Director Human Resources

Job Description

Lead the people strategy for the Boxmeer site, partnering with senior leadership to shape organization, culture and performance.

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting a Director Human Resources.

Welcome to our team

With over 2,500 dedicated employees, our Animal Health manufacturing site in Boxmeer is the largest development and production location for veterinary vaccines in the world. Together with De Bilt, Boxmeer is responsible for a quarter of all our Animal Health products produced worldwide and, in the coming years, we will continue to expand our footprint in both manufacturing capacity and digitalization. This growth brings complexity – in organization, processes, and people. The HR team on site consists of five HR Business Partners and supports leaders and teams across Manufacturing, Operations, Quality and supporting functions in Boxmeer.

Purpose of the role

This role will serve as the HR lead for the Boxmeer site and manager of the local HR Business Partners team. Reporting to the Executive Director, HR Netherlands, you partner with the Boxmeer Site Lead to define and execute the people strategy for the site. Your focus is clearly strategic: you ensure that HR and leadership move together towards a structured, data‑driven, and proactive approach. You lead the HRBP team, set direction, and develop the team to operate as true strategic partners. At the same time, you adopt a hands‑on role where needed to stabilize and professionalize core HR processes on site. As an empathetic leader, you are not afraid to ask difficult questions and challenge the status quo while building a culture of feedback and development. You work closely with your HR colleagues in Haarlem and with regional/global HR to ensure a consistent, future‑proof people agenda.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Co‑create a clear, actionable people strategy and roadmap for the Boxmeer site together with the Site Lead and HR leadership.
• Translate strategy into concrete initiatives on organization design, capabilities, leadership, culture and change.
• Provide leadership, coaching and feedback to a team of five HR Business Partners to ensure proactive, strategic business partnering.
• Support organizational design and restructuring in a matrix manufacturing environment.
• Coach senior leaders in a pragmatic and solution-oriented way on topics including, but not limited to, people leadership, change and performance.
• Implement a practical, site-wide approach to talent identification, succession and retention for key roles.
• Build strong partnerships across manufacturing, quality, supply chain and supporting functions.
• Lead or support change initiatives linked to growth, digitalization and process improvements.
• Align with regional and global HR stakeholders to connect local needs with broader HR initiatives.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. HR, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology or related field).
• A minimum of 10 years broad and relevant HR experience in complex international environments, including significant HR Business Partner experience.
• Deep business understanding of the processes and dependencies in large, matrix organizations; experience in manufacturing and/or highly regulated industries preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing an HR team (not only line management, but true leadership and coaching).
• Proven ability to operate in a matrix organization and to balance global, regional and local requirements.
• Strong strategic and tactical thinking, able to move from long term vision to concrete execution.
• Fluent in Dutch and English, both spoken and written (must have, given the local context and Works Council interactions).

What we offer

Working with us means shaping the future of our people agenda in a truly strategic role. You will be a trusted partner to the business and a visible leader in an international environment, working alongside committed colleagues from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for impact and innovation. In this position, you’ll have the space to influence at senior level, grow your leadership capabilities, and bring your own ideas to life. You can also count on attractive benefits:

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 8% holiday allowance and 3% year-end bonus.
• Annual Incentive Plan.
• Long Term Incentive Plan.
• 25 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Company car or car allowance.
• High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.
• Beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.
• Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

Required Skills:

Change Management, Confidential Data Handling, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), HR Business, HR Information Management, Human Resources (HR), Human Resources Leadership, Leadership, People Leadership, People Strategies, Recruiting Processes, Strategic Thinking, Succession Planning, Taking Initiative, Talent Acquisition, Talent Strategy, Workforce Analytics, Workforce Planning

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

03/21/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.