Absence Specialist

Working at TU/e

The HRM service department consists of approximately 120 enthusiastic colleagues. You are part of a team of around 25 HR Advisors and regularly exchange ideas and best practices. You also work closely with HRM colleagues in the areas of services, recruitment, policy, development and other expertise fields. You will be seconded to a department, working closely with the local HR Advisor and HR Services colleagues.

We have recently changed our occupational health provider in line with our ambition to take a more proactive and people-centric approach to sickness and absence. To support our line managers and HR Advisors, we are looking for an Absence Specialist who can act as an ambassador for this new approach and provide guidance in complex and long-term sick leave cases.

You will report to the Head of HR Business, who is part of the HR Management Team, and will work closely with HR Advisors, Policy Advisors, and our Occupational Health & Safety specialists.

Job Description

As Absence Specialist, you will play a central role in improving how TU/e manages long-term and complex sickness absence cases. You will work closely with HR Advisors, line managers, and occupational health professionals to ensure that reintegration processes are handled effectively, consistently, and in line with Dutch legislation. You will also serve as an ambassador for a proactive and people-focused approach.

During this pilot phase (January 2026 – January 2027), you will:

• Conduct in-depth analyses of complex, long-term absence cases (from 26 weeks onward).
• Collaborate with HR Advisors and People Managers to guide and document these cases clearly and effectively.
• Drive awareness and monitor reintegration activities during the second year of illness, coordinating with the occupational health service as needed.
• Liaise with line managers and employees to ensure alignment and progress.
• Provide clarity on strategic direction and cost-control measures for ongoing long-term absence cases.
• Once processes are stabilized, expand the scope to earlier intervention points (26 and possibly 13 weeks).
• Manage and evaluate occupational health service providers, ensuring high-quality and consistent delivery of services.

Your work will directly contribute to reducing absence-related risks, improving reintegration outcomes, and strengthening the university’s overall wellbeing strategy.

Job Requirements

• A completed Bachelor’s degree (HBO), preferably in Human Resources or a related field.
• A completed professional qualification such as RSBA, ROV, RCM, or RCCM.
• At least five years of relevant experience in complex absence and reintegration management.
• Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English, with the ability to operate at both tactical and operational levels.
• Current knowledge of Dutch legislation and regulations on absence and reintegration (e.g., Wet verbetering poortwachter).
• A proactive, structured approach with both decisiveness and empathy in handling sensitive cases.

What We Offer

An exciting position within an international, yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:  

• A monthly salary of minimum €4.728,- to maximum €6.433,- for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 11 of the Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities);  
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;  
• A temporary appointment for the duration of the pilot (January 2026 – January 2027).
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or, a sabbatical;  
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits;  
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance;  
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development  
• opportunities such as mentoring, workshops, and coaching;  
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home, and the internet;  
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan. 

More information

If you recognize yourself in this profile and would like to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable working environment at TU/e, we warmly invite you to apply.

For more information about the content of this position, please contact: Roel van der Poort (Head of HR Business & Talent Attraction via r.e.v.d.poort@tue.nl

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact our Senior Recruiter Rob van der Linden via r.m.e.v.d.linden@tue.nl / 06 39 58 22 73

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

Important note for non-EU applicants:

Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.

We look forward to receiving your application!