? Feel free to get in touch.
- Emailinfo@markerinc.eu
- LocationRotterdam
- LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/markerink