Global Head of Executive Recruitment

Global Head of Executive Recruitment at FrieslandCampina

As Global Head of Executive Recruitment, you will play an important role in shaping FrieslandCampina’s executive talent strategy, driving a high-impact shift from external dependency to an agile, in-house model now managing 80% of executive hiring internally. This role is not just about filling roles; it’s about partnering with senior leadership to build a forward-looking, network-driven approach to attracting exceptional leadership talent.

You will act as a trusted advisor to the C-suite and senior stakeholders, ensuring a seamless, strategic recruitment process that aligns with the organization’s long-term business goals. With a strong foundation already in place, the function is now ready to evolve. Expanding its global reach, embedding advanced CRM and data capabilities, and tightly integrating internal succession planning with external talent pipelines.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the next chapter of a maturing executive recruitment function. By setting a clear strategic direction, building future-fit frameworks, and elevating the capability of internal teams, you will ensure FrieslandCampina continues to attract and retain the visionary leaders needed for sustainable growth.

What we ask

What you bring:

• 7 to 10 years of experience managing the full lifecycle of senior executive recruitment, with a strong track record in hiring for critical leadership roles and aligning talent strategies with business and succession planning.
• A consistent ability to deliver high-caliber hires at speed, even in demanding, high-stakes environments without compromising on quality.
• Trusted advisory skills, with a reputation for guiding senior leaders through structured, strategic hiring decisions rather than reactive choices.
• The confidence to challenge and influence stakeholders, ensuring rigorous standards are upheld and aligned with long-term organizational goals.
• Sharp judgment and strong evaluative skills, with the ability to assess leadership potential, strategic thinking, and long-term cultural fit.
• Excellent communication skills. Clear, credible, and persuasive able to craft compelling narratives, position profiles, and influence at the executive level.

What we offer

FrieslandCampina has a unique company culture of Dutch heritage and international presence. The work environment is informal and friendly, where you collaborate with passionate professionals. You will have access to training and coaching to support your professional growth, and internal career development opportunities are actively encouraged. With trust and autonomy, you will have the chance to create lasting impact, contributing to better nutrition for the world. As for the employment benefits:

• Salary between €7371 - €10.000 per month, depending on knowledge and experience (full-time);
• Full-time workweek of 40 hours, a bonus scheme and a pension;
• Flexible working hours and ample opportunities to work from home;
• Car Lease Scheme/Mobility budget and NS business card for train travel;
• 200 hours of annual leave, the option to buy or sell 40 extra hours, and 8% holiday allowance;
• Free milk & cheese during lunch and delicious barista coffee at our headquarters.

Vacancy description

You will own and lead FrieslandCampina’s global executive recruitment process, ensuring it is strategic, efficient, and aligned with evolving business and leadership needs. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and continuously enhancing the end-to-end executive hiring process, balancing direct sourcing with strategic agency partnerships.
• Partnering closely with Hiring Managers and HR to define leadership roles, shape candidate profiles, and co-create tailored recruitment strategies.
• Identifying, engaging, and presenting top executive talent - both internal and external - including hard-to-reach, passive candidates from diverse networks.
• Managing the leadership assessment process in collaboration with internal teams and external experts, ensuring seamless integration into the overall hiring journey.
• Overseeing interview design, coordination, and decision-making processes to ensure clarity, speed, and a high-quality candidate experience.

Staying true to who you really are, that is your starting point at FrieslandCampina. Because it is precisely by embracing our differences that we can grow together. We want to create a working environment that allows all employees to bring their best and authentic selves. If who we are suits you, but you're not sure if you're the best fit for the role, we still encourage you to apply so we can help you find the role that fits you best.

Team Details

This role is part of the People & Growth team within Corporate HR, which takes a global lead in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Learning & Development, and Reward. Based at our global headquarters in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, the Executive Recruitment Lead will collaborate closely with Regional Talent Acquisition Leads, Talent Intelligence, and Employer Branding teams. Together, you will craft and implement strategic recruitment processes that attract exceptional leaders—leaders who embody our values and will drive FrieslandCampina’s continued success and innovation.

FrieslandCampina, is more than just a dairy company - we are a company driven by purpose. For our farmers, employees, communities, and customers, we stand for something bigger. It’s not only about what we do, but who we are and the positive impact we create together. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who are eager to contribute to a mission greater than themselves. We empower our employees to make decisions that benefit the entire organization and trust them to shape their careers with purpose. At FrieslandCampina, every role is an opportunity to influence the future and make a meaningful contribution to a better world through better nutrition.