People Lead (Business Partner)- Nordics & Benelux
Work Arrangement
Office Days per Week: 3 days
Key Skills
Job Description
Dr. Martens is more than a brand - it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place. At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words - they’re how we turn passion into progress. WHERE YOU SIT As our People Lead- Nordics & Benelux you’ll be part of the People Team working closely with brilliant people across the business. Reporting directly to Head of People – UK, Nordics & Benelux. You’ll be at the core of fast‑moving, high‑impact initiatives shaping Dr. Martens - today and for the future. Based in our Amsterdam office. WHERE YOU CONTRIBUTE The People Lead - Nordics & Benelux is responsible for delivering the People agenda across the Nordics and Benelux markets, acting as a trusted advisor to leaders and enabling strong business performance through effective people strategies. This role partners closely with market leaders and the wider People function to translate global People frameworks into locally relevant solutions. It supports organisational effectiveness, leadership capability, employee engagement and performance, while ensuring compliance with local employment legislation and internal governance. By balancing strategic partnership with hands-on delivery, the role plays a key part in building a high performing, values led organisation aligned to Dr. Martens’ consumer centric growth ambitions. People Business Partnering Act as a trusted People partner to leaders across the Nordics and Benelux markets. Translate enterprise and regional People strategies into clear local people plans and priorities. Provide insight, challenge and guidance to support effective leadership decision making. Organisational Effectiveness & Workplace Planning Support organisational design, role clarity and operating model implementation at market level. Lead workforce planning activity, ensuring the right capability and capacity are in place. Partner with leaders on change initiatives to ensure people impacts are considered and managed. Talent, Performance & Development Enable performance management processes that drive accountability, clarity and development. Support succession planning and identification of critical roles and talent. Partner with Talent and Learning teams to deliver capability building initiatives aligned to market needs. Employee Engagement & Culture Drive employee engagement activity and action planning using survey data and feedback. Champion Dr. Martens’ values and inclusive behaviours across the markets. Support wellbeing, retention and a positive employee experience. Employee Relations & Compliance Manage employee relations matters across the Nordics and Benelux, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes. Partner with Legal and People Operations on complex cases and escalations. Ensure consistent application of People policies and procedures in line with local legislation. Managing sickness rates across the market Key Skills & Capabilities People Business Partnering Experience: Proven experience partnering with leaders in a multi-country or matrixed environment. Employment Law Knowledge: Strong understanding of employment legislation and practices across the Nordics and Benelux. Business Acumen: Ability to align people strategy with commercial and operational priorities. Change & Adaptability: Experience supporting organisational change and growth. Stakeholder Influence: Credible advisor with strong relationship building skills. Data & Insight Orientation: Uses people metrics to inform decisions and prioritisation. Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts. Values Led‑ Behaviour: Role ‑models authenticity, care and accountability in line with the DM Way. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Hybrid working- 3 days in office Welcome to the family free pair of Docs 65% off all Docs READY TO FILL YOUR BOOTS? If you’re excited to own your impact, shape the future of an iconic brand, and grow your career in a place that champions individuality — we’d love to hear from you. At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us speak authentically to our consumers. We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.
Core Responsibilities
Partner with leaders across the Nordics and Benelux to translate People strategies into local plans, support organisational effectiveness and workforce planning, and strengthen talent, performance, engagement, and culture. Manage employee relations and sickness rates while ensuring fair, consistent compliance with local employment legislation and company policies.
Requirements
The role calls for proven People Business Partner experience in a multi-country or matrixed environment and strong knowledge of employment legislation across the Nordics and Benelux. Candidates should demonstrate commercial acumen, change adaptability, stakeholder influence, data-informed decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and values-led behaviour.
Benefits
- Hybrid Working
- Free Pair of Dr. Martens Shoes
- 65% Discount on Dr. Martens Products
About Dr. Martens plc
Industry: Retail
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Dr. Martens is an iconic British footwear brand founded in Northamptonshire, England. Its first silhouette, the 1460 boot – named after the date it was produced – rolled off the production line on 1 April 1960. Stitched into its heel loop were three words in the founder's own handwriting, a nod to the boot's new air-cushioned sole: With Bouncing Soles. Originally chosen by workers for their comfort and durability, "Doc's" or "DM's" boots and shoes were later adopted by musicians and subcultural pioneers who took them from the street to the global stage. Over six decades later, Dr. Martens operates in more than 60 countries and employs around 3,600 people. The company continues to honour the brand's heritage through its 'Made in England' footwear, manufactured at its original Northamptonshire factory, while meeting global demand from multiple high-quality production sites across Asia. All our products are made with an unwavering commitment to craft, combined with innovative techniques. Those same three words are now the brand's enduring global platform. With Bouncing Soles is not a tagline or a seasonal campaign; it is a statement of intent and a creative thread that runs through everything Dr. Martens does, from product and retail to partnerships and community. What began as a promise of comfort has become an opportunity for reflection and a call to action: What Makes Your Sole Bounce? Dr. Martens collection reflects craftsmanship, heritage, timeless style, comfort, and versatility. Having transcended generations, the brand remains as relevant today as it was at its inception. Its signature yellow welt stitching, grooved sole edges, and scripted “With Bouncing Soles" heel loops remain iconic symbols recognised around the world. Dr. Martens plc (DOCS.L) is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. For more information, visit www.drmartens.com or http://www.drmartensplc.com