Career at WUR
About Us
Would you like to work as a Senior HR Business Partner in an academic environment where your work indirectly contributes to a better world? At Wageningen University & Research (WUR), you will support professionals engaged in research and highly specialised education that has a societal impact. As a leading international and sustainable university in its field, WUR works on solutions to global challenges relating to food, health, climate and the environment. We are looking for an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to join the HR team of the Animal Sciences Group.
In this role, you will contribute to the development of teams, leadership and the organisation as a whole. You will play an active role in developing integrated HR policy and advise teaching and research groups on its implementation. As a strategic discussion partner, you will build sustainable relationships with managers and board members and help the organisation to develop further. In doing so, you will work closely with specialists from the HR Centre of Expertise in the areas of Recruitment, Vitality & Health, and Learning & Development.
Your duties and responsibilities as a Senior HR Business Partner:
You will join a dedicated HR team comprising five HR Business Partners and the Head of HR. Together with HR Services and specialists from the Centre of Expertise, you will form a team of fourteen colleagues based in IJmuiden, Lelystad and Wageningen. Your base will be in Wageningen, and you will regularly visit the other locations.
Collaboration is key. We focus on current topics such as organisational development, leadership, labour market challenges, well-being and career development. Through HR, we make a direct contribution to an organisation where scientific research, high-quality education and sustainability go hand in hand, and where we work every day to find solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
Your qualities
You are innovative and curious, which means you stay well informed about new developments. We expect you to provide data-driven advice and proactively come up with solutions. With your strong advisory skills, courage, empathy, organisational sensitivity and persuasiveness, you know how to build support and drive (organisational) change.
You also have:
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Coming from abroad
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year ” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant ”.
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center . This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Important information
For more information about the position, please contact Martine van der Velden, Head of Human Resources ASG, via phone number +31 317-483698 or via email: martine.vandervelden@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: recruitment.asg@wur.nl.
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including Monday 12 October 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before September 20, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
Locations
Wageningen
Professional field
Staff & Support
Educational level
Bachelors degree, Masters degree
Apply before
13-10-2026
Salary range
€4220 - €6471
Hours
32 - 36
About Us
- Plenty of variety and challenges
- Pleasant working atmosphere
- Time for personal development
- Proper work-life balance
- Internationally leading
Would you like to work as a Senior HR Business Partner in an academic environment where your work indirectly contributes to a better world? At Wageningen University & Research (WUR), you will support professionals engaged in research and highly specialised education that has a societal impact. As a leading international and sustainable university in its field, WUR works on solutions to global challenges relating to food, health, climate and the environment. We are looking for an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to join the HR team of the Animal Sciences Group.
In this role, you will contribute to the development of teams, leadership and the organisation as a whole. You will play an active role in developing integrated HR policy and advise teaching and research groups on its implementation. As a strategic discussion partner, you will build sustainable relationships with managers and board members and help the organisation to develop further. In doing so, you will work closely with specialists from the HR Centre of Expertise in the areas of Recruitment, Vitality & Health, and Learning & Development.
Your duties and responsibilities as a Senior HR Business Partner:
- a sparring partner and adviser to managers and senior management on organisational development, leadership, and individual and team issues;
- actively contributing to the development and implementation of strategic HR plans and organisational issues;
- Initiating, overseeing and implementing organisational and change processes that contribute to the further development of ASG;
- helping to shape the HR agenda and taking responsibility for the successful implementation of HR policy;
- taking a leading role on strategic HR themes such as leadership, social safety, organisational development, cultural change and talent development;
- participating in various HR domains and acting as a domain owner or project leader within one of the five HR domains: Talent Attraction, People Growth, People Services, Organisational Development and Culture;
- linking HR policy, organisational objectives and practice, and identifying opportunities for further professionalisation of the organisation and its services.
You will join a dedicated HR team comprising five HR Business Partners and the Head of HR. Together with HR Services and specialists from the Centre of Expertise, you will form a team of fourteen colleagues based in IJmuiden, Lelystad and Wageningen. Your base will be in Wageningen, and you will regularly visit the other locations.
Collaboration is key. We focus on current topics such as organisational development, leadership, labour market challenges, well-being and career development. Through HR, we make a direct contribution to an organisation where scientific research, high-quality education and sustainability go hand in hand, and where we work every day to find solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
Your qualities
You are innovative and curious, which means you stay well informed about new developments. We expect you to provide data-driven advice and proactively come up with solutions. With your strong advisory skills, courage, empathy, organisational sensitivity and persuasiveness, you know how to build support and drive (organisational) change.
You also have:
- a higher vocational education (HBO) or university (WO) level of working and thinking;
- extensive experience as an HR Business Partner or HR adviser;
- experience in a complex project organisation is an advantage;
- a good command of Dutch and English.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Coming from abroad
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year ” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant ”.
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center . This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Important information
For more information about the position, please contact Martine van der Velden, Head of Human Resources ASG, via phone number +31 317-483698 or via email: martine.vandervelden@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: recruitment.asg@wur.nl.
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including Monday 12 October 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before September 20, 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
Locations
Wageningen
Professional field
Staff & Support
Educational level
Bachelors degree, Masters degree
Apply before
13-10-2026
Salary range
€4220 - €6471
Hours
32 - 36