Job Description
What’s in it for you?
1. Join a globally renowned company active in biotechnology, shaping the future through cutting-edge technologies and innovative applications.
2. Although BASF is an international company, the Innovation Center in Ghent plays a pivotal role in driving its ambitious growth, particularly in R&D.
3. At the Ghent site, you will work closely with a diverse and passionate team of experts, while engaging intensively with global leadership. As part of a matrix organisation, collaboration, innovation, and cultural awareness are key success factors.
4. If you are ready to make an impact within a world-class organisation that gives HR a clear strategic mandate, this is your moment to take on a role where your expertise will drive meaningful change.
What your future may hold
As Strategic HR Business Partner at BASF Innovation Center, you will act as a trusted advisor and coach to both local and global leadership teams. You will focus on driving high-impact HR initiatives and encouraging leadership to think and act strategically on critical people topics.
Key Responsibilities:
5. Act as a bridge between local teams and the global organisation, building strong relationships with a broad network of senior business and HR stakeholders.
6. Act as a guardian of the performance management process, guiding leaders to implement it effectively and confidently.
7. Lead workforce planning by assessing departmental needs annually, ensuring alignment between both budgetary and talent strategies at global & local level.
8. Actively contribute to global HR projects such as succession planning and leadership development programmes.
9. Facilitate productive and focused meetings with local and global leadership, ensuring clear outcomes and follow-up.
10. Provide critical analysis of HR-related questions, challenging requests, identifying underlying needs, and offering strategic, future-proof solutions.
11. Encourage leadership accountability while maintaining a strategic advisory position.
12. Foster cultural awareness and act as a skilled mediator in a highly diverse, multicultural environment.
Your skillset
Required Qualifications & Experience:
13. Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of HR experience within a global, matrix-driven organisation.
14. Fluency in Dutch and English.
15. Proven ability to prioritise and operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
16. Able to make decisive, insight-led choices.
17. Demonstrates professional maturity through diplomacy, forward-thinking and a strong focus on practical solutions.
18. Excellent conceptual thinking skills and the confidence to challenge leadership constructively.
19. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence across cultures.
Personality & Mindset:
20. Positive and resilient, with a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach.
21. Naturally curious, with a deep interest in people and organisational dynamics.
22. Able to manage high workloads while maintaining focus on priorities.
23. Be comfortable with and bring clarity and direction in complex, fast-changing environments.
Our client
BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future.
In line with the corporate purpose, around 112,000 employees contribute to the success of the customers of BASF in nearly all sectors and in almost every country in the world.
The broad portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. BASF combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through research and innovation, the company supports the customers in nearly every industry in meeting the current and future needs of society.
The BASF Innovation Center in Ghent plays a key role in the company’s seed business. Using biotechnology and modern breeding techniques, the team develops innovative traits for various crops.
All stages of the R&D process, from laboratory work to field trials, are managed on-site. With around 400 employees from over 20 nationalities, the Innovation Center offers a truly international and dynamic work environment. The site builds on the pioneering legacy of Plant Genetic Systems (PGS), founded in Ghent in 1982.
BASF offers a host of learning and development opportunities, a safe and reliable work environment, and competitive benefits.