HR Consultant (Temporary)
Are you up for stepping into the shoes of an HR advisor—at least for a while—in the heart of the arts education sector? We’re looking for an experienced HR advisor to fill a temporary position of up to one year, someone who feels right at home in an environment brimming with creativity, experimentation, and diversity. This isn’t your typical organization, and we don’t ask typical questions—but it is a place where people and professional growth take center stage.
With over 4,000 students, HKU is the largest university of the arts in the Netherlands and one of the largest educational institutions in Europe focused on art, culture, and the creative industries. HKU offers a wide range of programs across nine academies.
Where will you be working?
You will be working within the HRM department, which consists of eleven employees. You will be part of an enthusiastic and complementary team of four HR advisors and will work closely with, among others, the staff in the payroll and personnel administration departments. In recent years, the HRM department has made significant strides in implementing an HR policy focused on development and quality. In the coming years, the themes of diversity and inclusion, professionalization, and sustainable employability will be high on the agenda. In addition, we are working on the further development of our own HR processes, including the renewal of the performance review cycle and the optimization of the wellness policy.
You will be hired as a temporary HR Advisor for several departments within HKU. As an HR Advisor, you will provide both solicited and unsolicited advice to the director and program directors. This role also involves providing operational support and advice, particularly regarding contracts, addenda, and policies. Every Thursday, you will have the opportunity to discuss topics and present case studies with the Head of HR and the other HR Advisors, thereby actively contributing to the further development and improvement of the HR strategy.
What will you be doing?
- You have a number of units, such as an academy or a support department at HKU, designated as your own “internal account”;
- You will advise, support, and consult with the director or other managers on HR issues;
- You actively promote HKU’s personnel policy and serve as the point of contact for all employees regarding advice and customized requests;
- You will contribute to the continued professionalization of the HR department and play an active role in organization-wide HR projects.
What do you bring to the table?
- A completed associate's degree in HRM, supplemented by several years of work experience in the HR field;
- Experience as an HR consultant in the education sector;
- You have an interest in art and/or music;
- A thorough understanding of laws and regulations governing labor law and employment conditions;
- You have strong advisory skills and a friendly, proactive attitude;
- You are able to think in terms of processes and have a pragmatic approach to work;
- You enjoy working as part of a team.
What do we offer?
- For this position, we offer a salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education (CBA-HBO) and attractive benefits;
- The gross monthly salary for a full-time position ranges from a minimum of €3,610 to a maximum of €5,378 (pay grade 10), depending on education and experience;
- We are offering a one-year contract;
- Vacation pay (8%) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- Time and resources to support your professional development, well-being, and long-term employability;
- A good pension plan, commuting allowance, parental leave, and much more.
Would you like more information and/or to apply?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Arvid van Saane (Head of HR) at arvid.vansaane@hku.nl or 06 20 59 89 32.
You can apply until December 14, 2025, by answering the questions below and uploading your resume.
The first round of talks is expected to take place on December 16, 2025. The second round is scheduled for December 19.
Questions
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for a team working on diversity, inclusion, and sustainable employability?
- What experience do you have advising executives or managers? Describe a situation in which your advice had a clear impact.
- What role did you previously play in the education sector as an HR advisor, and what made that context different from other sectors?
- How do you ensure that you are both approachable to employees and maintain a strong position as an advisor?
The position is being advertised both internally and externally. In the event of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority.
Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.
