People Development Specialist

People Development Specialist

Fulltime, 38 hours per week

Ready to shape the future of leadership at one of Europe’s fastest-growing retailers?

At Action, we’re serious about developing our people and our success proves it. With 3000 stores (and growing) in 13 countries and ambitious growth plans ahead, we’re investing in leadership development programmes that prepare our talents to take on tomorrow’s challenges. From our successful Junior Traineeship to the upcoming Senior Leadership Traineeship, you’ll be the strategic force behind these and other development initiatives. We’re looking for an experienced People Development Specialist to help us design, drive and scale impactful programmes that grow Action’s future leaders from within.

This is your daily Action

As a People Development Specialist, you’ll take full ownership of key leadership and talent development programmes starting with our Traineeships. You’ll design learning journeys, manage programme operations, and collaborate with senior stakeholders across HR and the business to ensure alignment, engagement and long-term impact.

In this role, you’ll lead complex development initiatives with confidence and clarity. From building business cases and managing external partners to evaluating programme effectiveness and driving continuous improvement, you’ll be the go-to expert for developing high-potential talent. You thrive on making things happen, managing multiple priorities, and bringing others along through strong relationships and clear communication.
You don’t just execute programmes, you shape them.

Meet your team

You’ll join our international Talent team at Action HQ in Zwaagdijk-Oost. Within the broader HR Expertise & Business Partner organisation, our team focuses on creating the tools, strategies, and programmes that help our people grow. We support performance management, talent planning, leadership development, and succession, with a focus on enabling our business to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. You'll work closely with passionate professionals who take initiative, challenge the status quo, and bring our “better every day” mindset to life.

This is you

You bring senior-level experience in Learning & Development or Talent Development and know what it takes to drive complex development projects from idea to execution. You’re a confident communicator, a trusted advisor to stakeholders, and a natural project manager who stays focused on outcomes.

You also bring:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in HR, Organisational Development, Psychology, or a related field
• At least 6 years of experience in Learning & Development or Talent Management
• Proven experience leading development programmes (e.g. traineeships, leadership programmes) end-to-end
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with senior leaders
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Project management experience and the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Full professional fluency in English (Dutch is a plus, but not required)

What we offer

From our IHQ in Zwaagdijk-Oost, your work will help shape the careers of future leaders across Europe. With Action’s rapid growth, your ideas and impact can go far whether through new initiatives, innovation projects or expanding our development offering to new markets.

You can also count on:

• 24 vacation days, with the option to purchase 5 extra (based on a 38-hour week)
• An annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (3 days in office & 2 days remote)
• 15% staff discount at Action stores
• Pension scheme, collective health insurance and a travel allowance (Zwaagdijk-Oost is just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car or 15 minutes via shuttle from Hoorn Station)

How we contribute to society

There’s more to Action than what you see in our stores. Behind the scenes, we’re committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. We support over 2,500 children globally through SOS Children’s Villages, promote diversity within our teams (with 124 nationalities represented!), and use sustainable resources for our products, like 92% certified wood and 100% sustainable cotton. Curious about how else we’re making a difference? Join us and experience it first-hand.

Interested?

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and warmly welcome everyone who sees themselves in this role to apply. So don’t wait, take action and apply today!

What happens next:

• Our recruiter will review your application and get back to you soon.
• You’ll be invited for a first interview.
• If there’s a match, you’ll have a second interview including an assessment discussion.
• Still a great fit? Then we’ll welcome you as our new colleague!

Your recruiter will be your go-to contact throughout the process and is happy to answer any questions.