Human Resources Manager

Walker Lovell; Limburg; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Birthday day off

Job summary

Walker Lovell is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead operational HR across Heerlen and Grobbendonk, supporting roughly 440 employees in two production sites. The role requires hands-on leadership and a deep understanding of manufacturing HR dynamics.

You will partner with site leadership to strengthen employee relations, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness, while driving Works Council engagement and change initiatives to deliver impactful people strategies.

Qualifications

• Proven HR Manager experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong employee relations expertise, including Works Council exposure.
• Fluent Dutch (minimum B2) with understanding of Limburg working culture.
• Bachelor's degree or HR qualification preferred; significant relevant experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational HR across the Heerlen and Grobbendonk manufacturing sites, supporting approximately 440 employees.
• Partner with site leadership to strengthen employee relations, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness.
• Challenge and influence senior stakeholders while delivering pragmatic, hands-on HR support.
• Drive Works Council engagement, change initiatives and complex employee negotiations.

Skills

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Change management

Dutch language

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related

Job description

Travel:

Weekly travel to Grobbendonk, Belgium

Working Pattern:

Four days on-site, one day from home

Compensation:

Strong base salary + 10% annual short-term incentive

What's in it for you?

Take ownership of a highly visible HR leadership role within an established international manufacturer undergoing meaningful organisational change. You will have the autonomy to strengthen employee engagement, influence site leadership and shape a more resilient people strategy across two production locations.

• Strong base salary reflecting experience and scope
• 10% annual short-term incentive
• Additional day off on your birthday
• Company pension scheme

Why this business

Our client is a globally respected manufacturing organisation with a strong long-term outlook and an established presence across European markets. Despite wider pressures across the sector, the business continues to invest in its operations and workforce.

This role joins the organisation at an important point of change. With experienced employees approaching retirement, increasing recruitment demand and a renewed focus on engagement, the incoming HR Manager will have the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact.

What you'll be doing

• Lead operational HR across the Heerlen and Grobbendonk manufacturing sites, supporting approximately 440 employees
• Partner with site leadership to strengthen employee relations, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness
• Challenge and influence senior stakeholders while delivering pragmatic, hands-on HR support
• Drive Works Council engagement, change initiatives and complex employee negotiations

What you'll bring

• Proven HR Manager experience within a manufacturing, production, plant or factory environment
• Strong employee relations expertise, including Works Council exposure and experience supporting operational leaders
• Confidence challenging senior management and rebuilding engagement through periods of organisational change
• Fluent Dutch, minimum B2 level, with strong understanding of Limburg's working culture
• Experience with CLA negotiations, collective bargaining, difficult employee discussions or salary negotiations would be highly advantageous.
• A bachelor's degree or HR qualification is preferred, although significant relevant experience will also be considered.

Who this suits

You're an experienced, hands-on HR leader who builds credibility equally well with shop floor employees and senior management. You understand manufacturing culture, enjoy improving challenging environments and are comfortable working independently while influencing across the wider business.

You're looking for a stable, long-term role where success is measured through stronger relationships, improved engagement and visible operational impact rather than rapid promotion.