Full-time · Rotterdam HQ
Are you a hands-on HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy both the operational and tactical side of HR—getting things done while balancing innovation with reliable delivery? Are you a great communicator who can clearly articulate the why of your initiatives to gain buy-in and easily flex your style to partner with different levels of stakeholders? Does finding creative solutions to employee relations cases motivate you as you balance business and employee needs at a scale-up? Are you excited to lead and develop a team of capable and motivated HR and Recruitment professionals? Then this is the role for you!
AIHR is looking for a Head of HR to oversee and execute our HR operations and recruitment. Join us to help AIHR become the best employer it can be.

WHO YOU ARE

We’re looking for a proactive problem solver who is structured, detail-oriented, manages stakeholders well, and is decisive with excellent communication skills. You get a kick out of maintaining and developing excellent end-to-end people practices, thrive in both the operational and strategic, and have a passion for people management. On top of this, we are looking for the following:

• At least 7 years of experience in business and/or HR roles;
• At least 2 years in a managerial role;
• Native or fluent in English. Some Dutch is preferred but not a must;
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable Dutch employment rules and legislation;
• Experience in a scale-up or high-growth environment;
• Experience in recruitment (management) is a plus as it will help you in managing the recruitment team;
• Motivated by developing your team, driving operational excellence and business impact;
• Strong systems thinking: able to assess risks, align operations with strategy, and ensure daily work supports broader business goals;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Not afraid to work hard, be hands-on, and take ownership;
• Decisive and no-nonsense;
• Keen attention to detail and strives for excellence in day-to-day;
• Tech-savvy: you know how to deliver HR services through technology. Current tech stack: Personio and Officevibe;
• Has experience in partnering with senior stakeholders;
• Able to be in the office at least 3 days a week.

In this hands-on role, you are responsible for driving both business and people outcomes by ensuring an effective end-to-end employee experience. You are a trusted business partner to managers and employees while coordinating HR administration and operational tasks. As a small company, no job is too big or too small, and everyone is expected to roll up their sleeves and get involved.
In your role, you will work with fellow “Heads of” and with the different department heads (VPs), playing a pivotal role in translating and executing the company and people strategy.
You will manage a team of Recruitment specialists (3 FTE), a People Advisor, and facilities (1 FTE + contractors). You will be responsible for their growth, development, and overall delivery of the HR strategy.
To achieve this, you will partner with the senior leadership team to align the people strategy with business objectives. This includes shaping performance management processes, fostering career development through our LEARN competency framework, and implementing people policies (performance management & culture, career development, automation of HR admin, structuring learning initiatives, and so on) that drive AIHR’s growth while maintaining operational efficiency, cost consciousness, and excellence.
You are responsible for leveling up the people team, delivering people operations, and advising leadership on key topics such as people management, talent development, and employee engagement.
You will also oversee compliance with employment law and handle employee relations cases—ranging from complex issues like long-term sickness to day-to-day matters—while ensuring alignment with the CEO on your approach. Additionally, you will collaborate with leadership to identify and retain top talent, support succession planning, and work with the talent acquisition team to ensure hiring strategies align with business needs.