Head of Business Optimization

Head of Business Optimization

Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands

€8500 - 0

32 - 40 hours

Are you ready to lead transformation at scale?

Can you translate strategy into measurable operational excellence? Do you thrive when driving complex, cross‑functional programs that reshape how an international organization performs?

At HeadFirst Group, this role sits at the center of strategic execution and scalable growth.

The role

As Head of Business Optimization, you lead the engine behind operational excellence across the full customer journey. From Client Sales and Customer Success to Talent Management and back office operations, you ensure strategy is translated into scalable, high‑impact execution.

You lead a team of Program Managers and oversee a portfolio of cross‑functional transformation initiatives. You strengthen governance, drive efficiency, align technology with operations, and ensure that major programs deliver measurable business impact.

This role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, financial acumen, and program delivery excellence within an HR Tech environment.

Your impact at HeadFirst Group

You directly influence:

• Operational efficiency and scalability
• Cross‑functional alignment
• Margin improvement and cost control
• Customer journey optimization
• Program delivery predictability
• Executive visibility and governance maturity

You create structure where complexity exists. You drive execution where strategy demands action. You enable sustainable growth through disciplined program leadership.

What you will be doing

• Define and execute the Business Optimization strategy aligned with growth and operational excellence objectives
• Lead and develop a team of Program Managers, embedding high standards in program governance and delivery
• Own a portfolio of large‑scale transformation programs across commercial, operational, and HR Tech domains
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics linked to business outcomes and financial impact
• Ensure end‑to‑end governance from business case to implementation and performance tracking
• Drive alignment between Product & Technology, Finance, Marketing, HR, and IT to ensure execution excellence
• Build robust governance frameworks with consistent reporting and executive‑level visibility
• Proactively manage risks, dependencies, and cross‑program interdependencies
• Oversee budget management, resource allocation, and financial performance of major initiatives
• Standardize processes and best practices across HR Tech deployments and business operations
• Leverage data, analytics, and AI to continuously optimize workflows and decision making
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, data privacy, and operational standards across programs

About HeadFirst Group

HeadFirst Group is a leading international HR Tech service provider in external workforce solutions and talent intelligence. We combine technology, data, and human capital to enable scalable workforce management.

As we continue to scale internationally, operational excellence and structured program governance are critical to sustainable growth. The Head of Business Optimization plays a key role in strengthening execution power across our European organization.

What we offer

• A high‑impact executive leadership role shaping company‑wide transformation
• The opportunity to professionalize and scale Business Optimization at an international level
• A performance‑driven and collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement
• Competitive compensation, bonus structure, and growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling HR Tech organization. For the complete package, please feel free to contact the recruiter.

Here's what we offer you

• Vacation pay and days off – You will receive 8.33% vacation pay and are entitled to 27 vacation days per year based on full‑time employment.
• Hybrid working – We support hybrid working and apply a 60/40 split, whereby full‑time employees spend three days at the office and two days working from home.
• Premium‑free pension – We pay your entire pension premium. This means you accrue pension without having to contribute to it yourself.
• Performance bonus – Depending on your performance and that of HeadFirst Group, you may receive an annual bonus of one or two months' salary.
• Monthly extras – You will receive a monthly allowance for internet, a vitality budget, a contribution towards lunch, and support in setting up your home office.

What we expect from you

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in program or portfolio management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience within HR Tech, SaaS, or professional services environments
• Deep understanding of HR processes including talent acquisition, payroll, compliance, and workforce analytics
• Strong financial and operational acumen with experience managing significant budgets
• Experience building governance frameworks and driving enterprise‑wide transformation
• Expertise in Agile and/or SAFe methodologies
• Strong stakeholder management skills at the executive level

Any questions? Feel free to ask, I'm happy to help! +31 (0)6 3927 2665

Sander van der Breggen Recruiter Application Process

Submit your application

We will contact you within 48 hours.

First interview

Assessment

Second interview

Job offer

Welcome to HeadFirst Group!

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