HR Business Partner - US

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class small molecules, CAR-T therapies and biologics in oncology and immunology. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a Decentralized Manufacturing Unit(s) of CAR-T, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are expanding our US footprint to set-up our decentralized CAR-T network and further build our research capabilities in the US.

To support the expansion of our organization in the US, we are looking for a HR Business Partner based in Princeton.

Scope of the job

As HR Business Partner - US, you support the organizational set-up of the US decentralized CAR-T network. new CAR-T and antibody therapy discovery and pre-clinical evaluations and clinical development activities, whilst preparing for commercialization. You partner to develop a futureproof talent set-up delivering our business ambition in terms of CAR-T innovation and access to patients in the US and beyond. As HR US you will be responsible for operationalizing HR Processes and policies whilst infusing them with the specific US perspective.

Your role

Enhance and develop the US HR services and operations

• Establish and implement HR processes, policies and procedures tailored to the US market
• Lead the onboarding of new employees and deploy retention efforts to build high performing US teams well connected with Europe
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including employment practices and benefits administration
• You support and coordinate all employee lifecycle processes in your business such as performance management, learning & development, promotions, compensation and talent reviews.
  
  

Integration and collaboration

• Work closely with the European teams to align HR strategies and initiatives while incorporating US specificities, foster cross-functional collaboration
• Support the integration and embedding of the US colleagues into the broader Galapagos corporate values and culture
• You work closely together with the HR COE’s (Centre of Excellence) in Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits as well as Talent Development to deploy an entrepreneurial empowering HR vision.
  
  

Strategic HR leadership

• You partner with your business to co-create a futureproof and innovative oncology organization, involving organic growth and potential collaborations or acquisitions. You provide guidance on organizational design, talent management and workforce planning
• You help create high performing teams and focus on the growth and development of the leaders and employees.
• You drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion within the US organization
• You promote a no-nonsense culture and a ‘can-do’ mentality and act as an example.
  
  

Who are you ?

The role requires a blend of hands-on operational execution and strategic partnership with business leaders to ensure organisational design and workforce planning align with the company objectives.

• To be successful in your role you have built up experience as an HR change agent in an entrepreneurial dynamic fast-growing life science environment. You are a true people person with business acumen. You use your strong relationship skills to build a high performing oncology organization from discovery through commercialization with great leadership quality and a sound culture.
• You represent the ‘human’ in your title and make sure the well-being of all Galapagos employees is secured. Your middle name is ‘innovation’ and you are able to think out of the box to drive a futureproof HR organisation. You are a problem solver and you think in co-creating solutions. You have the ability to think strategically but you can also work very hands-on. You respect deadlines and ensure all HR processes are executed in an effective way.
• You act local but think global. You are expected to engage in person regularly with the teams across the different sites (Princeton, Pittsburgh, etc)
• Master’s degree in Economics, Psychology, Human resources, Business administration or a related field; 10+ years of progressive HR experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
• Strong knowledge of US employment laws, regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience with collaborating across geographies and cultures, particularly with European counterparts. Exposure to ROW is nice to have.
  
  

What’s in it for you?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

You will be part of an entrepreneurial dynamic and purposeful company. As a trusted member of the HR Lead team, you will be instrumental to co-create HR Strategy, articulating our people an organisation vision supported by modern empowering policies and processes.

Your purpose will be to play a pivotal role in shaping US presence of a pure-play Biotech company.

As ‘make-it-happener’ you will get all the support you need to make your job successful. At Galapagos we aim to recruit the best talent, who stand out among their peers, with integrity and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Our employees are the strength behind Galapagos, a highly motivated team, eager to maintain Galapagos’ leading position and achieve breakthroughs in pharmaceutical research.

Galapagos offers a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!