Head of Human Resources

Role Overview

As Head of HR, you are responsible for managing and developing the full HR function, with a strong emphasis on Hard HR (legal compliance, payroll, compensation & benefits, HR budgeting, HR data, and workforce planning). You ensure that HR processes support operational excellence and compliance standards within the aerospace industry. While the focus lies on quantitative and legal aspects of HR, you also oversee key Soft HR activities such as employee communication, performance follow-up, culture, and engagement.

You manage one HR Officer (payroll, admin, fleet) and collaborate closely with the external Recruiter and the Learning & Development Responsible.

Key Responsibilities

1. Hard HR & Compliance

· Ensure full compliance with Belgian labor law, joint committee regulations (PC 209), and aerospace sector standards.

· Manage employment contracts, work regulations, employee files, industrial relations, and contact with the HR partners (payroll provider, insurance broker, Agoria, M-Tech, Social Fonds, legal counsel, etc.).

· Handle disciplinary procedures, dismissals, sick leave cases, and legal documentation.

· Monitor working time regulations, overtime, and safety rules & psycho-social risks in collaboration with the Prevention Advisor.

2. Payroll, Compensation & Benefits

· Oversee the monthly payroll processing.

· Manage compensation policies, job classification, salary benchmarking, indexation, bonuses, fleet, and benefits (group insurance, meal vouchers, eco-cheques, etc.).

· Control HR budgets, personnel cost forecasting, and reporting to Finance.

3. Workforce Planning & HR Controlling

· Develop staffing plans aligned with company strategic plan and certification requirements in aerospace.

· Monitor HR KPIs: absenteeism, turnover, headcount, cost per FTE, training hours, etc.

· Prepare HR reports and dashboards for management and audits (e.g. EN9100, ISO).

4. HR Data & Systems

· Implement & manage HR Information System (HRIS) system and ensure data accuracy and GDPR compliance.

· Use HR analytics for decision-making on staffing, absenteeism, overtime, and productivity.

5. Soft HR Responsibilities

· Support managers in performance reviews, talent identification, and career planning.

· Work with the L&D Responsible to define annual training plans (safety certifications, aviation standards, technical training, soft skills).

· Foster employee engagement through communication, onboarding, well-being initiatives.

· Promote a safety and quality culture aligned with aerospace regulations.

6. Team Leadership & Collaboration

· Supervise and coach 1 HR Officer.

· Coordinate with external Recruiter for recruitment.

· Collaborate with L&D Responsible, Prevention Advisor, Finance, and Operations.

Profile – Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have:

· Master in HR, Business Administration, Social Law, or equivalent experience.

· Minimum 10+ years of HR Manager experience in Belgium, preferably in a technical environment.

· Strong expertise in Belgian labor law, payroll, social legislation, compensation & benefits.

· Analytical mindset with experience in HR reporting and budgeting.

· Fluent in Dutch and English (aerospace environment), and good knowledge of French.

Nice-to-Have:

· Experience in aerospace or another highly regulated industry.

· Knowledge of ISO/EN9100, safety regulations

· Experience with the R&D withholding tax mechanism (BELSPO)

· Experience with unions.

Personal Competencies

· Structured, analytic, detail-oriented, and reliable.

· Strong sense of confidentiality and ethics.

· Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager.

· Pragmatic, hands-on, and able to balance strategic and operational HR.

Our Offer

· A full-time or part-time (80%) position with a contract of indefinite duration.

· A competitive salary package, including a company car, group insurance, meal vouchers, a yearly bonus

· Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home 2–3 days per week.