Management framework

Last updated on 19 December 2025

The management framework brings insight for the tasks, responsibilities and development of managers at VU Amsterdam.

The framework brings a thorough understanding of what is expected of you as a manager and what you need to fulfil your role effectively. It is a useful starting point for selection, staff review, appointment, annual consultation, career promotion and managerial training.

Why do we need a management framework?

Good management is fundamental to a healthy organization and for realising the ambitions. Managers can facilitate a socially safe working atmosphere and create supportive conditions to collaborate more effectively in teams. They are the designated person in helping safeguard our shared priorities, budget and quality control. The management framework helps managers gain insight into leadership tasks and the relationship between the various levels of responsibility.

Who is this framework intended for?

The framework is intended for every manager, whether they are a member of our academic staff or our support staff. Academic staff are more likely to combine management responsibility with a substantial task in education, research or impact. Our research and training show many similarities in management skills between scientific and support staff. Both sides can learn a lot from each other. For this reason, the management framework is suitable for both groups.

How is this framework structured?

The framework consists of four management levels:

To read the complete management framework as one document, click here.

The classification in this framework is based on the organisational level to which a manager’s responsibilities belong and the nature of the relevant management activities: either direct, indirect, managing their own unit or across units. Each management level is classified according to specific tasks and responsibilities in the following management areas: People Management, Financial Management, Process Management and Strategic Management.

In drawing up the framework, the University Job Ranking System (UFO) was used as a guiding principle. This framework elaborates the managerial tasks and responsibilities in more concrete terms and shows more explicit the interrelationships. The framework is not meant as a yardstick but should be viewed as a guideline to be applied within the various HR processes. Comply or explain.

Documents

Management framework - 2022

Level 1 - Operational management
Responsibilities:
- Direct operational management of employees
- Delegated (partial) responsibility for people management
Defining aspects of the role:
- Concerns novice (<3 years’ experience) to experienced managers (>3 years’ experience)
- From content to managing people
All information about Level 1, operational management such as managerial tasks, development, positions and roles can be found on the Level 1 Operational Management page.
Level 2 - Tactical management
Responsibilities:
- Direct management of employees (and sometimes operational management)
- Responsible for all aspects of the team
- Contributes to departmental strategy
Defining aspects of the role:
- Concerns novice (<3 years’ experience) to experienced4 managers (>3 years’ experience)
- From managing people to integral and direct management
All information about Level 2, tactical management such as managerial tasks, development, positions and roles can be found on the Level 2 Tactical Management page.
Level 3 - Strategic management
Responsibilities:
- Direct and indirect managerial role for tactical managers
- Responsible for all aspects of the department or section
- Contributes to the strategy of their own unit
Defining aspects of the role:
- Concerns experienced managers
- From direct to indirect and strategic management
All information about Level 3, strategic management such as managerial tasks, development, positions and roles can be found on the Level 3 Strategic Management page.
Level 4 - Faculty Management / Board
Responsibilities:
- Direct and indirect managerial role for strategic management
- Responsible for all aspects of the unit
- Jointly responsible for VU‐wide (long‐term) strategy.
Defining aspects of the role:
- Concerns experienced managers
- From strategic management to executive management
All information about Level 4, faculty management / board such as managerial tasks, development, positions and roles can be found on the Level 4 Faculty management / Board page.

Notes regarding the management framework

A manager may delegate tasks under their responsibility to members of their team when, for example, they lack specific competences or have to perform a considerable task in research, teaching, valorisation or profession. However, a manager will always remain responsible for all task areas of the job.
Employees at a higher job level master the characteristics of the underlying job levels. Unless a higher level implies ‘letting go’ of certain aspects, in which case this is mentioned specifically.
The term ‘strategic management’ can easily be misinterpreted. Employees at all (management) levels may be involved in strategic tasks. However, in the management framework, the term is reserved for responsibilities relating to the strategy of a department or unit (the two highest management levels). 
Managers at all levels can be either hierarchical or functional, and both roles should meet the profile.
Managers are classified by their senior manager based on the responsibilities associated with their position/role. Sometimes a manager performs tasks at a higher or lower level in certain areas. The senior manager and HR Advisor will then determine which level is most appropriate. 
A novice manager may start at an operational or tactical management level, but not usually at a strategic or executive/faculty-management level. An experienced manager can work at any managerial level.

Art of Management

Management and Training

HR guidance for managers

Rolien Walinga

b.r.walinga@vu.nl

Why do we need a management framework?

Who is this framework intended for?

How is this framework structured?

Four management levels

Level 1 - Operational management

Level 2 - Tactical management

Level 3 - Strategic management

Level 4 - Faculty Management / Board

Notes regarding the management framework

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