About Barenbrug

Royal Barenbrug Group specializes in the breeding, production and marketing of high-quality grass seed mixtures for a wide range of applications — from nutritious forage grass for livestock to resilient sports turf and attractive green spaces. It is our mission to help feed the world sustainably and enhance green spaces. 

The Royal Barenbrug Group is headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, and counts over 900 employees around the world. Its annual revenue exceeds € 400 million. With a global market share of approximately 12.5%, the Barenbrug Group is the second largest supplier of grass seed in the world.
 

The Role 

The Global HR & Internal Communication Director is a builder role, created to develop the global people function from the ground up. Starting from a predominantly local and decentralised HR landscape, this role will design and implement a coherent global HR and internal communication framework where it adds value and that supports Barenbrug’s long-term strategy while fully respecting local autonomy. Your will report to the CFO of the Management Board in Nijmegen.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and Align a Global HR Strategy

• Define frameworks for talent management, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, compensation & benefits, and employer branding.
• Promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and ethical leadership.
• Define HR analytics to drive decisions and report global KPIs.

Build International Collaboration & Governance

• Foster a global HR community for knowledge sharing and alignment.
• Shape governance that balances global consistency with local decision-making.
• Act as a sparring partner to regional HR directors and country managers.

Internal Communication & Culture

• Develop and execute a global internal communication strategy.
• Embed culture and values across all operating companies.
• Create transparent communication channels between HQ and local entities.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Indirectly lead a compact global HR team and nurture local HR managers.
• Build enthusiasm and buy-in for global programs without direct authority.
• Support common ways of working through templates and standards.
• Launch Barenbrug Academy for onboarding and continuous education.

Change & Culture Management

• Lead strategic change programs (digital HR, cultural transformation, M&A integration).
• Foster consistent cultural values in a decentralised organisation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop global HR policies aligned with local legislation.
• Ensure adherence to privacy, data protection, and ethical standards.

Enable Mobility and International Collaboration

• Support international transfers and cross-border teams.
• Develop policies for relocation, work permits, and cultural onboarding.

Based on current organisational maturity and available resources, the Director will determine the sequence, timing, and scope of initiatives — deliberately focusing on a limited number of high‑impact priorities rather than launching many parallel programs.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced HR leader who combines strategic thinking with pragmatic execution. Your key qualifications are:

• Experience in a global HR leadership role such as HR Director or Senior HR Manager.
• Ability to influence and partner with senior executives and international stakeholders.
• University-level degree in HR, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong conceptual and strategic thinker with hands-on implementation capability.
• Engaging, empathetic, resilient, adaptable, and community‑minded.
• Understanding of the agri or food sector is an asset.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Dutch is an asset.
• Hands-on builder: everything is new – together with stakeholders you design the roadmap and priorities.
• Proven track record in multicultural, international environments.
• Living in the Netherlands and able to travel internationally a maximum of three times per year.

Our Offer

Working at Royal Barenbrug Group means contributing to an innovative, purpose‑driven company. You will have the opportunity to shape the global people strategy of a respected international organization.

• A permanent contract with a competitive salary, aligned with the level and impact of the role.
• Annual bonus scheme linked to company performance.
• 30 holidays, pension scheme, and 8% holiday allowance.
• Company car, laptop, and mobile phone.
• A key role as a strategic partner to the Management Board and local leadership teams.
• A collaborative company culture, combined with the warmth of a family‑owned business.
• An international working environment with regular interaction across countries and cultures.

Want to join?
You can send your application to Renate van Neerven, interim recruitment business partner at Barenbrug, on renate@connectandreflect.nl. If you have a question, please contact Renate at +31 6 31692886, also reachable after working hours. A connection invite through LinkedIn to her, will be accepted.

Acquisition by agencies is not appreciated, sharing within your network is welcome!