Join us in shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
At Van de Velde Packaging Group, more than 1,300 colleagues across 17 sites in 8 countries collaborate every day to deliver innovative and sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions.
As European legislation and consumer expectations continue to accelerate the transition away from single-use plastics, demand for sustainable packaging is growing rapidly. Together, we help our customers make this transition by developing high-quality fibre-based alternatives that create real value.
By combining local expertise with international strength, we foster a culture of teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement. Through strategic investments, entrepreneurship and the expertise of our people, we continue to drive growth while helping shape a more sustainable future.
We believe our people are the key to our success. That's why we're looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact, grow their careers and help build the future of packaging.
About the Role
As part of Van de Velde Packaging Group's HR transformation journey, we are centralizing payroll activities across our seven sites in the Netherlands. The Senior Payroll Specialist Netherlands will play a key role in building, standardizing, and managing an efficient centralized payroll function.
The role is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of payroll administration for all Dutch entities and employees. Acting as the payroll subject matter expert, the Senior Payroll Specialist ensures high-quality service delivery while driving process harmonization, continuous improvement, and compliance with Dutch payroll legislation.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Administration
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Ensure accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll for all employees across the seven Dutch sites.
- Validate, process, and maintain payroll-related data including salaries, allowances, overtime, absence, leave, benefits, bonuses, and deductions.
- Ensure all payroll transactions are processed in accordance with company policies, collective labor agreements (CAOs), and Dutch legislation.
- Coordinate payroll inputs and approvals with HR, managers, and external payroll providers where applicable.
- Calculate wages, holiday pay, sickness benefits, variable compensation, and other payroll-related payments accurately and on time.
- Manage year-end payroll activities and statutory reporting requirements.
Payroll Centralization & Transformation
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Support the transition from local payroll practices towards a centralized payroll model for the Netherlands.
- Standardize payroll processes, controls, and ways of working across all Dutch locations.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, data quality, and employee experience.
- Participate in payroll-related projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives.
- Act as a key stakeholder in the ongoing HR and payroll transformation journey.
Employee & Stakeholder Support
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Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees and managers.
- Resolve and follow up on payroll issues and questions in a timely and professional manner.
- Provide guidance and information on payroll, taxation, social security, leave entitlements, and benefits.
- Build strong working relationships with HR Business Partners, site management, Finance, and external payroll partners.
Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure payroll compliance with Dutch labor law, tax regulations, social security legislation, and relevant collective bargaining agreements.
- Maintain accurate personnel and payroll records in accordance with internal policies and legal requirements.
- Support internal and external audits by providing accurate payroll documentation and reporting.
- Monitor legislative changes and proactively translate them into payroll processes and practices.
Vendor & External Partner Management
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Maintain effective relationships with payroll providers, temporary employment agencies, tax authorities, pension providers, and other external stakeholders.
- Ensure smooth exchange of payroll-related information and timely resolution of issues.
Reporting & Analytics
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Prepare and analyze payroll reports, reconciliations, and management information.
- Support Finance with payroll accounting, reconciliations, accruals, and reporting requirements.
- Monitor payroll KPIs and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Knowledge & Continuous Improvement
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Dutch payroll legislation, taxation, social security, and payroll best practices.
- Share expertise within the HR team and support the development of standardized payroll knowledge across the organization.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on payroll accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and employee service.
Key Result Areas
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Accurate and timely payroll processing for all Dutch employees.
- Standardized payroll processes across all seven Netherlands locations.
- Full compliance with Dutch payroll, tax, labor, and social security legislation.
- High-quality payroll service and employee support.
- Effective payroll governance, controls, and reporting.
- Successful contribution to the payroll centralization and transformation program.
- Continuous improvement of payroll efficiency and data quality.
Required Qualifications
Education
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Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Payroll Administration, or equivalent through experience.
Experience
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Minimum 5 years of payroll experience within a complex, multi-site organization.
- Proven experience managing Dutch payroll processes end-to-end.
- Experience working with multiple entities, locations, or business units.
- Previous involvement in payroll transformation, harmonization, or centralization projects is strongly preferred.
- Experience collaborating with external payroll providers and stakeholders.
Technical Knowledge
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Strong knowledge of Dutch payroll legislation, wage tax, social security, pensions, sickness absence regulations, and employment law.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with payroll reporting and reconciliation processes.
Competencies
Functional Competencies
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Payroll expertise
- Legislative and compliance knowledge
- Process improvement mindset
- Data accuracy and analytical skills
- Reporting and controls
Behavioral Competencies
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Highly accurate and detail-oriented
- Strong ownership and accountability
- Customer-focused service mentality
- Excellent communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to manage priorities and deadlines
- Change-oriented and resilient
- Collaborative team player
What We Offer
At Van de Velde Packaging Group, you'll find the best of both worlds: the entrepreneurial spirit and accessibility of a growing organization, combined with the scale and opportunities of an international group.
We are in the midst of an exciting transformation journey. That means not everything is fully defined, and not every process is perfect—and that's exactly where the opportunity lies. We're looking for people who enjoy rolling up their sleeves, taking ownership, and helping shape the future of our organization.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace change, and are energized by building, improving, and making things happen, you'll feel right at home here. Your ideas won't get lost in layers of hierarchy; you'll have the chance to contribute, challenge the status quo, and make a visible impact from day one. Together, we're building a stronger organization and creating smarter, more sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.
In return, we offer a competitive and market-aligned compensation package, along with benefits and development opportunities tailored to your role and location.
Ready to make an impact?
Join us and become part of a transformation story where your contribution truly matters.
