Alex Wright
Senior Manager – Europe
Returning from our recent trip to Amsterdam, it is evident the business landscape is evolving fast. From tech scale-ups and fintech, to creative agencies and global HQs, the city is thriving. In this environment, the traditional HR Manager role is being redefined — and increasingly replaced by the Operational HR Business Partner (HRBP).
This shift isn’t just the title change — it reflects a real need for HR professionals who are closely embedded in the business, supporting managers directly and turning HR strategy into real-world results.
Unlike Strategic HRBPs, we are seeing a focus on hiring individuals with a strong HR operational understanding as well as being able to partner senior stakeholders in the organisation. They’re the first point of contact for line managers, helping with:
✅ Performance, absence, and conduct management
✅ Navigating local labor law in diverse teams
✅ Implementing change and driving engagement
✅ Coaching leaders through people issues as they happen
✅ Ensuring company culture is lived, not just designed
Why It Matters …
✅ Fast-growth companies (e.g. in tech and fintech) need hands-on support, not distant policy-makers.
✅ Hybrid and remote teams require HR visibility and responsiveness — even across borders.
✅ Compliance with Dutch labor law is complex, especially in international teams. Operational HRBPs ensure policies are correctly applied.
✅ Culture is a competitive edge, and HR must be embedded in daily operations to sustain it.
It is the hybrid nature of these roles, balancing strong HR operational knowledge with exceptional people skills. The speed of innovation in the Netherlands and people growth in local teams have made this type of role crucial.
Are we going to see more roles of this nature in the second half of the year? Our answer is , Yes.
For more information, please get in touch with Alex Wright, Senior Manager specialising with the Financial and Professional services industries within Oakleaf Partnerships Europe Division.
