Expert in Staff Budgeting & Strategic Workforce Planning

1 - Working at the VUB

Do you want to contribute to a thoughtful workforce planning strategy in an academic context? Then we would love to meet you. At VUB, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact. 

For over 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has stood for freedom, equality, and connection — values that are deeply embedded in our campuses among students and staff alike. At VUB, you’ll find a diverse group of personalities: true innovators, but above all, people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer in the private sector in Brussels — an international city with which we are proudly connected and where our four campuses are located. 

VUB is also a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of 10 like-minded European universities. 

2 - Position Description

As Expert in Staff Budgeting & Strategic Workforce Planning, you will be part of the 45-member Finance team and report directly to the CFO. 

In this role, you will be the driving force behind the development of strategic workforce planning, serving as the vital link between financial insights and HR strategies. You’ll translate data and plans into concrete strategic actions that help secure the university’s future readiness. 

The strength of this role lies in collaboration. You will work closely with the budgeting lead, HR Business Partners, Business Analysts, faculties, and other central services. Your insights and models will support VUB in looking ahead, making informed choices, and acting strategically. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Redesigning and optimizing the staff budgeting model to align with VUB’s strategic goals.
• Developing and implementing a strategic workforce planning model that considers not only headcount but also the competencies we will need in the future.
• Playing a key role in the implementation of an integrated tool for staff budgeting and workforce planning.
• Building supportive tools and dashboards that bring clarity to complex topics.
• Analyzing financial and HR data to uncover both short- and long-term needs.
• Developing scenario plans in close collaboration with faculties and departments to translate future developments (such as growth, digitalization, or market shifts) into impacts on people and resources.
• Advising internal stakeholders on topics such as recruitment forecasting, development needs, and succession planning. You’ll also promote the use of strategic insights in broader organizational processes. 

In short, you’ll help build a bridge between Finance and HR — not just by thinking strategically but by doing: bringing structure, vision, and tools that empower us to make better decisions, today and in the future. 

Your base of operations? The iconic Braem Building, a landmark on the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Ixelles. Naturally, this is combined with flexibility and opportunities to work from home. 

3 - Profile

Who are you? 

• You hold a Master's degree and have an affinity for financial, budgeting, and HR-related processes.
• You have 3 to 5 years of experience in workforce planning, capacity management, or a similar role;
  or you come from a finance background (e.g., as a business controller or financial analyst) and are highly motivated to delve into strategic workforce planning.
• You have strong analytical skills, are conceptually sound, and can turn data into strategically relevant insights.
• You are experienced in scenario planning and understand how today's decisions shape tomorrow’s organization.
• You are a strong communicator, bring people together, and know how to build alignment.
• Experience with planning software and data analytics tools is an asset.
• You have a good command of Dutch, both spoken and written, to ensure effective collaboration within our university environment. 

VUB aims to be a reflection of society, where everyone’s talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability, or neurodiversity. 

4 - Offer

Will you be our new colleague? 

If so, we offer you a full-time, fixed term contract with a gross monthly salary in grade 7, 8, or 9, depending on your skills and relevant work experience. 

You can find an overview of our salary scales on our website under “Working at VUB”. 

At VUB, we guarantee an open, engaged, and diverse workplace and offer plenty of opportunities to develop and grow your career. You’ll also benefit from a wide range of perks, including: 

• Extensive remote work options, a monthly telework allowance of €60, and the equipment you need to work comfortably from home;
• A casual and informal work environment with a strong focus on work-life balance, including 35 vacation days, university-wide closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 additional leave days;
• A free hospitalization insurance and an excellent group insurance plan, including income protection;
• Full reimbursement of commuting costs for public transport and/or a bicycle allowance;
• Varied meals at affordable prices in our campus restaurants;
• Discounted sports facilities, numerous perks through Benefits@Work (including discounts in shops, on flights, fuel, theme parks...), and eco vouchers;
• A daycare facility close to campus and discounts on holiday camps for children;
• The opportunity to shape your own role and continue learning through our VUB learning platforms and training programs;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive and a good sense of humor. 

5 - Interested?

Does this opportunity speak to you? 

Then apply before 18 July via jobs.vub.be 

Our selection process consists of: 

• Step 1: CV screening by one of our recruiters.
• Step 2: A comparative exercise to assess your approach and insight. This helps us identify your strengths and areas for development. This step is scheduled for the week of 28 July and can be completed remotely.
• Step 3: A job interview, scheduled for the week of 4 August and conducted online (timings subject to change). 

Get in touch! 

Questions about the role? 
Contact Nadine Verheyen at nadine.verheyen@vub.be 

Questions about the selection process or the offer? 
Contact Sammy-Jo Van Tendeloo at sammyjo.van.tendeloo@vub.be 

Curious about what it's like to work at VUB or want to know more about EUTOPIA? 
Visit jobs.vub.be to explore our campuses, benefits, strategic goals, and community. 
You can also learn more about our European university network via eutopia-university.eu. 

6 - For office use

Regulation:op de werking

Contract: [[c_contractType]]

Head unit/faculty: Directie Financiën

FTE: 1

Function: Beleidsmedewerker

Pay grade group: 7-8-9

Recrutement type:recruitment