HR Manager Netherlands/Belgium

Who we are

IRCA Group, an Advent portfolio company, was founded in Italy in 1919, and it is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients such as chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other essential solutions for industrial clients or other independent artisanal producers.

With more than 2.400 employees, 22 production facilities worldwide, and €1.3 billion in revenues, IRCA Group has a solid track record of growth and international expansion.

What do we offer

• An international and inclusive environment, with opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with colleagues worldwide
• Career growth opportunities, including possibilities abroad

The role

The HR Manager is responsible for leading and executing HR policies and initiatives across IRCA Manufacturing Netherlands B.V. (Tilburg), Dobla B.V. (Heerhugowaard), and the assigned Belgian locations (Kessel and Meer), ensuring alignment with business objectives and Group HR standards.

Acting as a strategic partner to Plant Managers and Site Leadership Teams, the role supports organizational effectiveness through talent management, employee relations, payroll oversight, workforce planning, and compliance with local employment legislation. The HR Manager collaborates closely with Operations and Group functions to foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environment while supporting sustainable business growth.

What will you do

HR Policy & Strategy

• Advise Plant Managers and line managers on HR-related matters, providing guidance and support on people management, organizational effectiveness, and employment practices
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in alignment with Group standards and local regulatory requirements
• Manage the organizational blueprint and job profiles in coordination with the relevant Group functions
• Develop, monitor, and control HR budgets, including labor and non-labor related costs
• Lead salary review and performance management processes, including bonus schemes, in accordance with Group guidelines
• Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, job grading framework, and salary structures
• Ensure full compliance with Dutch and Belgian employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate, coordinate, and manage external HR service providers
• Support talent development and employee growth initiatives across all locations

HR Operations

• Manage recruitment and selection activities for staff positions, in close coordination with the Central Talent Acquisition team.
• Oversee the recruitment of direct employees and manage relationships with temporary labor agencies.
• Monitor and administer employee insurance programs and related contracts.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements related to employment contracts and personnel administration.
• Manage and maintain offer letter templates and employment contract documentation.
• Oversee personnel administration processes and ensure HR data accuracy and integrity.
• Monitor and manage absenteeism, long-term sickness cases, and related processes.
• Act as the primary contact for the PGB pension fund and related matters.
• Coordinate the management of the company lease vehicle fleet in collaboration with the Central HR Function.
• Manage eHerkenning and related administrative requirements.
• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of time & attendance and payroll processes through external payroll providers.
• Coordinate HR reporting activities with Finance, Plant Controlling, and IRCA Group.
• Support Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) initiatives aimed at strengthening the site's safety culture.
• Support the execution of the People Evaluation Process, as well as all related training and development programs, in coordination with the Central Learning & Development function.

Reporting & Analysis

Prepare and monitor weekly and monthly HR reports, providing insights and analyses on

Headcount and Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)

• Labor costs, budget tracking, and forecasting
• Absenteeism and sickness trends
• Employee turnover and retention metrics
• Recruitment activities and vacancy status
• Learning & Development initiatives and training metrics
• Payroll-related KPIs and workforce analytics

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Economics, or a related field

Professional Skills: Strong knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and HR processes; Experience in recruitment, talent management, performance and compensation management; Strong analytical and organizational skills; Familiarity with payroll processes and payroll systems (preferably ADP) and HR Information Systems (HRIS)

Experiences: 10+ years of experience in similar roles

Language Skills: Dutch/Flemish and English proficiency.

Behavioral requirements: Integrity; Strong communication and relationship-building skills; Problem-solving and conflict management abilities; Business partnering mindset; Results-oriented approach; Ability to manage multiple priorities across different locations

Other: Flexibility to travel across the Dutch and Belgian sites under responsibility, ensuring close partnership with local management teams and employees