HR Specialist

Position Summary

The HR Assistant provides comprehensive HR support across the employee lifecycle, acting as a trusted first point of contact for employees and managers on routine HR matters. The role supports recruitment, onboarding, performance management, talent development, employee engagement, training coordination, and HR administration while helping foster a positive and high-performing organizational culture.

Working closely with local leadership, employees, external partners, and global HR teams, the HR Specialist ensures efficient execution of HR processes, compliance with company policies, and an exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations and Employee Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding day-to-day HR matters, providing guidance and support on HR policies, procedures, and programs.

• Act as a liaison between local employees, management, and HR stakeholders to ensure effective communication and timely resolution of HR-related queries.

• Support employee relations matters and ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation until resolution.

• Maintain accurate HR records, documentation, and personnel files in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

• Coordinate with Belgium and global HR teams and external partners to facilitate efficient delivery of HR services and continuous process improvement.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

• Coordinate and support recruitment activities from candidate attraction through onboarding.

• Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and support recruitment planning.

• Support the preparation of employment offers and employment documentation.

Employee Onboarding and Integration

• Lead and coordinate the onboarding process for new employees from offer acceptance through successful integration.

• Prepare onboarding plans, welcome packages, and arrival checklists.

• Coordinate onboarding activities with managers, IT, Facilities, Security, and other stakeholders.

• Organize orientation sessions and ensure completion of mandatory training and compliance requirements.

• Monitor onboarding progress, gather employee feedback, and support managers during the integration period.

Performance Management and Talent Development

• Support the implementation and administration of the company's performance management process.

• Monitor performance review timelines and ensure completion of required documentation.

• Assist managers and employees with performance management tools, processes, and best practices.

• Support talent review and succession planning activities.

• Contribute to the identification and development of talent within the organization.

• Assist in the creation and monitoring of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

Training and Learning Coordination

• Coordinate the company's annual training plan and individual development activities.

• Track training completion, participation, and compliance requirements.

• Organize internal and external training sessions and manage associated logistics.

• Support managers and employees in identifying development opportunities aligned with business and career objectives.

Employee Engagement and Culture

• Support the development of a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.

• Design, coordinate, and organize employee engagement initiatives, company events, town halls, seminars, team-building activities, and other culture-building programs.

• Develop event plans, schedules, budgets, and success measures.

• Collect employee feedback and assess the effectiveness of engagement initiatives.

• Promote employee wellbeing, collaboration, and retention through meaningful employee experiences.

HR Administration and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and applicable employment legislation.

• Support periodic review and continuous improvement of HR processes and policies.

• Prepare HR reports, metrics, and presentations as required.

• Assist with audits, compliance activities, and HR documentation management.

• Participate in HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Vendor and Office Services Coordination

• Manage relationships with external HR and office service providers.

• Coordinate vendor activities and ensure agreed service levels are maintained.

• Support office-related administrative activities when required.

Manager Support and Coaching

• Provide first-line support to managers on people-related processes and policies.

• Assist managers in understanding and executing their people management responsibilities.

• Support managers in areas including onboarding, performance management, employee development, policy compliance, and organizational changes.

• Escalate complex employee matters to senior HR leadership when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 2+ years of relevant HR experience

• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and HR administration.

• Experience working in an international or matrix organization is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and project coordination abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.

• Customer-service mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

• Ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.

• Knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices is an advantage.

• Fluent in French, professional English (Dutch is desirable)

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: HR Director / Team head

• Works closely with: People Managers, Employees, Talent Acquisition Partners, Global HR Teams, External Recruitment Partners, and Office Service Providers.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.