Head of HR & Administration

Sumitomo Chemical is one of the world’s leading chemical manufacturers, conducting business in five sectors – essential chemicals and plastics, energy and functional materials, IT-related chemicals, health and crop sciences products, and pharmaceuticals.

Through the global network of around 35.000 employees spread over 50 countries, the company provides worldwide support to a wide variety of industries. Sumitomo Chemical Europe (SCE) has its headquarters in Machelen (Belgium), and markets their group’s products throughout Europe and Turkey.

To further strengthen their Human Resources & Administration department, we are currently recruiting a Head of HR & Administration.

Your key responsibility in this role will be the further development & enhancement of the group HR strategy for the European Headquarters which supports the European and Turkish activities of the group: 

• You develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy which is aligned with the overall business objectives & company culture of SCE.
• Based on your analysis of the current HR organization you will define the key development areas & priorities that are vital for both SCE and their Human Capital. All Hard and Soft HR topics will be part of your HR Road Map.
• You will oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to career development, performance management, learning & development and offboarding. Since SCE is strong in securing a long-term employee engagement, the fostering of a culture of continuous learning and professional growth are of the highest importance.
• You have the final responsibility for the entire payroll management of the group. The operational payroll management will be managed by the financial department.
• You will monitor and secure the HR Budget and strive for efficiency and cost optimisations where possible.
• You ensure a good relationship with internal stakeholders, strengthening your business understanding in order to understand their challenges, needs, and possible concerns.
• You will implement Compensation & Benefits policies in order to obtain an optimal reward mangement policy allgined with the market and the HR strategy.
• You assure comprehensive supportive action plans for employees, enhancing staff well-being and a positive and healty working environment.
• You will be supported in your role by a Senior HR Generalist and an HR Manager assuring a harmonized and well-functioning HR Department. When needed, external consultancy support can be provided.
• You secure the overall day 2 day operational management runs both correct and compliant and nurture your team members with your HR expertise to guarantee long term continuity and best practices.
• You will have a final responsibility and signing authority for different specific administrative flows and procedures for the company.
• You will collaborate with the MD to conduct or lead special projects, ensuring alignment with corporate HR policies, procedures, values, and culture.
• You will be part of the Management Team and report directly to the Managing Director of SCE.

• You obtained a Master’s degree in HR, Business Management, Organizational Psychology, or equivalent by relevant experience.
• You have at least 10 - 15 years of experience in Human Resources, of which minimum 5 – 10 years in a senior managerial role with an international spread & accountability. Preferably you gained your experience within a HQ setting within larger corporate environments or strong midsized companies.
• You have a demonstrated track record in identifying, recommending and implementing best practice approaches that deliver efficient, consistent, and  high-quality HR Standards. You are willing to combine and align operations and strategy.
• You possess a strong and general knowledge of the Belgian Social Legislation.
• You have a strong problem solving mentality and strive for a correct balance between both the employee and the company’s best interests.
• You demonstrate high levels of professionalism, integrity, and emotional intelligence. You are a team player with very effective communication and persuasion skills.
• You have exceptional organizational skills and are able to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
• Your strong interpersonal skillset allows you to easily secure buy-in from in- and external stakeholders.
• You are open to work in a multi-cultural environment. Experience with the Japanese culture is considered a big plus.
• You are fluent in Dutch and English, good knowledge of French is considered an asset.
• You will work at the HQ in Machelen, combined with a flexible homeworking policy.  

Sumitomo Chemical Europe offers you the chance to work in a world leading and stable company with international exposure and a high quality product range.

A professional organization where autonomy, initiative and adaptability are recognized and stimulated.

Sumitomo offers a state of the art salary package including company car, extra-legal benefits, bonus and a solid work-life balance.