HR Manager

About ZDHC

The ZDHC Foundation develops and implements the Roadmap to Zero Programme with a focus on reducing the chemical footprint of the Fashion Industry. We are the leading sustainability organisation driving sustainable chemistry, innovations, and best practices in textile, apparel, leather, and footwear manufacturing to protect consumers, workers,s and the environment.   Through collaborative engagement,   alignment, and large-scale implementation, we take a holistic approach to sustainable chemical management and enable tangible progress in the wider industry through the delivery of guidelines, platforms, and solutions, including capacity building and innovation projects. For more information about ZDHC, see www.roadmaptozero.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Vision & Mission

The ZDHC Vision is a World in which better chemistry leads to the protection of life, land, air and water. The ZDHC Mission is to lead our global value chain to achieve the highest standard for sustainable chemical management, driving resource efficiency and circularity.

Job Purpose

The HR Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving the full staff lifecycle and HR operations across the organisation. This role oversees recruitment and onboarding, staff relations, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits administration, policy and process governance, and HR compliance.

The role is also accountable for HR delivery across multiple hiring models, including oversight of hires and contracts managed through an Employer of Record (EoR) and hires employed via the organisation’s regional legal entities. As a trusted HR business partner, the HR Manager supports and coaches people managers, consistently translating organisational goals into practical, people-centred HR strategies that strengthen performance, engagement, and culture.

The HR Manager leads and develops a small HR team and drives staff engagement and culture initiatives, working closely with the Chief of Staff to build an inclusive, high-trust environment and sustainable and scalable people practices.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead HR operations and the staff lifecycle (hire to exit): ensuring consistent service, strong staff experience, accurate documentation, and effective HRIS/process management.

• Oversee multiple employment models (EoR and regional entities): compliant contracting and execution across countries; manage EoR providers; align standards and staff experience; provide clear guidance on model differences; coordinate with legal/finance as needed.

• Deliver strategic people planning, analytics and risk management: annual people plan and HR metrics/KPIs; compliance (incl. Dutch employment law focus); manage external partners; identify and mitigate HR risks.

• Partner with and coach managers: on performance, development, feedback, team dynamics, conflict, wellbeing and change; provide tools/training; advise on sensitive cases with fairness and compliance.

• Lead staff relations and well-being practices: escalate and resolve complex cases; ensure consistency and documentation; support absence and return-to-work.

• Own and improve HR governance: policies, procedures, systems, templates and guidance aligned with organisational values and legal requirements.

• Lead and develop the HR team: develop and implement HR strategies and annual people plans that align with organisational strategy, budget, and operational needs. Prioritise, allocate workload, ensure delivery, and embed continuous improvement.

• Drive recruitment and onboarding: workforce planning with the Chief of Staff and hiring managers; end-to-end recruitment; robust onboarding and probation; inclusive, structured selection.

• Own performance and capability development: performance framework and cycles; L&D approach; identify capability gaps/succession risks; support organisational change and scaling.

• Lead staff engagement, culture and retention: establish effective listening mechanisms and follow-through action plans; strengthen inclusion and ways of working; monitor turnover and retention drivers and implement targeted improvements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.

• 8+ years of HR management experience, including responsibility for HR operations, staff relations, and partnering with managers.

• Experience developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and programmes in a growing or changing organisation.

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance requirements; Dutch employment law expertise is essential.

• Experience working with multi-country employment models, including Employer of Record (EoR) arrangements and regional legal entities.

• Track record of improving HR processes, HRIS usage, and delivering measurable improvements in staff experience and organisational effectiveness.

• Fluency in Dutch and English (written and spoken).

Required Competencies

• Cultural Intelligence — Understand, respect, and adapt to cultural differences in behaviours, values, and communication to collaborate effectively across diverse contexts.

• Leadership — Inspire, motivate, and guide individuals or teams to achieve shared goals, and model key behaviours.

• Organisational Effectiveness (Planning & Prioritisation) — Align and optimise resources (people, financial, operational) to meet strategic goals, enable collaboration, and sustain high performance.

• Strategic Thinking — Analyse and plan ahead, anticipate challenges and opportunities, and align decisions and actions with long-term vision and goals.

• Conflict Resolution — Recognise conflict early, understand perspectives, manage emotions, communicate purposefully, and facilitate solutions that preserve relationships and collaboration.

What We Offer

At ZDHC, we believe that a fulfilling career goes beyond a competitive salary. We are committed to creating a supportive and inspiring workplace where you feel valued, energised, and empowered to do your best work. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your growth, help you achieve your goals, and encourage strong connections with your team.

• 25 holidays a year, based on 40 hours a week

• ZDHC pension scheme contributions

• Gym membership allowance - for your physical wellbeing

• Access to Open Up - for your mental wellbeing

• Hybrid and flexible working environment

• Support in setting up your workstation at home (if needed)

• Working remote - up to 6 weeks of remote work per year (after 1 year)

• Working abroad development experience - the opportunity to work abroad from one of our offices for 1-3 months 

• MacBook and Iphone

Want to make an impact? Join a small, multicultural and purpose-driven team at a pivotal moment for ZDHC. You’ll help shape the evolution of the Roadmap to Zero Programme and drive meaningful change across the global textile and footwear sector, working collaboratively with colleagues across cultures, locations and time zones through remote and online ways of working.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our preference is for a candidate living and working in the Netherlands. This hiring process does not include visa sponsorship or a relocation package. 

To apply: Please submit your CV and a 1-page motivation letter in PDF and click the button below "Apply for this job" where you can upload the documents.