The company:
The company is a well-established logistics and handling business in Belgium, with a strong customer base and an excellent reputation in the industry. The company operates a large, predominantly blue-collar workforce and plays a critical role in supporting its customers’ operational performance and service reliability. The local company is part of a wider global parent organization, with professional HR practices, structured processes, and opportunities to collaborate with international stakeholders.
The position:
The HR Manager will lead the HR function for a workforce of over 500 employees in Belgium, acting as a key member of the local leadership team. The HR Manager is responsible for leading all core HR processes, employee and union relations, and compliance with local labour laws, while aligning and implementing the parent company’s global HR strategy at the local level. The role combines strategic partnership, ensuring that people practices effectively support business goals and a positive workplace culture. The company offers an attractive salary and a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.
Responsibilities:
* Act as the single point of contact for the General Manager and the parent organisation on all HR matters, representing HR in strategic committees and internal audits, and monthly key metrics reporting.
* Leads and manage all HR operations for the company, ensuring alignment with company-wide HR strategies and local requirements.
* Serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership and department heads to understand business needs and develop tailored HR solutions that drive performance, employee engagement, and talent retention.
* Serve as the right hand to the CEO in leading all interactions and negotiations with the employee union, maintaining constructive relationships and representing management in collective bargaining and dispute resolution.
* Oversee talent acquisition and onboarding processes, focusing on attracting and retaining top talent for operational and blue-collar roles.
* Implement and manage performance management systems, employee development, and succession planning tailored to the needs of a large, operational workforce.
* Guide and support managers in all aspects of people management, including employee relations, performance reviews, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures.
* Ensure strict compliance with local labor laws and HR regulations, mitigate risk and foster an ethical, compliant work environment.
* Managing and Supervising the Payroll Manager roles; Manage compensation and benefits strategies to ensure they are competitive, fair, and aligned with the company’s objectives and financial capacity.
* Drive initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring these principles are integrated into HR processes.
* Manage change management processes to help employees navigate organizational transitions effectively and maintain a positive workplace culture.
* Support the VP HR and other senior leaders in creating and implementing people strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals.
Requirements:
* 8+ years of experience in HR management, ideally in large companies with significant blue-collar or operational workforces.
* Proven experience in leading HR functions and implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
* Strong understanding of local labour laws, union relations and compliance requirements in Belgium
* Extensive experience in talent management, employee relations, organisational development and performance management.
* Experience in leading HR digitalisation projects and working with HRIS systems to streamline HR processes is an advantage.
* Demonstrated ability to influence, partner and collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
* Experience managing and developing HR teams, ensuring effective communication and implementation of best practices.
* Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.