HR & Operations Officer

Please read this vacancy notice very carefully and only apply if you fulfil the key requirements

Europe is experiencing exciting and challenging times. Digital tools and technologies are ever-more shaping our daily lives and transforming different sectors. The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is tasked with representing and supporting the main driver of such changes in Europe – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the ICT sector. Representing over 45,000 SMEs through its national and regional member associations, DIGITAL SME is Europe’s first and largest ICT SME association. Along with the rapid acceleration of Europe’s digital transformation, the Alliance is growing and in need of a highly motivated and hands-on HR and Operations Officer to strengthen our Brussels-based team

The selected candidate will work closely with the Management Team to support HR and Finance and Admin functions. This role is pivotal in coordinating talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and operational efficiency, ensuring a seamless and productive work environment.

The successful candidate is a self-starter, willing to take initiative and able to manage a wide variety of tasks. This role is an excellent opportunity for a proactive HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced setting and enjoys balancing strategic and operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage the full recruitment cycle, including screening CVs, conducting initial interviews, and facilitating the selection process.
• Prepare and negotiate employment offers, draft contracts, and ensure smooth onboarding of new hires.
• Conduct exit interviews and manage offboarding procedures.

HR Operations & Employee Engagement

• Oversee daily HR operations, including timesheets, payroll processing, meal vouchers, attendance and vacation tracking.
• Implement and manage employee benefits such as insurance plans and bonus programs.
• Workforce cost planning and monitoring of the staff budget.
• Ensure smooth teamwork, proactively preventing and resolving conflicts.
• Research and promote initiatives to enhance staff development and retention.
• Organise team-building activities to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

Performance & Compliance Management

• Track employee progress through periodic reviews and KPI evaluations.
• Draft and submit annual training and safety plans to relevant authorities.
• Work with external partners to secure training reimbursements and maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with labour and social laws, updating internal regulations as needed.
• Inform employees about legal and policy updates affecting their work environment.

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Approve and monitor staff absences and holidays, coordinating with payroll systems.
• Manage payroll and benefits in collaboration with the social secretariat and insurance providers.
• Coordinate with consultants and authorities to manage collective bonuses.

Workplace Safety & Administration

• Handle routine safety matters, inspections, and workplace compliance requirements.
• Liaise with insurance providers for compulsory and additional coverage.

What We’re Looking For:

• Demonstrated previous experience in HR and operations/recruitment in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong knowledge of Belgian labour and social laws and payroll processes
• Fluent in English and French (or Dutch)
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to multitask and manage various stakeholders efficiently
• Experience in a membership-based organisation is a plus
• Legally eligible to work in Belgium.

Work Conditions

As our HR and Operations Officer, you will be part of an international and dynamic team. Our office is in the heart of the EU district in Brussels, easily accessible by public transportation. Since the pandemic, we have established a hybrid work model, where the team works partly from the office, partly remotely. Flexible working hours are also part of the deal – the Alliance’s organisational culture is result- rather than control-driven.

We offer a permanent contract that could be part-time (80%) depending on your needs and experience, and a competitive salary and benefit package.

The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply