Program Manager – Human Resources / Technology

32–38 hours per week | Netherlands (Hybrid)

Are you a Program Manager with a strong affinity for both Technology and Human Resources (HR)? Do you thrive in leading complex programs in an international environment that offers significant opportunities for improvement and innovation?

Action is a fast-growing non-food discounter with over 3,300 stores across 14 European countries and more than 80,000 employees. This rapid growth requires a robust and future-proof HR and IT landscape. Programs within the HR domain support this expansion by ensuring seamless payroll operations across all countries and continuously optimizing recruitment processes, including onboarding and offboarding.

Ready to strengthen our team? Take Action!

Your Role – What You’ll Be Doing

As an IT Program Manager – HR Technology, you are responsible for the successful delivery of strategic initiatives that introduce new technological capabilities across both HR and IT domains. You will own the full program scope and objectives and report directly to the Executive Management Steering Committee.

You will operate in line with Action’s best practices for program governance and control, ensuring transparency, proactive risk management, and the continuous identification of opportunities to keep delivery on track in a dynamic and fast-changing retail environment.

You will be part of the IT Projects & Portfolio team and report to the Manager Project Management Technology.

Your Team & Environment

Action’s IT organization works closely with business domains such as Digital, Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain in cross-functional “streams.” These teams collaborate on innovation, transformation projects, and the performance management of daily operations.

In addition, IT operates a DevOps organization responsible for integration, development, infrastructure, and workplace technology.

More than 350 IT specialists and partners work daily on Action’s technology landscape. To support our ambitious growth plans, we continuously invest in top talent and modern technologies to drive impactful projects within a highly dynamic European retail environment.

Who You Are

You are a confident and proactive Program Manager with a strong sense of ownership and a pragmatic, hands-on mindset. You communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and are comfortable working in an international stakeholder environment.

You combine a clear strategic vision with the ability to translate that vision into concrete, executable programs. You embrace change, innovation, and continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong awareness of cost efficiency and business impact.

Your Experience & Skills

• 8–10+ years of experience as a Program Manager with a proven delivery track record
• Strong command of both traditional (PRINCE2) and agile (Scrum) delivery methodologies
• Proven experience working closely with HR as a business domain
• Experience within the Retail sector is a strong advantage
• Excellent command of Dutch and English, both written and spoken
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced and sometimes immature project environments
• A self-starter, team player, and strong motivator and communicator (working language: English)
• Trusted sparring partner for both business and technology stakeholders, internal and external, providing program and project management advisory

What We Offer

From our dynamic headquarters in the Netherlands, you will have the opportunity to make an impact across Europe. With more than 3,150 stores in 14 countries, Action continues to grow rapidly — offering you continuous opportunities for professional development, whether through new roles, innovation programs, or skill-building initiatives.

You will be part of a culture that truly lives its values: customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost awareness, and respect.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary based on a 38-hour workweek
• Lease car or mobility allowance
• Performance-based bonus scheme (personal and business targets)
• Long-term incentive program
• Laptop and mobile phone
• 15% employee discount at Action stores
• 24 vacation days with the option to purchase 5 additional days (based on 38 hours)
• Initial fixed-term contract with the intention of permanent employment
• Flexible working hours and up to 40% remote work (in alignment with your team and manager)
• Solid pension plan and collective health insurance

Our Impact on Society

Behind the scenes, Action actively contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive society. We sponsor more than 2,000 children worldwide through SOS Children’s Villages, represent over 124 nationalities within our workforce, and continuously improve our sustainability footprint — including responsible sourcing of wood and cotton and the use of energy-efficient LED lighting in more than half of our stores.

Interested?

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage everyone who recognizes themselves in this role to apply.

What to expect in the process:

1. Initial screening interview (Microsoft Teams) with a Senior Tech Recruiter
2. Second interview with the Hiring Manager at our headquarters
3. Online assessment
4. Final interview with senior management stakeholders
5. Welcome to Action!

Throughout the process, your dedicated contact will be Joey Corrigan, Senior Tech Recruiter, who will be happy to support you with any questions.