Head of HR Strategy & Programs

Job Description

Are you an experienced Program Manager that has managed large strategic project and policy portfolios in HRM? We have an exciting opportunity where you will be a key player to keep HRM aligned with the overall organization strategy.  

Human Resource Management 
The HRM department at the TU/e is an enabler in attracting and developing talent for the university aligned with the TU/e mission, vision and strategy. We have a large team of over 100 HR professionals in HR Talent Development, HR Business and HR Operations. HR Talent Development focuses on all programs around employee development from onboarding, to teaching, training and leadership development. The HR Business team has HR advisors working with leaders in our departments as well as the Talent Acquisition team responsible for recruitment. And the HR Operations team is the backbone of our HRM organization with professionals focusing on Compensation & Benefits, Payroll, HR Services and administration, International Hires, Data & Insights and Processes & Systems.  

The HRM department is actively implementing a large transformation program called HRM SQUAD to work towards personal, seamless and effective HR services at TU/e. To make sure that we successfully move from the program phase to an established way of working, the role of Manager HR Strategy & Program has been created. This new role offers an exciting opportunity to run and oversee programs that make sure that strategic goals that are set for HRM, aligned to the strategic goals of the TU/e, are being achieved.  

Working with your team of experienced HR policy advisors and project managers, this new role is responsible for ensuring strategic alignment of change initiatives, overseeing the HR project portfolios, prioritization and effective execution of initiatives that drive organization performance and transformation. Next to this a number of strategic programs report into this role, such as Strategic Workforce Planning. 

Key Responsibilities 
As our Head of HR Strategy & Programs, you will work with policy advisors, project leaders and specialists to translate the organizations strategy into HRM strategic priorities and initiatives. You will be part of the HR Management Team and act as a sparring partner for the HRM Director on your expertise areas. You will work closely with other members of the MT on improvement initiatives and you will partner with business stakeholder from faculties and professional services to ensure HR initiatives support business goals.
Translating strategic ambitions into operational initiatives and delivering those to improve the services that HRM delivers will be the main focus.  

• Reporting to the HRM Director, you will be a member of the management team of HRM, contributing to the overall HR Agenda 
• As a member of the HRMT you balance the different interests and goals, and the need for harmonizations while understanding the business needs  
• You lead a team of Policy Advisors and project and program managers providing guidance, coaching and development as well as performance management 
• You lead the planning, prioritization and governance of the HR project portfolio and you monitor project performance, risks and interdependencies across the portfolio 
• Working together with the teamleads in HRM, you ensure the resource allocation (budget and people) aligns with the strategic priorities 
• You provide oversight and guidance to policy advisors, project managers and maintain portfolio dashboards, reporting mechanisms and KPIs 
• To ensure successful adoption of HR initiatives you work closely with your HR Business colleagues to support change management 
• Within the HRMT you act as a strategic advisor on portfolio health and strategic direction also by keeping an external focus on key HRM trends 
• To improve efficiency of end to end processes (ketenprocessen) you build strong connections with other functions and the departments  
• You are connected to the appropriate channels in the Organization for Dutch Universities (NU) and you stay up to date on developments in your field. 
• You live the CORe values of the TU/e: curious, open, respectful and responsible. 

Job Requirements

• A master degree with a minimum of 10-15 years work experience in corporate HR and preferably also in academia or non-profit 
• 8+ years of experience in HR Strategy and project / program management roles 
• Proven experience in managing and implementing complex project portfolios or HR Transformation programs 
• People management experience and understanding of cultural diversity and inclusive practices 
• Experience with project management and continuous improvement methodologies such as LEAN and Agile 
• Experience in change management  
• You have a growth mindset, an inclusive leadership style, and you are motivated by creating real impact for the people at our university  
• Strong skills in delivering results through others 
• High attention for details and planning and organization skills plus the ability to manage multiple priorities in parallel and meet deadlines 
• A problem solver with strong analytical skills combines with stakeholder management abilities  
• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English, both verbally and in writing with the ability to present and communicate clearly and concisely. 

Conditions of employment

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 €6,286 to maximum €7,651 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 13 of the Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities);  
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;  
• 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 & application

About TU/e  
TU/e is an internationally renowned university that trains engineers of the future and pushes the boundaries of science and technology for a better world. The lively and inspiring campus is home to an international community of more than 4,000 employees, 13,000 students and nearly 3,000 guests. TU/e is a people-oriented employer that offers opportunities to its talent for personal development and to face the challenges of tomorrow together.  

More information  
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact Mai Lan Pham (Senior Recruiter) via m.l.t.pham@tue.nl or via 06 18 83 62 82. 

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.

We look forward to receiving your application!