Senior HR Payroll Specialist – Leiden, NL

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class small molecules, CAR-T therapies and biologics in oncology and immunology. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized, point-of-care CAR-T manufacturing network, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are expanding our US footprint to set-up our decentralized CAR-T network and further build our research capabilities in the US.

We are currently looking for a Senior HR Payroll Specialist – Leiden, NL

Scope of the role

Are you a payroll expert with a passion for precision and a knack for navigating complex regulations? Join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in ensuring our payroll processes are seamless and compliant. We're looking for a proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.

Your role

• Ensure Compliance: Lead the charge in accurately processing payroll, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Stay Ahead: Keep abreast of Dutch laws and proactively initiate changes in our payroll system.
• Collaborate: Partner closely with Finance and Controlling departments to streamline operations.
• Be the Go-To Expert: Serve as the primary contact for Leiden employees on payroll-related queries, from payslips to BIK car benefits.
• Liaison Role: Act as the local representative for our Center of Excellence (CoE) on payroll benefits, including lease cars, insurance, and pensions.
• Drive HR Projects: Contribute to HR projects, including system updates and training organization.
• Engage in Operations: Regularly attend Operations meetings at our Mechelen offices (at least once a month).

Reporting Line:

• You will report directly to the International Payroll Lead based in Mechelen.

Who are you

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of payroll experience. Familiarity with Cobra (SD Worx) and SuccessFactors is a bonus.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Expertise in Leiden employment, tax, and social security laws, with knowledge of Belgian, French, and Swiss regulations being a plus.
• HR Acumen: Strong understanding of HR processes.
• Bilingual Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• Technical Savvy: High proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proactive Approach: Demonstrated initiative and precision in your work.
• Autonomy: Ability to work independently within a hybrid work setup.
• Adaptability: Skill in managing change and ambiguity in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Positive Attitude: A can-do approach that aligns with our energetic, make-it-happen culture.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid Work Model: Enjoy a balanced work life with 50% in-office presence and 50% remote work. Initially, we recommend spending 3 days per week in the office to align, connect, and learn.
• Dynamic Environment: Be part of a vibrant team in a fast-growing company where your contributions are valued and impactful.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Engaging Culture: Join a company with a positive, collaborative, and supportive culture.

This is more than just a job—it's a chance to be part of a company that values innovation, teamwork, and excellence. If you’re a detail-oriented payroll specialist with a passion for HR and a desire to grow within a dynamic, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Take the next step in your career and apply today!

What’s in it for you ?

You will be part of a fast growing and amazing company and member of the Business Development team. As ‘make-it-happener’ you will get all the support you need to make your job successful. At Galapagos we aim to recruit the best people, who stand out among their peers, with integrity and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Our employees are the strength behind Galapagos, a highly motivated team, eager to maintain Galapagos’ leading position and achieve breakthroughs in pharmaceutical research. Galapagos offers a competitive remuneration package and a dynamic work environment.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!