Head of Human Resources

Bruegel; Brussel Hoofdstad; Híbrido; EUR 80.000 - 95.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Group insurance (hospitalisation and.p

Lunch vouchers

Public transport reimbursement

Flexible teleworking policy

Descripción de la vacante

Bruegel, Brussels-based think tank, is seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead its HR function and develop its people strategy. The role reports to the Secretary General and leads a small HR team, with on-site and remote work options.

The one-year contract, convertible to permanent, is tied to performance and starts February 2027. The candidate will define Bruegel's HR roadmap, lead recruitment and learning initiatives, manage compensation and payroll (RSII expat tax), and ensure Belgian

Formación

• 8 to 10 years of proven experience in Human Resources, including in a generalist or management role with a strategic dimension.
• In-depth knowledge of Belgian labour law and social security is a must.
• Experience in the non-profit sector is a strong advantage.
• Solid experience with payroll and compensation and benefits; RSII expat tax regime is an asset.
• Proven ability to advise senior management, drive change and influence at Management team level.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy and sound judgement; handling confidential information.
• Fluency in English and strong oral and written skills in French or Dutch.

Responsabilidades

• Define, propose and implement Bruegel's HR strategy and multi-year people roadmap, in line with the organisation's objectives and Belgian labour law.
• Lead the HR team, manage the HR officer, and report to the Secretary General as part of Management.
• Steer talent acquisition, workforce planning, and partnerships with universities worldwide.
• Oversee compensation and payroll, including expat tax regime RSII and salary splits where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with Belgian labour and social security law and internal regulations.

Conocimientos

Fluency in English

French or Dutch proficiency

Leadership

Strategic HR planning

Stakeholder management

Descripción del empleo

Call for applications: Head of Human Resources (F/M/X)

Deadline for applications: Sunday,15 November 2026, 23:59 CET
Expected starting date: February 2027 (flexible)
Type of contract: one-year employment contract (convertible to a permanent contract based on performance)
Location: Brussels, Belgium (on-site and remote work)

Bruegel is recruiting a Head of HR to lead its HR function and develop its people strategy. At present, Bruegel has 52 employees on payroll and 53 research contractors, about 105 people in total.

Reporting to the Secretary General, the Head of Human Resources will shape and drive Bruegel’s HR strategy, act as a trusted adviser to management and staff, and manage the Human Resources officer who completes the team.

As a member of Bruegel’s Management team, alongside the Director, the two Deputy Directors, the Secretary General and the Heads of Communications, Finance and Operations, and Development, the Head of Human Resources will have real scope to shape the function and to expand their remit over time, with the close support of the Secretary General.

Bruegel is a European think tank working in the field of international economics. Established in 2005, Bruegel is independent and non-doctrinal. Its mission is to improve the quality of economic policy with open and fact-based research, analysis and debate. We are committed to impartiality, openness and excellence. Bruegel's membership includes EU Member State governments, international corporations and institutions. For more information about Bruegel, please consult: www.bruegel.org

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

HR strategy and leadership

• Define, propose and implement Bruegel's HR strategy and multi-year people roadmap, in line with the organisation's objectives and needs and the Belgian labour legislation;
• Contribute, as a member of the Management, to organisational decisions, planning and change initiatives;
• Prepare and present the HR section of the Board meetings' materials, including key HR indicators and recommendations;
• Lead the HR team, currently composed of one Human Resources officer

Talent acquisition, development and performance

• Anticipate staffing needs with Heads of department and design the workforce plan;
• Steer recruitment and selection processes, strengthen Bruegel's employer brand, and oversee partnerships with universities around the world;
• Coordinate the performance management cycle, and design/implement the learning and development policy;
• Act as advisor to the Heads of department on staff management, team dynamics and organisational structure;

Compensation, benefits and payroll

• Define and maintain a fair, transparent and market-aligned compensation and benefits policy, including salary benchmarking and budget forecasting with the Finance and Operations team;
• Oversee monthly payroll, including the expat tax regime (RSII) and salary splits where applicable;

Employee relations, compliance and policies

• Ensure full compliance with Belgian labour and social security law and internal regulations, and manage contract management for staff and contractors;
• Foster a productive, inclusive and healthy workplace: wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, internal communication and staff engagement;
• Act as a trusted, confidential point of contact for staff and handle sensitive employee relations matters.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• 8 to 10 years of proven experience in Human Resources, including in a generalist or management role with a strategic dimension;
• In-depth knowledge of Belgian labour law and social security is a must;
• Experience in the non-profit sector (think tank, NGO, international association) is a strong advantage;
• Solid experience with payroll and compensation and benefits; knowledge of the expat tax regime (RSII) is an asset;
• Proven ability to advise senior management, drive change and influence at Management team level;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy and sound judgement; committed and professional with a high sense of responsibility in handling confidential and personal information;
• Fluency in English (Bruegel's working language) and strong oral and written skills in French or Dutch;

WHAT WE OFFER

• An annual gross salary between €80,000 and €95,000 (including 13th month and double holiday pay), depending on experience;
• Group insurance (hospitalisation and pension scheme), lunch vouchers (max. threshold) and public transport reimbursement;
• A generous leave policy;
• A flexible teleworking policy;
• A seat on the Management of a leading European think tank, with real scope to shape its people strategy;
• A small, international and close-knit team in the heart of Brussels.

Bruegel is committed to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all, by ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.