Strategic HR Business Partner

We are servicing a global biotech leader in their search for a seasoned HR Business Partner who can balance local impact with international scope. This is a high-impact role in a matrix environment, requiring strong stakeholder management, long-term strategic thinking and the ability to challenge at executive level. Based in Ghent, you’ll play a pivotal role in global talent management areas and strategic workforce planning.

What’s in it for you?

• Join a globally renowned company active in biotechnology, shaping the future through cutting-edge technologies and innovative applications.
• Although the company is headquartered internationally, the Ghent site plays a pivotal role in driving its ambitious growth — particularly in R&D.
• At the Ghent site, you will work closely with a diverse and passionate team of experts, while engaging intensively with global leadership. As part of a matrix organisation, collaboration, innovation, and cultural awareness are key success factors.
• If you are ready to make an impact within a world-class organisation that gives HR a clear strategic mandate, this is your moment to take on a role where your expertise will drive meaningful change.

What your future may hold

As Strategic HR Business Partner, you will act as a trusted advisor and coach to both local and global leadership teams. You will focus on driving high-impact HR initiatives and encouraging leadership to think and act strategically on critical people topics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a bridge between local teams and the global organisation, building strong relationships with a broad network of senior business and HR stakeholders.
• Act as a guardian of the performance management process, guiding leaders to implement it effectively and confidently.
• Lead workforce planning by assessing departmental needs annually, ensuring alignment between both budgetary and talent strategies at global & local level.
• Actively contribute to global HR projects such as succession planning and leadership development programmes.
• Facilitate productive and focused meetings with local and global leadership, ensuring clear outcomes and follow-up.
• Provide critical analysis of HR-related questions, challenging requests, identifying underlying needs, and offering strategic, future-proof solutions.
• Encourage leadership accountability while maintaining a strategic advisory position.
• Foster cultural awareness and act as a skilled mediator in a highly diverse, multicultural environment.

Your skillset

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of HR experience within a global, matrix-driven organisation.
• Fluency in Dutch and English.
• Proven ability to prioritise and operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• Able to make decisive, insight-led choices.
• Demonstrates professional maturity through diplomacy, forward-thinking and a strong focus on practical solutions.
• Excellent conceptual thinking skills and the confidence to challenge leadership constructively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence across cultures.

Personality & Mindset:

• Positive and resilient, with a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach.
• Naturally curious, with a deep interest in people and organisational dynamics.
• Able to manage high workloads while maintaining focus on priorities.
• Be comfortable with and bring clarity and direction in complex, fast-changing environments.

Interested?

Apply immediately via the website or contact Cindy Maes for more information.

Contact Cindy by mail: cindy.maes@youconnect.be or call +32 475 82 00 92.

When you apply, we will keep your CV and other personal data you give us in our database in accordance with our privacy notice.

This vacancy is in exclusive cooperation with YouConnect.

About YouConnect

YouConnect specialises in executive search, permanent hire and interim management for legal, HR & compliance professionals.

We guide legal, HR, and compliance professionals in their quest for a job, where they can shine their brightest. We are the powerful connection that brings the right people together. We put the right talent in touch, co-create careers that foster personal growth, and have a positive impact on the company's future.