The Ocean Cleanup is a global nonprofit dedicated to developing solutions to eliminate plastic from the oceans, creating a positive impact for people and the planet. Our HR team is crucial in empowering our workforce to thrive by attracting talent, supporting employee journeys, ensuring compliance with laws, and providing development opportunities.

About the Position

We are seeking a Senior People Business Partner to act as an Employee Champion and Change Agent. This role involves aligning business objectives with employees and management, and may include managing the People Business Partner and Operations Team. You will serve as a strategic partner, optimizing organizational structures, coaching managers on performance management, and providing expertise in employee relations and organizational development.

Responsibilities

• Set clear direction for the Business Partner function and define team engagement strategies.
• Act as a sparring partner, identifying business needs and serving as the contact for People & Organization matters.
• Shape and drive People strategies globally, ensuring alignment across regions.
• Build organizational health to meet business objectives.
• Educate and partner with managers on performance management and employee development.
• Lead and advise on complex employee relations and talent matters.
• Influence and build relationships with stakeholders across the organization.
• Resolve employee concerns with compassion and follow-through.
• Lead core People processes in designated teams.
• Collaborate on projects with the People & Organization team.
• Oversee the monthly payroll process and provide key information.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring HR Business Partners.
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills.
• Business-level English fluency.
• Experience in international and culturally diverse organizations.
• Ability to translate P&O strategy into clear priorities.
• Experience in organizational development and change management.
• Knowledge of Dutch labour law.
• Familiarity with HR systems and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong business acumen to align People Strategies with goals.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Proactive problem-solving approach.
• Experience in performance management and talent development.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working model (2–3 days per week in the Rotterdam office).
• Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Collaborative international working environment.
• Exposure to large-scale organizational initiatives.
• Potential leadership responsibility within the team.
• Equal opportunity and transparent hiring approach.
• Support for individual needs and inclusive workplace culture.

Additional Details

Starting date – ASAP. Location – Rotterdam, the Netherlands. A pre-employment check may be part of this recruitment process. Thank you for considering this opportunity. Funded.club Senior Recruiters partner exclusively with Startups and are in direct communication with hiring managers. All applications are reviewed by a human recruiter, who makes all decisions about candidate progression.