Performance & Career Development Partner

Do you believe that performance and career development go hand in hand? That feedback, recognition, and well-being are essential for sustainable growth?

VITO, one of Europe’s leading research centers with 1,300 employees, transforms scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI-driven solutions, and policy advice. We do so to help the world thrive for at least another 1,000 years.

VITO is looking for a driven Performance & Career Development Partner to help guide performance, development, and internal mobility within a future-oriented, innovative context. In this role, you will work at the intersection of strategy and execution and create impact at all organizational levels. You will be part of VITO's Talent Acquisition & Performance Acceleration (TAPA) team and report to our Talent Manager.

Performance Management

• You are responsible for the design, coordination, follow-up, and continuous improvement of our performance cycle and associated tools.

• You support the business in managing performance and fostering a performance-driven culture. You ensure that performance management practices are consistent across the organization and adaptable to unit-specific needs.

• You advise and train managers on performance management, based on recent insights, best practices, and market trends. You organize interactive workshops and sessions on feedback and development.

• You promote a culture of continuous feedback beyond the formal evaluation cycle.

• You offer employees advice and tools to enhance their role as self-directed professionals.

Career Development & Internal Mobility

• You develop and implement internal mobility programs and growth paths, in line with strategic needs and individual talents.

• You develop programs for target groups with growth potential (f.e, high potentials).

• You are the central point of contact for employees and managers around professional development and career advice (always in combination with dedicated BPs).

Competence & Job Management.

• You participate in competence mapping, both current and future, as part of strategic workforce planning.

• You support the development of a clear and transparent job house: job design, job weighting, career profiles, and growth paths.

• You oversee the implementation of succession planning initiatives to ensure a pipeline of skilled talent across the organization, with a focus on critical roles.

• You work with leadership to identify talent gaps and create strategies to fill them.

Well-being and job satisfaction

• You help build a culture where colleagues can thrive in a sustainable and supportive atmosphere.

• Within our organization, we have been translating “Well-being” into the strategic program “FIT@VITO”. Your mission is to develop, implement, and monitor initiatives that link with our FIT@VITO program and promote a sustainable culture of physical, mental, and social well-being across the company (employability, mental fitness, healthy work environment, …).

• Monitor absenteeism and co-develop return-to-work strategies for employees returning from long-term sick leave.

Your profile

• You have experience in performance management, career development, or HR policy.

• You are a bridge builder and strategic thinker with an eye for innovation and sustainable development.

• You communicate fluently (in Dutch & English) with various stakeholders and know how to connect.

• You have an affinity with tools, methods, and data within L&D, career development, and/or job management.

• You are curious about the latest insights in the field of learning, performance, well-being, and leadership.

What you’ll love about working here

• Purpose-driven work: Every project at VITO addresses a real global challenge — from cleaner technologies to sustainable resource management.

• Impact at scale: Help shape the talent strategy of a research centre with global influence.

• Continuous growth: Learn, experiment, and develop through training, peer learning, and on-the-job challenges.

• Flexibility built in: Balance your time between our Mol campus and home working (1–2 days per week).

• Attractive rewards: Competitive salary plus benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a modular holiday system.