Hire Customer Experience Manager in Belgium: The Complete Guide for Global Employers

Why Global Companies Hire Customer Experience Managers from Belgium

Belgium offers several strategic advantages for companies seeking to hire customer experience managers who can elevate their European customer service operations:

• Multilingual capabilities: Belgian professionals typically speak Dutch, French, and English fluently, with many also proficient in German. This multilingual versatility is invaluable for managing customer experiences across European markets.
• Cultural intelligence: Located at the crossroads of Germanic and Latin cultures, Belgians possess a natural understanding of diverse European customer expectations and communication styles.
• Strategic location: Belgium’s central position in Europe makes it an ideal hub for managing customer experience across multiple European regions, with easy access to major markets.
• High service standards: Belgium has a strong tradition of quality service delivery and customer-centric business practices, particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and financial services.
• Digital sophistication: The country boasts high digital adoption rates and extensive experience implementing advanced CX technologies and omnichannel strategies.

For companies seeking to establish or enhance their European customer experience operations, staffing agencies in Belgium can provide access to this valuable talent pool of customer experience professionals.

Who Should Consider Hiring Belgian Customer Experience Managers

Several types of organizations can benefit significantly from hiring customer experience managers from Belgium:

• International companies entering European markets: Businesses expanding into Europe can leverage Belgian CX managers’ multi-cultural understanding and language skills to create localized customer journeys that resonate across different European countries.
• E-commerce businesses: Online retailers targeting European consumers need customer experience leaders who understand regional purchasing behaviors, payment preferences, and service expectations.
• SaaS companies: Software-as-a-Service providers can benefit from Belgian CX managers who can guide European customer onboarding, success strategies, and retention programs.
• Financial services organizations: Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms can utilize Belgian expertise in navigating complex financial regulations while delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Customer support centers: Companies establishing European customer service hubs can rely on Belgian managers to develop and implement service protocols that address the needs of diverse European customers.

Organizations aiming to enhance their European customer service operations can benefit from staff augmentation companies in Belgium that specialize in connecting businesses with experienced customer experience professionals.

Key Skills and Specializations for Customer Experience Managers

Belgian customer experience managers bring a diverse set of skills that make them valuable assets for global companies:

Core CX Competencies

• Customer journey mapping: Expertise in documenting and optimizing all customer touchpoints and interactions
• Voice of Customer (VoC) program management: Experience collecting, analyzing, and implementing customer feedback
• CX metrics expertise: Proficiency in NPS, CSAT, CES, and other key performance indicators
• Service design methodologies: Knowledge of design thinking and service blueprinting techniques
• Digital experience optimization: Skills in improving website, app, and other digital touchpoints
• Omnichannel strategy development: Ability to create consistent experiences across physical and digital channels

Specialized CX Areas in Belgium

Many Belgian customer experience managers also possess valuable technical skills, including proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics), customer feedback tools, analytics software, and service design applications.

Experience Levels of Belgian Customer Experience Managers

Understanding the different experience levels of customer experience managers in Belgium helps employers match candidates to their organizational needs:

Entry-Level CX Managers (0-3 years)

Professionals at this level typically have transitioned from customer service roles or hold specialized CX certifications:

• Experience leading small teams or specific customer journey segments
• Proficiency with common CX metrics and measurement methodologies
• Familiarity with CRM systems and customer feedback tools
• Understanding of basic journey mapping and service design principles
• Often specialized in specific channels (digital, phone, in-person)
• May hold certifications from CXPA, CCXP, or similar organizations

Mid-Level CX Managers (3-7 years)

These professionals bring broader experience and deeper expertise:

• Proven track record managing comprehensive CX programs
• Experience leading cross-functional CX initiatives
• Ability to design and implement Voice of Customer programs
• Proficiency in analyzing CX data and deriving actionable insights
• Track record of measurable improvements in customer satisfaction metrics
• Experience with change management and stakeholder alignment
• Often fluent in multiple languages with cross-cultural experience

Senior CX Leaders (7+ years)

Experienced customer experience executives offer strategic expertise:

• Strategic vision for enterprise-wide customer experience transformation
• Extensive experience aligning CX initiatives with business objectives
• Proven success implementing CX governance frameworks
• Experience managing substantial CX budgets and demonstrating ROI
• Track record of building and leading high-performing CX teams
• Deep expertise in advanced analytics and predictive CX modeling
• Experience integrating CX with broader digital transformation efforts
• Often experienced working across multiple European markets

Belgian customer experience professionals at all levels typically bring valuable multilingual capabilities and cross-cultural understanding that can significantly benefit global organizations serving diverse European markets.

