EMEA Head of HR, Amsterdam (NL)

Our client is a global supply chain and logistics organisation with operations spanning multiple continents and a strong presence across both developed and emerging markets. With a workforce of more than 10,000 employees worldwide, the business provides a broad range of transportation, freight forwarding, logistics, and value-added supply chain solutions to customers across diverse industries. Having grown through a combination of organic expansion and acquisitions, the organisation is now focused on driving greater connectivity, operational consistency, and organisational effectiveness across its international footprint. As part of this evolution, significant investment is being made in people, processes, systems, and leadership capability to support long-term growth ambitions. To support this agenda, the organisation is seeking an EMEA Head of HR to lead the people strategy for a regional population of approximately 2,000 employees and help shape the next phase of organisational transformation.

Reporting to both the Regional Managing Director and the Global Chief Human Resources Officer, the EMEA Head of HR will serve as the senior HR leader for a geographically diverse employee population of approximately 2,000 employees across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The role combines strategic HR leadership with transformation execution and will be responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive regional people strategy aligned with business objectives. Working closely with country HR teams, business leaders, and global Centres of Excellence, this position will drive greater consistency in HR governance, talent practices, organisational effectiveness, workforce planning, and employee experience across the region. A key component of the role will involve leading the transformation of the regional HR function, including the harmonisation of processes, implementation of HR technology solutions, strengthening HR capability, and embedding a more integrated operating model. The position offers significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to influence both regional and global people priorities.

We are looking for an individual who will bring substantial experience leading HR within complex, multinational organisations, ideally across multiple countries and cultures. Experience operating in regional HR leadership roles, supporting large and geographically dispersed workforces, will be highly valued. You will have a strong background across HR strategy, organisational development, talent management, employee relations, workforce planning, and change leadership. Experience driving HR transformation initiatives, implementing HR systems, and operating within Centre of Excellence-led environments will be particularly beneficial. Experience operating in acquisition-led, decentralised organisations and navigating joint venture structures, legacy businesses, and varying levels of integration would be highly advantageous. The ability to harmonise people practices while balancing local market requirements, cultural differences, and diverse levels of organisational maturity across the region will be critical. Equally important is the ability to combine commercial acumen with a pragmatic and hands-on leadership style. You will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing stakeholders across a highly matrixed environment, and leading through periods of change and transformation. Strong communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills will be essential, alongside the credibility and resilience required to operate effectively within a fast-paced international business.

Opportunity to drive harmonisation and modernisation across multiple countries, business units, and legacy organisations.

Highly decentralised organisation with varying levels of HR maturity, integration, and operating models across markets.