Martijn de Vries Team Manager

The power of people organizing

For Martijn, his role revolves around people. “My most important task is ensuring that colleagues can do their work well,” he says. “That means guiding, coaching, and creating the right conditions, both professionally and personally.”

He sees it as a balance between people and content. “The projects create the impact in the energy transition, but it is the people who make those projects possible. That is where my focus lies.”

Together with his colleague Mark de la Vieter, he is responsible for matching people to projects. Because many projects have a multi-year character, this offers stability and clarity for the team. “We carefully consider what expertise is needed and who is the best fit. This is how we ensure strong teams that can really make a difference.”

Working on the energy transition, broad and multifaceted

Martijn's team works on a wide range of themes within the energy transition, such as hydrogen, green gas, energy hubs, and developments around the North Sea. “Because my role is not focused on the content of one specific theme, but rather on the people, you automatically deal with that entire breadth.”

That diversity makes the work dynamic and challenging. At the same time, Martijn remains personally involved in projects, albeit more at a high level. “I mainly oversee the big picture and ensure that agreements are adhered to. The substantive depth lies with the experts in the team.”

Focus on regional impact

An important starting point within New Energy Coalition is the contribution to the region Noord-Nederland“Everything we do must ultimately contribute to broad prosperity in Groningen and Drenthe,” Martijn explains. “That means that with new projects, we always look at: what does this yield for the region?”

That regional focus is woven into virtually all projects. “Whether it concerns Groningen, Drenthe, or Noord-Holland Noord, there is always a link to the area in which we operate. My role is to keep that awareness sharp within the team.”

An international and dynamic work environment

The team consists of people with diverse backgrounds and nationalities. According to Martijn, this does not necessarily call for a different leadership style, but it does require awareness. “We work from the region, so it is important that people connect with it. That also means that language and context play a role.”

At the same time, that international mix is ​​actually a strength. “We work a lot on European projects, where English is the working language. That combination of international work and regional impact makes it unique.”

Keep moving along

The energy transition is constantly evolving, and that requires flexibility from both the organization and the team. “We monitor what is happening in the world, within our network, and in the sector. Based on that, we determine where our focus lies.”

Indoor New Energy Coalition We work with various themes and pillars, but these are not static. “Sometimes new topics emerge or the focus shifts. It is important that we adapt accordingly.”

Collaboration as the key

With a large and diverse team, collaboration is essential. Employees work thematically and are well-informed within their domain, while knowledge sharing across themes is encouraged through internal sessions on topics such as project management and European subsidies.

According to Martijn, the solution lies in continuing to communicate. “It sounds simple, but it really is the key. You have to find ways for people to find each other and utilize each other’s expertise.”

Room for initiative

What Martijn has experienced from the very beginning is the space you are given within the organization. “If you have ideas and show initiative, you get the chance to work on them. That freedom is still there. Within the frameworks of projects, you can shape a lot yourself. That makes the work interesting and challenging.”

An energetic work environment

What makes the work special for Martijn is the combination of people, content, and dynamics. “You work with ambitious, eager-to-learn colleagues in an environment where new things are constantly emerging. That pioneering spirit is really ingrained in it.”

To him, the organization feels energetic and dynamic. “We are a relatively young organization, with many young people. That keeps things fresh and ensures that you stay sharp yourself.”

Careers New Energy Coalition

For Martijn, the strength of New Energy Coalition in the people and the shared mission. “Without people, an organization is nothing. The collaboration, the energy, and the shared goal make the work here valuable. You work on innovative projects with committed colleagues and contribute to something bigger. That makes it an inspiring place to work.”