Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Dave Heilbron: HR transformation leader, with a proven track record of scaling hiring operations, transforming organisations and delivering measurable business impact in complex international environments. Known for tripling hiring volume (550 → 1850), reducing cost per hire by more than 75%, and building market-leading employer brands in highly competitive technical sectors. Combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution and a strong focus on data-driven decision-making. Currently Head of Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding at Royal BAM Group, leading a team of 30+ professionals and responsible for recruitment strategy, executive hiring and workforce planning across the organisation. In addition to corporate roles, active at board level through supervisory and governance positions in healthcare and public organisations. Core expertise: Talent Acquisition Transformation HR Business Partner Employer Branding & EVP Workforce Strategy & Scaling Executive Search & Succession HR Digitalisation (ATS & CRM implementations) Cost Optimisation & KPI-driven performance Board & Stakeholder Management Driven by building high-performing organisations through talent, with a focus on measurable business outcomes. Initiator and Board Member of BAM Proud - the first LGBTQI+ network within the construction industry in the Netherlands Has a Canadian and Dutch passport.
Defined and implemented TA & Employer Branding strategy (2023–2028). Scaled hiring from <550 to 1850 professionals within 2.5 years. Reduced cost per hire by 76% (€14.7K → €3.4K). Implemented Strategic Workforce Strategy & Planning together with BCG to align with future business requirement. Reduced organisational attrition levels from 21% to 9%. Built #1 employer brand in construction & infrastructure (Source: Intermediair). Delivered €4M savings through integration of fixed and flex hiring. Lead team of 34 FTE (recruitment, Learning, HR services, Employer Branding, campus, talent development). Responsible for executive Talent Selection and Development across top 150 roles. Established successful MBO/HBO traineeships and BBL talent pipeline. Founder and Board Member BAM Proud (first LGBTQI+ network within the Construction Industry in the Netherlands).
Member of the Supervisory Board of the regional hospital in Amstelveen. Responsible for HR portfolio and member of Audit Committee. With the Board have been reshaping the hospital for the future. A financial solid hospital and healthcare facility with long term ambition for the Amsterdam region. Focusing on engagement, decline in attrition, the hospital has turned into a positive profit making healthcare institution. Contributed to return to financial stability.
Led an international TA team of 17 FTE (US, UK, NL) across business units and board-level functions Delivered €10M cost savings via TA transformation and KPI steering Responsible for executive hiring (MB, MB-1, MB-2 levels) across global organisation Implemented Workday Recruit, Phenom CRM and HR service platforms Co-led global grading and compensation harmonisation Introduced data-driven recruitment performance framework Founder and Board Member Aegon Proud (LGBTQI+ network)
Yarden was one of the main three funeral insurance organisations in the Netherlands. As Board Member of Yarden Association, I represented the shareholders and liaised with the Executive Board and Supervisory Board. Led governance and HR restructuring Played key role in sale to DELA (incl. DNB stakeholder engagement)
Executive search across Finance, Risk, Data, Healthcare and NGO sectors Built and led HR consulting arm (HR Business Partner & Compensation & Rewards advisory) Responsible for P&L and leadership of 8 consultants Acquired and managed international clients including: Financial institutions, Central Banks Private Equity & Asset Management NGOs (Human Rights Watch, War Child)