Hiring Models to Choose From

When hiring customer experience managers in Belgium, companies can choose from several employment models, each with distinct advantages and considerations:

Your choice of hiring model will depend on factors including your existing presence in Belgium, the strategic importance of the role, budget considerations, and timeline requirements. For companies new to the Belgian market, Employer of Record (EOR) service providers in Belgium offer a streamlined approach to hiring customer experience talent without establishing a local entity.

How to Legally Hire Customer Experience Managers in Belgium

Navigating the Belgian employment landscape requires understanding your options for legally hiring customer experience managers:

Option 1: Establish a Legal Entity in Belgium

Setting up your own Belgian entity gives you direct employer status:

• Register with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE/KBO)
• Establish a registered office in Belgium
• Comply with industry-specific collective bargaining agreements
• Register with social security authorities (ONSS/RSZ)
• Implement compliant payroll and tax withholding systems
• Create Belgian employment contracts and HR policies
• Set up mandatory insurance coverages

Option 2: Use an Employer of Record (EOR) Service

An EOR solution like Asanify handles legal employment while you manage the work:

• No need to establish a Belgian legal entity
• EOR becomes the legal employer of record
• Compliant employment contracts and HR administration
• Proper tax withholding and social security contributions
• Adherence to Belgian labor laws and collective agreements
• Management of benefits, insurance, and statutory requirements
• You maintain day-to-day management of the employee

Comparison: Entity Setup vs. EOR Solution

For companies without an existing presence in Belgium, using an Employer of Record service provides the most efficient path to hiring customer experience managers while ensuring full compliance with Belgian employment regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Customer Experience Managers in Belgium

Follow this structured approach to successfully hire customer experience managers in Belgium:

Step 1: Define Your CX Requirements

• Clarify the specific customer experience objectives for the Belgian or European market
• Determine required language capabilities (Dutch, French, English, potentially German)
• Identify necessary industry experience and technical CX expertise
• Establish reporting structure and team management responsibilities
• Define success metrics and performance expectations
• Document specific customer experience methodologies or frameworks required

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Hiring Model

• Assess whether you need a full-time employee or project-based consultant
• Determine if you’ll establish a Belgian entity or use an EOR service
• Consider remote vs. on-site requirements for the role
• Evaluate budget constraints and timeline requirements
• Decide whether to handle recruitment directly or use specialized agencies

Step 3: Source Qualified Candidates

• Tap into Belgian CX professional networks and associations
• Utilize specialized customer experience job platforms and LinkedIn
• Engage with Belgian universities offering CX and service design programs
• Connect with CX communities and events in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent
• Consider specialized recruitment agencies with CX expertise
• Leverage employee referrals if you have existing team members in the region

Step 4: Evaluate and Select Candidates

• Assess multilingual capabilities relevant to your target markets
• Review previous CX transformation achievements and metrics improvements
• Evaluate technical proficiency with relevant CX tools and methodologies
• Conduct case-based interviews focused on customer journey improvements
• Assess cultural fit with your organization and understanding of your industry
• Verify relevant certifications (CCXP, service design, etc.)
• Check references from previous employers or clients

Step 5: Onboard Successfully

• Create comprehensive employment agreements with clear objectives
• Provide thorough orientation to your company’s CX philosophy and strategy
• Establish connections with global CX team members and key stakeholders
• Set up proper access to all necessary CX systems and tools
• Schedule regular check-ins during the initial months
• Provide cultural context about your customer base and markets

For companies using the EOR model, Asanify simplifies this process by handling the complex employment compliance aspects while allowing you to focus on finding the right customer experience talent and integrating them into your operations.

