HR Generalist BENELUX

Nigel Wright Group; Utrecht; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Brands Benelux is seeking an HR Generalist to independently execute the full range of HR activities and payroll responsibilities across the Benelux region. This standalone role requires autonomy and strong organizational skills to manage HR & payroll for three entities in the Netherlands and Belgium.

You will handle payroll processing with external providers, manage sickness absence reintegration, recruitment, HR advice, labor law compliance, and HR projects including digitalization,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in HRM, business or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in an international generalist HR role.
• Experience with payroll processes in BE & NL, including audits.
• Knowledge of SD Worx (BE) and Visma/Youserve (NL) preferred.
• Experience with PO processing (SAP) and basic financial knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Execute HR activities and payroll for Benelux regions autonomously.
• Coordinate payroll with external providers and ensure compliance.
• Handle sickness absence, reintegration, and case management.
• Provide HR advice, labor law guidance, and policy updates.
• Lead HR projects (digitalization, diversity, pay transparency, branding).

Skills

Independence

Dutch & English

Labor law knowledge

HR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in HR/Business

Tools

SD Worx (BE)

Visma/Youserve (NL)

SAP

Workday

Job description

Spectrum Brands Benelux is a leading consumer goods business operating across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, representing a portfolio of well-known brands in home appliances, personal care, and pet care. The company markets and distributes internationally recognized brands such as Remington, Russell Hobbs, Tetra, IAMS, Eukanuba, FURminator, and 8in1, serving both retail and e-commerce channels throughout the region. As part of the global Spectrum Brands organization, the Benelux business focuses on driving category growth through innovation, strong customer partnerships, and consumer-focused brand development across multiple product categories.

Job Purpose

The HR Generalist is responsible for independently executing the total wide range of HR activities as well as payroll responsibility within the Benelux region (3 entities). This is a standalone role, where the employee operates with a high degree of autonomy and takes full responsibility for the entire HR & payroll scope. The position requires a proactive attitude, strong organizational skills, and the ability to make independent decisions within the HR domain.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Payroll:

• Ensuring correct and timely salary processing in collaboration with external payroll providers.
• Working with two payroll systems: SD Worx and Visma/Youserve. Managing four separate payrolls spread across two countries (the Netherlands and Belgium). Update and enter monthly mutations in the software.
• Acting as a point of contact for employees regarding questions about salary, payslips, and tax regulations.
• Ensuring compliance with tax and social legislation in the Netherlands and Belgium. Performing audit work related to payroll data and processes. Answering questions from internal and external auditors during audits or financial controls.
• Providing payroll-related documents to the relevant internal financial departments for processing and reporting.
• Managing personnel files, contracts, Employer Statements, changes, Vendors (internal and external) and leave registration (including Annual update).
• Independently managing sickness absence processes, including reintegration and file building (in the role of Case Manager). Collaborating with multiple occupational health services depending on location, type of service, or contract form. Coordinating communication between the employee, supervisor, and occupational health service.

Employee Insurances:

Responsible for managing employee insurance in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Coordinating registrations and cancellations with insurers and social security agencies. Monitoring the correct application of insurance terms and conditions and legal obligations. Acting as the point of contact for employees regarding questions about coverage, claims, and procedures.

Recruitment & Selection:

Independently coordinating the outsourced recruitment process, including Job description posting. Performing selection interviews, and take care of onboarding.

HR Advice:

Act as the first point of contact for employees and managers regarding HR-related questions and provide independent advice on personnel issues.

Labor Law & Compliance:

Ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations and internal HR policies.

Responsible for the implementation of the Gatekeeper Improvement Act in the role of case manager. Managing the reduction of sickness absence.

HR Projects:

Initiating and independently executing regional and international HR projects such as digitalization, diversity & inclusion, Benefit Schemes, Pay Transparency , Concur or employer branding.

Handbook and Policies:

Update and (re-)write policies and handbooks for 3 entities.

Labor Conflicts:

Fulfilling a coordinating role in labor disputes, including facilitating discussions between involved parties. Identifying tensions and escalations, and advising on potential solutions. Collaborating with supervisors, the legal department, and external advisors as needed.

Performance Management:

Organizing and following up on performance review cycles and development discussions.

Training & Development:

Coordinating training activities and supporting talent development.

Company Cars & (other) Mobility:

Managing mobility via Car- and Lease-a-bike policy and coordinating lease vehicle/bike requests. Independently maintaining contact with leasing companies and ensuring timely delivery, maintenance, and contract management. Informing employees about mobility schemes and the use of lease vehicles.

Same applicable for the Lease-bikes. Including processing changes in payroll process.

IT Asset Management (Laptops & Mobile Phones):

Coordinating the purchase and issuance of laptops and mobile phones for new and existing employees. Liaising with the IT department and suppliers regarding availability, configuration, and delivery. Ensuring correct registration and follow-up of hardware in personnel files.

Independently maintaining contact with external HR service providers such as occupational health services, training institutes, payroll providers, and recruitment agencies. Evaluating supplier performance and identifying areas for improvement. Assisting with contract management, negotiations, and the selection of new partners. Processing purchase requests and creating Purchase Orders (POs) in the system. Ensuring correct alignment between internal budgets and external invoicing. Monitoring the timely approval and payment of invoices in collaboration with Finance.

Assistance with Translations:

Assisting with the review of translations of HR documentation, communications, and policy documents. Ensuring consistency and correct terminology in line with HR policy and local legislation.

Social Committees & Employee Association:

Fulfilling a coordinating and if possible active role within social committees and/or the employee association. Assisting in organizing staff activities, events, and initiatives aimed at engagement and well-being. Acting as a liaison between employees, organizers, and management. Responsible for processing any invoices arising from activities of the employee association or social committees, in collaboration with Finance.

About You

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor's/Master's level of working and thinking, preferably in HRM, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an international generalist HR role.
• Experience with Payroll processes (including bridge to Ledger Accountants) in Belgium and Netherlands, auditing activities (SOX). Preferably knowledge of SDWorx (BE) and Visma/Youserve (NL).
• Experience with PO processing (SAP) and basic knowledge of financial processes is a plus.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of labor law and social/fiscal regulations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• Strong degree of independence and ability to operate autonomously within an international organization.
• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English (German and French is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of labor law and social/fiscal regulations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• Experience with HR systems (e.g., Workday) is a plus.

Special Authorization:

• Travel to two Dutch work locations (Coevorden and Utrecht) in the Netherlands.
• Hybrid working (Monday to Wednesday at the Office in Utrecht; Coevorden preferably Monday’s but more flexible).