Head of Human Resources

Bruegel

Length of contract
1 year

Start date
February 2027

About the Organisation

Bruegel is a European think tank focused on international economics. Established in 2005, Bruegel is independent and non-doctrinal. Its mission is to improve the quality of economic policy with open and fact-based research, analysis, and debate. We are committed to impartiality, openness, and excellence. Bruegel’s membership includes EU Member State governments, international corporations, and institutions.

About the role

Bruegel is recruiting a Head of HR to lead its HR function and develop its people strategy. At present, Bruegel has 52 employees on payroll and 53 research contractors, about 105 people in total. Reporting to the Secretary General, the Head of Human Resources will shape and drive Bruegel’s HR strategy, advise management and staff, and manage the Human Resources officer who completes the team.

As a member of Bruegel’s Management team, alongside the Director, the two Deputy Directors, the Secretary General and the Heads of Communications, Finance and Operations, and Development, the Head of Human Resources will have real scope to shape the function and to expand their remit over time, with the close support of the Secretary General.

Responsibilities

HR Strategy and Leadership:

• Define, propose and implement Bruegel's HR strategy and multi-year people roadmap, in line with the organisation's objectives and needs and the Belgian labour legislation;
• Contribute, as a member of the Management, to organisational decisions, planning and change initiatives;
• Prepare and present the HR section of the Board meetings' materials, including key HR indicators and recommendations;
• Lead the HR team, currently composed of one Human Resources officer.

Talent Acquisition, Development and Performance:

• Anticipate staffing needs with Heads of department and design the workforce plan
• Steer recruitment and selection processes, strengthen Bruegel's employer brand, and oversee partnerships with universities around the world
• Coordinate the performance management cycle, and design/implement the learning and development policy
• Act as advisor to the Heads of department on staff management, team dynamics and organisational structure.

Compensation, Benefits and Payroll:

• Define and maintain a fair, transparent and market-aligned compensation and benefits policy, including salary benchmarking and budget forecasting with the Finance and Operations team;
• Oversee monthly payroll, including the expat tax regime (RSII) and salary splits where applicable.

Employee Relations, Compliance and Policies:

• Ensure full compliance with Belgian labour and social security law and internal regulations, and manage contract management for staff and contractors;
• Foster a productive, inclusive and healthy workplace: wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, internal communication and staff engagement;
• Act as a trusted, confidential point of contact for staff and handle sensitive employee relations matters.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Requirements:

• 8 to 10 years of proven experience in Human Resources, including in a generalist or management role with a strategic dimension
• In-depth knowledge of Belgian labour law and social security is a must
• Experience in the non-profit sector (think tank, NGO, international association) is a strong advantage
• Solid experience with payroll and compensation and benefits; knowledge of the expat tax regime (RSII) is an asset
• Proven ability to advise senior management, drive change and influence at Management team level
• Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy and sound judgement; committed and professional, with a high sense of responsibility in handling confidential and personal information
• Fluency in English (Bruegel's working language) and strong oral and written skills in French or Dutch.

Compensation & Benefits

• 13th month and double holiday pay
• Group insurance (hospitalisation and pension scheme), lunch vouchers (max. threshold) and public transport reimbursement
• A generous leave policy
• A flexible teleworking policy
• A seat on the Management of a leading European think tank, with real scope to shape its people strategy
• A small, international and close-knit team in the heart of Brussels.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Brussels office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply, please submit your application to [email protected] with the subject line "Head of Human Resources_Applicant’s name".
• Applications must be submitted by Sunday 15th November 2026, 23:59 CET.
• It must contain the following documents, in one single PDF document (merged):
  • an updated CV;
  • A cover letter.
• Applications with missing documents and/or that do not meet the above-mentioned requirements will NOT be considered.
• Because of the high number of applications that we usually receive, we are unfortunately unable to reply to all applicants. 

Interviews

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within a few weeks.

Policies

Bruegel is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for all, by ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.

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