Salary Benchmarks

Offering competitive compensation is essential for attracting qualified customer experience managers in Belgium. Salary levels vary based on experience, specialization, and location within the country.

Factors Affecting CX Manager Compensation

• Industry vertical: Financial services, luxury retail, and technology typically offer higher compensation
• Company size: Larger enterprises generally offer higher salaries than SMEs
• Technical expertise: Specialized skills in CX analytics, technology implementation, or digital transformation command premium rates
• Language proficiency: Fluency in multiple languages (particularly Dutch, French, English, and German) increases value
• Location: Positions in Brussels typically offer 5-15% higher compensation than other regions

Required Benefits Package

Belgian employment law and market expectations require a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance contributions
• Pension scheme/group insurance
• Annual vacation allowance (approximately 92% of monthly salary)
• End-of-year premium (13th month)
• Meal vouchers (€8-€9 per working day typical)
• Commuting allowance or company car
• Mobile phone and internet allowance for remote work

Note that Belgium has high employer social security contributions (approximately 25% of gross salary) and progressive income tax rates, making the total employment cost significantly higher than the gross salary.

What Skills to Look for When Hiring Customer Experience Managers

To identify the most qualified customer experience managers in Belgium, evaluate candidates across both technical expertise and soft skills:

Essential Technical Skills

• Customer journey mapping: Ability to document, analyze, and optimize end-to-end customer experiences across touchpoints
• CX metrics expertise: Proficiency with NPS, CSAT, CES, and other key metrics, including implementation and analysis
• Voice of Customer program management: Experience designing and managing systematic customer feedback collection and implementation
• CX technology proficiency: Knowledge of CRM platforms, customer feedback tools, and experience management software
• Data analysis capabilities: Ability to extract insights from customer data and translate them into actionable improvements
• Digital experience optimization: Skills in improving website, mobile, and other digital touchpoint experiences
• Service design methodologies: Understanding of service blueprinting and design thinking approaches

Critical Soft Skills

• Cross-functional leadership: Ability to influence and collaborate across departments without direct authority
• Customer empathy: Genuine understanding of customer needs, pain points, and expectations
• Change management: Skills in guiding organizations through customer-centric transformations
• Business acumen: Understanding how CX initiatives drive business outcomes and ROI
• Communication excellence: Clear, persuasive communication with both executives and frontline teams
• Problem-solving orientation: Creative approach to addressing complex customer experience challenges
• Cultural intelligence: Sensitivity to diverse customer expectations across European markets

Belgian-Specific Qualifications

• Multilingual proficiency: Fluency in Dutch, French, and English is highly valuable; German is a plus
• Cross-cultural expertise: Understanding of different European customer expectations and communication styles
• EU regulatory knowledge: Familiarity with GDPR and other regulations affecting customer data and interactions
• European market understanding: Knowledge of customer preferences and behaviors across key European markets
• Relevant certifications: CCXP, CXPA qualifications, or European service design certifications

When evaluating candidates, look for demonstrated results in improving customer satisfaction metrics and evidence of successfully implementing customer experience improvements in contexts relevant to your business.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Hiring customer experience managers in Belgium requires adherence to specific legal and compliance requirements:

Employment Law Requirements

• Employment contracts: Written contracts are mandatory and must include specific elements under Belgian law
• Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs): Most CX roles fall under Joint Committee 200 or 218, with specific requirements
• Working hours: Standard 38-hour workweek with strict regulations on overtime and weekend work
• Notice periods: Legally mandated termination notice periods based on seniority
• Annual leave: Minimum 20 working days plus 10 public holidays
• Trial periods: New regulations limiting probationary periods must be observed

Customer Experience-Specific Regulations

• GDPR compliance: Customer experience roles involve extensive personal data handling, requiring strict GDPR adherence
• Consumer protection laws: Belgian and EU regulations regarding customer communications and marketing
• Industry-specific requirements: Additional regulations for CX managers in financial services, healthcare, etc.
• Accessibility requirements: Belgian laws regarding service accessibility for customers with disabilities
• Language laws: Requirements to provide customer service in specific languages depending on region

