People & Culture Partner Operations - Izegem

Share our taste for life!

Together with you, we want to empower you to achieve this mission with us. We value you as a person and actively support you on your professional journey, while caring for your future. Join our big little family and let’s make products for you and the world to love. Do you share our taste for life?

Your role

As our People & Culture Partner Operations, you act as the local operations & associate HR partner for our production site located in Izegem. You ensure consistent and high-quality execution of HR processes within the HR governance framework and associate support across the associate lifecycle. You act as the first line HR contact for associates and first line managers / business stakeholders and ensure the implementation of the people agenda at local level. You report to the HR Manager Operations and work closely together with the local Payroll Officer and the Belgian HR team.

Your key responsibilities and challenges are

Local HR Operations, Business Partnership & Employee Relations

• You act as the trusted HR partner for associates, people managers and business stakeholders, providing frontline HR support and expert guidance on HR policies, procedures and people-related matters.
• You take ownership of the local employee lifecycle by coordinating and implementing key HR processes from onboarding to offboarding in close partnership with managers.
• You build strong relationships across the business through a visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring an approachable HR service while bringing our culture and values to life.
• You drive the local implementation of HR initiatives, organisational changes and transformation projects, ensuring successful adoption and sustainable impact.
• You coordinate and execute local HR communication and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen connection, culture and performance.
• You monitor absenteeism and coordinate return-to-work processes in collaboration with managers and relevant stakeholders.
• You support managers in complex employee relations matters, disciplinary processes and individual cases, ensuring compliant documentation and appropriate follow-up.
• You support the HR Manager Operations in maintaining constructive social relations by acting as a first point of contact during union consultations with the Syndical Delegation and by participating in the Committee for Prevention and Protection at Work (CPBW).

Talent Acquisition, Development & Performance

• You execute local Talent Acquisition activities and employer branding initiatives aligned with the Group Talent strategy.
• You prepare employment contracts in close collaboration with Payroll and ensure a smooth transition from offer acceptance to employment.
• You deliver a high-quality onboarding and offboarding experience that creates a positive employee journey from day one to the last working day.
• You support workforce planning, organisational design and headcount management by providing people insights, workforce data and local staffing requirements to the HR Manager and business leaders.
• You coordinate and support performance management, talent review and people development processes to strengthen individual and organisational performance.

Operational HR Excellence

• You implement HR projects, policies, processes and initiatives developed by HR Leadership and the Centres of Excellence.
• You collaborate closely with Payroll, people managers and business stakeholders to deliver efficient, consistent and business-focused HR services.
• You ensure compliance with labour legislation, internal policies and HR governance standards while promoting best HR practices.
• You monitor key HR metrics, identify people trends and proactively escalate risks and opportunities to the HR Manager.
• You contribute to the continuous improvement, simplification and standardisation of HR processes to enhance efficiency and employee experience.

What’s in it for you?    
•    You will join our big little family: Our associates are the beating heart of our company, they bring the flavour to our organisation. We prioritise well-being and development, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone is valued. As a global family business, we take a human-centric approach. 
•    We value you as a person: At Vandemoortele, we recognise the unique contributions of each associate and offer the opportunity to shape your own professional journey. Enjoy flexible working hours, remote work, and join our sports and well-being initiatives. 
•    We care about your future and we support your professional journey: We are committed to your growth we empower our associates to take ownership of their professional development. 
•    We make products for you to love: We are a team of passionate food enthusiasts. In our mission to shape a tasty future we strive to create a wide range of food solutions that connects people, cultures and traditions. From fresh croissants and tasty food in our company restaurant, to healthy fruit baskets in our coffee corners, we aim to enhance your everyday experience. 

Are you the one we're looking for?

• You hold a Master degree.
• You have a proven relevant experience of at least 7 years in a similar broad HR role within a dynamic production environment and you have experience in industrial relations.
• You have a can do mentality and are solution driven.
• You are a team player with an open mindset.
• You are handson, pragmatic and decisive with a no-nonsens attitude. You remain calm in challening circumstances and take decisions.
• As an inspiring, driven and enthusiastic HR professional you motivate, coach, develop and engage employees. Your drive will motivate you to go the extra mile in engaging others.
• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, in English and Dutch. Good command of French is an asset.
• Our values ambition, collaboration and respect are also your values.

Join us in making sweet memories! 
We look forward to welcoming you to our delicious journey! Submit your updated CV and compelling cover letter (optional) highlighting your relevant experience and motivation. 
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