The Netherlands CHRO
SMART Photonics
SMART Photonics is a pioneering provider of InP foundry services, driving the future of photonic chip technology. As we scale from an R&D-driven organization to a mature, customer-focused manufacturer, we seek a strategic, people-centric CHRO to lead this transformation.
Your Impact
As a key member of the Leadership Team, you will shape our culture, ensuring people and performance are at the core of our growth. You will drive HR strategy, leadership development, and talent retention, fostering an inclusive, high-performance workplace. Your role is pivotal in managing change, aligning HR with business objectives, and positioning SMART Photonics as an employer of choice.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Strategy & Leadership – Develop and implement an HR strategy that supports business objectives, ensuring scalability, operational efficiency, and long-term stability.
- Cultural & Organizational Transformation – Lead SMART Photonics’ transition from an engineering-driven R&D company to a structured, customer-first manufacturing organization. Drive change initiatives that enhance agility, collaboration, and performance.
- Executive Partner & Advisor – Provide HR insights and strategic counsel to the CEO, Leadership Team, and Supervisory Board. Influence key decisions on growth, talent, and organizational structure.
- Talent Strategy & Succession Planning – Build a robust leadership pipeline, identifying and nurturing top talent while ensuring the organization attracts and retains high-caliber professionals.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) – Champion a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging, ensuring all employees thrive in a diverse, multinational environment.
- Leadership Development & Employee Growth – Design and implement impactful learning and development programs, fostering continuous professional growth and leadership excellence.
- Change Management & Employee Engagement – Lead HR through scaling challenges and transformation, ensuring employees remain engaged, motivated, and aligned with company goals.
- Compensation & Benefits – Oversee and enhance reward strategies, incentive programs, and competitive benefits to attract and retain top talent.
- HR Operations & Compliance – Ensure HR policies, processes, and practices are efficient, legally compliant, and aligned with industry best practices
Your Profile
- Seasoned HR Executive (15+ years) with a proven track record in high-tech, manufacturing, or scale-up environments.
- Expertise in organizational transformation, change leadership, and talent development.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to influence at the C-suite and board level.
- Passionate about culture, leadership, and fostering a people-first organization.
- Driven by results and focused on execution, you turn strategic HR initiatives into measurable business impact
- Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus.
What We Offer
Strategic Leadership Role – A pivotal CHRO position in a high-growth, deep-tech company, shaping the future of photonic chip technology.
Innovative & Impactful Work – Be part of a cutting-edge industry that is transforming global technology and enabling next-generation applications.
Dynamic & Inclusive Culture – A diverse, international environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Career Growth & Development – Opportunities to lead organizational transformation, influence business strategy, and develop as a key executive.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits – Attractive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Work-Life Balance – A supportive environment that values well-being and flexibility.
Interested?
Please submit your resume or contact our Talent Acquisition Lead, Ilse de Graaf for more details. Join us to drive transformation and build a future-ready organization at the forefront of photonics innovation!
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