Tax and Social Security Obligations

• Employer social security: Approximately 25% of gross salary
• Income tax withholding: Progressive system requiring proper payroll administration
• Benefit taxation: Specific rules for taxable and non-taxable benefits
• VAT implications: For certain customer experience services and tools

Remote Work Considerations

• Work-from-home allowances: Mandatory compensation for home office expenses
• Equipment provision: Legal requirements to provide necessary tools
• Health and safety regulations: Home office safety compliance
• Right to disconnect: New Belgian regulations regarding after-hours communications

Navigating these complex requirements can be challenging for foreign employers. Asanify’s EOR services provide comprehensive compliance management, ensuring all legal obligations are met while allowing you to focus on the operational aspects of customer experience management.

Common Challenges Global Employers Face

Companies hiring customer experience managers in Belgium often encounter several key challenges:

Navigating Belgian Employment Regulations

Belgium has complex labor laws that can be difficult for foreign employers:

• Strict employment protection regulations making terminations challenging
• Mandatory industry-specific collective bargaining agreements
• Complex tax and social security withholding requirements
• Regional variations in employment practices between Flanders and Wallonia
• Mandatory consultation with employee representatives for certain changes

Cultural and Language Nuances

Belgium’s multilingual environment presents unique challenges:

• Need to navigate cultural differences between Flemish and Walloon regions
• Language-specific customer service requirements in different parts of Belgium
• Cultural expectations regarding management styles and feedback
• Integration of Belgian CX managers into global teams with different work cultures
• Adapting global CX strategies to Belgian and broader European contexts

Competitive Talent Landscape

The market for experienced CX professionals is highly competitive:

• Limited pool of multilingual CX leaders with specific industry experience
• Competition from major multinational companies with European headquarters in Belgium
• High expectations for compensation packages and work-life balance
• Retention challenges as experienced CX professionals have multiple opportunities
• Lengthy hiring processes due to extended notice periods (often 3 months for senior roles)

Integration with Global CX Operations

Aligning Belgian CX operations with global structures can be complex:

• Harmonizing local and global customer experience standards
• Integrating Belgium-specific customer insights into global strategies
• Managing reporting relationships between local and global CX teams
• Adapting global CX technology platforms to Belgian market needs
• Balancing standardization with necessary local customization

Asanify’s EOR solution addresses many of these challenges by handling the complex employment and compliance aspects, allowing your company to focus on the strategic integration of your Belgian customer experience managers with your global operations.

Best Practices for Managing Remote Customer Experience Managers in Belgium

As remote and hybrid work arrangements become increasingly common, effectively managing Belgian customer experience managers in such settings requires thoughtful approaches:

Establish Clear Communication Protocols

• Define expectations for communication frequency and preferred channels
• Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins and team meetings at times that work across time zones
• Create dedicated channels for urgent customer experience issues
• Balance asynchronous communication with real-time collaboration
• Respect Belgian work hours and “right to disconnect” regulations

Implement Effective Collaboration Tools

• Provide access to digital customer journey mapping platforms
• Utilize shared dashboards for CX metrics and performance tracking
• Implement collaborative workspaces for CX strategy development
• Ensure secure access to customer feedback systems and data
• Create virtual spaces for sharing customer insights and best practices

Build Cross-Cultural Understanding

• Recognize Belgium’s distinctive business culture and communication styles
• Understand the importance of work-life balance in Belgian work culture
• Accommodate language preferences for internal communications
• Acknowledge regional differences between Flemish and Walloon approaches
• Create opportunities for cultural exchange with global team members

Focus on Results Rather Than Activity

• Define clear CX objectives and key results (OKRs)
• Establish measurable customer experience metrics and improvement targets
• Implement regular reporting on customer satisfaction indicators
• Focus performance discussions on outcomes rather than hours worked
• Provide autonomy in how objectives are achieved

Support Professional Development

• Offer access to international CX training and certification opportunities
• Create pathways for career advancement within your global organization
• Facilitate participation in European CX conferences and networks
• Provide mentorship connections with senior CX leaders
• Support continued language skills development if needed

Foster Team Integration

• Include Belgian team members in global CX strategy discussions
• Create opportunities for cross-regional collaboration on CX initiatives
• Schedule periodic in-person meetings when possible
• Recognize and celebrate achievements visibly across the organization
• Implement “buddy systems” with team members in other locations

Implementing these practices helps create an environment where Belgian customer experience managers can thrive remotely while maintaining strong connections to your global CX strategy and team.

Why Use Asanify to Hire Customer Experience Managers in Belgium

Asanify offers specialized Employer of Record (EOR) services that solve the unique challenges of hiring customer experience talent in Belgium:

Simplified Compliance Management

• Complete compliance with complex Belgian employment laws and regulations
• Proper implementation of collective bargaining agreements relevant to CX roles
• Management of all mandatory benefits and allowances
• Accurate tax withholding and social security contributions
• Adherence to Belgian working time regulations and leave entitlements
• Regular updates as employment laws evolve

Streamlined Hiring Process

• Rapid employment setup without establishing a Belgian entity
• Compliant employment contracts tailored to customer experience roles
• Efficient onboarding process with all required documentation
• Local expertise in competitive compensation for CX professionals
• Support for remote work arrangements and compliance requirements

Comprehensive HR Administration

• Full payroll management compliant with Belgian regulations
• Administration of mandatory and supplementary benefits
• Time and attendance tracking aligned with local practices
• Leave management according to Belgian entitlements
• Support for performance management processes

Risk Mitigation

• Protection from misclassification risks in contractor arrangements
• Compliance with data protection requirements for CX roles
• Management of workplace policies required by Belgian law
• Proper handling of any employment disputes or terminations
• Ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes affecting employment

Local Expertise with Global Reach

• Understanding of the Belgian customer experience landscape
• Support in multiple languages (Dutch, French, English)
• Insights into local market practices for CX professionals
• Seamless integration with your global operations
• Ability to scale from single hires to CX teams

With Asanify as your EOR partner, you can quickly and compliantly build your customer experience capabilities in Belgium without navigating the complexities of entity setup or mastering Belgian employment regulations. This allows you to focus on what matters most: leveraging Belgian CX expertise to enhance your European customer experience strategy.

FAQs: Hiring Customer Experience Managers in Belgium

What is the average salary for customer experience managers in Belgium?

Customer experience managers in Belgium typically earn between €45,000-60,000 for entry-level positions, €60,000-85,000 for mid-level roles, and €85,000-120,000+ for senior CX director positions. These figures can vary based on industry, location, language skills, and technical expertise. Additional benefits like company cars, meal vouchers, and pension plans are standard expectations.

Do I need to establish a legal entity in Belgium to hire customer experience managers?

No, establishing a legal entity is not required. Using an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Asanify allows you to legally hire customer experience managers in Belgium without setting up your own entity. The EOR handles all employment compliance, payroll, and benefits administration while you maintain day-to-day operational management of your CX team members.

What language skills should I look for in Belgian customer experience managers?

The ideal language profile depends on your target markets. For comprehensive coverage of Belgian customers, look for fluency in both Dutch and French, plus excellent English. For broader European coverage, German is also valuable. If focusing primarily on Flanders, Dutch and English are essential; for Wallonia, French and English. Many Belgian CX professionals are trilingual, making them valuable for managing diverse European customer bases.

How long does the hiring process typically take in Belgium?

The hiring process for customer experience managers in Belgium typically takes 6-10 weeks from job posting to start date. This includes 3-4 weeks for recruitment and interviews, followed by notice periods of 1-3 months depending on the candidate’s seniority in their current role. Using an EOR service like Asanify can streamline the administrative aspects but won’t affect candidates’ notice period obligations.

What are the mandatory benefits for employees in Belgium?

Mandatory benefits include health insurance contributions, pension scheme (group insurance), annual vacation allowance (approximately 92% of monthly salary paid in May/June), end-of-year premium (13th month), and meal vouchers (typically €8-9 per working day). Most employers also provide commuting allowances or company cars, mobile phone allowances, and eco-vouchers. When using Asanify’s EOR services, all mandatory benefits are properly structured and administered.

Can I hire Belgian customer experience managers to work remotely?

Yes, remote work arrangements are common in Belgium, especially post-pandemic. However, Belgian employment law has specific requirements for remote workers, including allowances for home office expenses (typically €130-150 per month), provision of necessary equipment, and compliance with “right to disconnect” regulations. Asanify ensures all remote work arrangements comply with Belgian requirements while providing flexibility.

What notice periods apply when terminating employment in Belgium?

Belgian notice periods are determined by seniority and are significantly longer than in many countries. For customer experience managers with 1-5 years of service, notice periods typically range from 4-12 weeks. With 5+ years, notice periods can extend to 15-24 weeks or more. These notice requirements apply regardless of whether you hire directly or through an EOR service.

How does Belgian work culture differ from other countries?

Belgian work culture emphasizes work-life balance, values consensus-building, and respects hierarchical structures while still encouraging open communication. Punctuality and planning are highly valued. Decision-making tends to be methodical rather than impulsive. Customer experience managers in Belgium typically expect clear objectives but autonomy in execution. The culture also strongly respects professional expertise and qualifications.

What are the key legal considerations when hiring customer experience managers in Belgium?

Key legal considerations include compliance with collective bargaining agreements (typically Joint Committee 200 or 218 for CX roles), proper employment contracts with specific required clauses, adherence to working time regulations (38-hour standard week), GDPR compliance for customer data handling, and proper classification of employees vs. contractors. Asanify’s EOR service ensures compliance across all these areas.

How can I evaluate a Belgian customer experience manager’s capabilities during recruitment?

Effective evaluation includes reviewing candidates’ track records of improving CX metrics (NPS, CSAT, etc.), asking for examples of customer journey improvements they’ve implemented, assessing their experience with relevant CX technologies, evaluating their multilingual capabilities through interviews in different languages, and using case studies to test their approach to solving customer experience challenges relevant to your business.

What CX certifications or qualifications are respected in Belgium?

Respected CX qualifications in Belgium include CCXP (Certified Customer Experience Professional), certifications from the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), service design qualifications from European institutions, and specialized certifications in CX methodologies like journey mapping or VoC program management. Advanced degrees in business, marketing, or service design from Belgian universities are also highly regarded.

How do I ensure my Belgian CX managers integrate well with my global team?

Successful integration strategies include clear communication about how the Belgian and global CX functions intersect, regular virtual team building, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing across regions, respecting Belgian work hours and holidays when scheduling global meetings, and establishing mentorship relationships between Belgian CX managers and global counterparts. Cultural awareness training for both sides can also be valuable.

Conclusion

Hiring customer experience managers in Belgium offers global companies a strategic advantage in developing and delivering exceptional experiences for European customers. Belgium’s multilingual talent pool, central location, and cultural intelligence provide a unique combination of skills that can elevate your customer experience strategy across multiple markets.

The success of your Belgian CX hiring initiative depends on understanding the local employment landscape, selecting the appropriate hiring model, and implementing effective integration strategies. Whether you’re establishing a European customer experience hub or adding specialized talent to your global team, Belgium offers rich opportunities for enhancing your customer-centric capabilities.

For companies without established legal entities in Belgium, Employer of Record services provide an efficient, compliant path to bringing Belgian customer experience talent into your organization. This approach eliminates the complexity of local entity setup and employment compliance while allowing you to benefit immediately from Belgian CX expertise.

By following the guidance outlined in this comprehensive hiring guide, you can navigate the unique aspects of the Belgian market, identify and attract top customer experience talent, and successfully integrate these professionals into your global organization—ultimately strengthening your customer experience capabilities across European markets.

Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant  or Labour Law  expert for specific guidance.