Head of Human Resources
As two orchestras under one umbrella, the Netherlands Philharmonic and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra are united by their versatility, accessibility, and love of opera—at home in the Concertgebouw, but also venturing out to Rotterdam, Vienna, or Paris. While the symphony orchestra shines in late Romantic and early 20th-century music, the chamber orchestra is an expert in the works of Bach, Mozart, and Haydn. Together, the two orchestras form the beating heart of Dutch National Opera. We aren’t afraid to experiment and are always looking for new ways to make classical music accessible to everyone. Together with our educational concerts and talent development programs, our orchestra forms a community that brings together musicians and listeners from diverse backgrounds and generations. At our home base, the NedPhO Dome, the past, present, and future of classical music converge, and we take pride in our versatility, creativity, and international collaboration.
Music is a human endeavor. Every day, we expect top-notch performance from our musicians and staff. We strive to be a good employer and to provide an inspiring and sustainable work environment.
To support that goal, we are looking for a:
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES
(36 hours per week)
with vision and drive
What will you be doing?
You will have broad responsibility for HR policy within the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. You will develop, shape, and oversee the implementation of HR policy. You will supervise the HR staff member responsible for providing first-line HR advice, assisting with the implementation of ongoing projects, and offering administrative support. You will report to the Executive Director and be part of the management team. You advise your colleagues, serve as a sounding board, and are able to communicate your vision and ideas while contributing to strategic and policy-related decision-making.
In addition to day-to-day operations and further strengthening the foundation, you will focus on issues such as the long-term employability of our musicians and staff, recruiting and retaining (international) musicians and staff, fostering a positive work culture with a focus on social safety, diversity, and inclusion, a desirable employer brand, strategic workforce planning, and the optimal structure of the organization. There are also several ongoing projects. With your energetic attitude, practical insight, and natural authority, you know how to solve complex problems and build support among your stakeholders.
Together with the managing director, you will prepare aspects of collective bargaining negotiations and/or issues to be discussed by the Works Council, always ensuring a balance between the various interests.
In this role, you will help professionalize the organization and contribute to making it more sustainable.
Who are you?
You are an experienced and professional HR expert with a bachelor’s degree in HR or business administration and at least 10 years of relevant work experience in an environment with highly educated professionals and complex cases. You know the field inside and out and have held a management position.
You have a clear vision of the field, are committed to your own professional development, and communicate your vision to the rest of the organization in an inspiring way. You exude energy and enthusiasm and communicate clearly and concisely. You can put things into perspective, have a sense of humor, and consistently approach organizational issues from different angles. You back up your positions, are a determined and patient go-getter, and maintain a positive attitude.
Of course, you are familiar with relevant laws and regulations as well as the latest developments in your field. You have an excellent command of both Dutch and English. Ideally, you have worked in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Finally: you’re a classical music lover who gets to enjoy it every day!
Our offerings
- You'll start with a one-year contract.
- Salary depends on age and experience and ranges from €4,691.71 to €6,907.60 gross per month (Central Government Collective Labor Agreement, Scale 12) for a full-time position of 36 hours per week.
- In addition, you will receive an 8% vacation bonus and a year-end bonus.
- We are affiliated with the ABP Pension Fund and offer discounts on supplemental employee insurance plans.
- The Netherlands Philharmonic & Netherlands Chamber Orchestra offers an inspiring workplace at the NedPhO-Koepel in Amsterdam East, where you’ll meet great colleagues and have the opportunity to attend many concerts and opera performances.
The Netherlands Philharmonic & Netherlands Chamber Orchestra wants everyone to be able to enjoy classical music. This calls for a diverse and inclusive organization. We therefore strongly encourage all interested parties to apply.
Please email your cover letter and resume tohrm@nedpho.nl, addressed to Lucia de Goede, by April 6 at the latest. If you have any questions, please contact Executive Director Fiona Arens (fionaarens@nedpho.nl).
The first round of interviews is scheduled for week 16, and the second round for the beginning of week 17. An assessment may be part of the process.
Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening
