Why Global Companies Hire ERP Consultants from Belgium
Belgium has emerged as a strategic hub for SAP and Oracle ERP talent, offering companies significant advantages when building their enterprise technology teams. Belgian ERP consultants bring a unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and cultural adaptability that makes them highly sought after in the global market.
- Strategic European location: Belgium’s central position in Europe makes it ideal for consultants who need to travel to client sites across the continent, offering easy access to major business centers.
- Multilingual capabilities: Belgian consultants typically speak three or more languages fluently (Dutch, French, English, and often German), facilitating seamless communication with diverse stakeholders across international projects.
- Cross-industry expertise: Belgium’s diverse economy has created consultants with experience across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and financial services, providing valuable industry-specific implementation knowledge.
- Strong educational foundation: Belgian universities and technical schools offer specialized IT and business programs that produce graduates with both technical ERP skills and business process understanding.
- EU regulatory knowledge: Belgian consultants possess deep understanding of European compliance requirements, including GDPR, making them invaluable for companies navigating complex regulatory environments.
Who Should Consider Hiring Belgium ERP Consultants
Several types of organizations can benefit particularly from bringing Belgian ERP talent into their teams:
- Global enterprises implementing cross-border ERP systems: Organizations requiring consultants who understand multiple markets and can navigate cultural nuances across European operations.
- Companies with European headquarters or significant EU operations: Businesses needing SAP/Oracle expertise combined with deep understanding of European business practices and regulatory requirements.
- Fast-growing mid-market companies: Organizations implementing their first comprehensive ERP solution who need consultants with both technical skills and business process expertise to guide their digital transformation.
- Companies implementing multilingual ERP deployments: Businesses that need systems operating across multiple languages and requiring consultants comfortable in diverse linguistic environments.
- Organizations undergoing complex ERP migrations or upgrades: Companies moving from legacy systems to modern SAP S/4HANA or Oracle Cloud ERP implementations who need experienced consultants to manage complex transformations.
Key Skills and Specializations for ERP Consultants
Belgian ERP consultants offer specialized expertise across different SAP and Oracle modules and implementation methodologies. Understanding these specializations helps in finding the right talent for specific project needs.
SAP Specializations
| Specialization | Description | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| SAP S/4HANA | Next-generation ERP system with in-memory database technology | S/4HANA migration, Fiori implementation, HANA database optimization |
| SAP Finance (FI/CO) | Financial and controlling modules | General ledger configuration, cost center accounting, profit center management, EU financial regulations |
| SAP Supply Chain (MM/SD/PP) | Materials management, sales & distribution, production planning | Inventory management, procurement processes, production planning, European supply chain optimization |
| SAP HCM/SuccessFactors | Human capital management solutions | Personnel administration, payroll, talent management, EU labor compliance |
| SAP Technical (ABAP/Basis) | Development and system administration | ABAP programming, system architecture, performance tuning, security implementation |
Oracle Specializations
| Specialization | Description | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Oracle Cloud ERP | Cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution | Cloud implementation, integration, SaaS configuration, business process design |
| Oracle Financials | Financial management applications | General ledger, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, EU financial reporting |
| Oracle SCM | Supply chain management applications | Inventory, procurement, order management, EU logistics optimization |
| Oracle HCM | Human capital management solutions | Core HR, payroll, talent management, EU workforce compliance |
| Oracle Technical | Database and technical administration | PL/SQL, database design, system architecture, performance optimization |
Belgian consultants often develop industry-specific expertise alongside their technical specializations. Many have deep experience in pharmaceutical, manufacturing, financial services, or logistics sectors, adding valuable domain knowledge to their technical capabilities.
Experience Levels of Belgium ERP Consultants
Junior Consultants (1-3 years)
Junior ERP consultants in Belgium typically hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in information systems, business informatics, or related fields. They’ve usually completed SAP or Oracle certification programs and have begun to develop expertise in specific modules.
- Working under supervision on configuration tasks within their specialty area
- Contributing to documentation and testing activities
- Building foundational understanding of business processes
- Often bilingual (typically Dutch/French plus English)
- Beginning to develop client-facing communication skills
Mid-Level Consultants (4-7 years)
Mid-level consultants have established solid expertise in their specialization areas and can lead implementation workstreams. They combine technical proficiency with growing business acumen.
- Leading module-specific implementations independently
- Conducting requirements gathering and solution design sessions
- Managing small to medium-sized implementation projects
- Developing integration expertise across multiple modules
- Usually possessing advanced certifications in their specialty
- Strong multilingual capabilities and client management skills
Senior Consultants (8+ years)
Senior ERP consultants in Belgium bring comprehensive technical knowledge alongside strategic business perspective. They typically manage large-scale implementations and provide thought leadership.
- Leading enterprise-wide ERP implementations and digital transformations
- Advising on strategic technology roadmaps and architecture
- Managing complex program governance and stakeholder relationships
- Providing industry-specific expertise and best practices
- Strong understanding of European business operations and regulations
- Experienced in managing multinational, multilingual implementation teams
- Often specialized in specific industries with deep domain expertise
Many senior Belgian ERP consultants have experience working across multiple European countries, providing valuable cross-market insights for global implementations.
Hiring Models to Choose From
When bringing Belgian ERP consulting talent into your organization, several hiring models are available. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your project requirements, timeline, and long-term strategy.
| Hiring Model | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Employment | Long-term strategic ERP initiatives, building internal centers of excellence | Knowledge retention, team building, long-term commitment | Higher fixed costs, requires entity in Belgium or EOR service, less flexibility |
| Independent Contractors | Specific project phases, specialized expertise needs | Flexibility, specialized skills, no long-term commitment | IP ownership concerns, potential misclassification risks, less loyalty |
| Staff Augmentation | Supplementing internal teams, filling capability gaps | Quicker deployment, pre-vetted talent, simplified administration | Higher hourly rates, knowledge transfer challenges, vendor management |
| Project-Based Consulting | Well-defined ERP implementation phases with clear deliverables | Fixed costs, outcome-focused, established methodologies | Less control over resources, potential scope creep challenges |
| Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) | Establishing ERP centers of excellence with eventual internal ownership | Reduced startup time, knowledge transfer built in, staged investment | Complex contracts, requires clear transfer criteria, longer-term commitment |
Many companies outsource work to Belgium through a combination of these models, adapting their approach based on the specific phase of their ERP journey. For example, using staff augmentation during implementation and transitioning to selective full-time hires for ongoing support and enhancement.
The choice of model should align with your organization’s broader ERP strategy, in-house capabilities, and budgetary considerations. For companies without a Belgian entity, working with an Employer of Record (EOR) service provides a compliant way to directly employ consultants while avoiding entity establishment costs.
How to Legally Hire ERP Consultants in Belgium
Belgium has specific employment regulations that global companies must navigate when hiring ERP consultants. Two primary approaches exist: establishing a legal entity or using an Employer of Record (EOR) service.
| Aspect | Entity Establishment | Employer of Record (EOR) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 3-6 months | 1-2 weeks |
| Setup Costs | €20,000-50,000 | Minimal to none |
| Ongoing Administration | Substantial (payroll, tax, compliance) | Minimal (handled by EOR) |
| Employment Compliance Risk | High (direct responsibility) | Low (managed by EOR) |
| Hiring Flexibility | Full control but administrative burden | Flexible scaling with minimal administration |
| Management Control | Complete control over all aspects | Day-to-day operational control with HR/admin handled by EOR |
Legal Entity Approach
Establishing a Belgian entity requires:
- Registering a company with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
- Obtaining a company number and VAT registration
- Setting up Belgian bank accounts
- Registering with social security authorities (ONSS)
- Implementing compliant payroll and benefits systems
- Drafting Belgian employment contracts
- Adhering to industry-specific collective bargaining agreements
Employer of Record (EOR) Approach
Using an EOR service like Asanify offers significant advantages:
- The EOR serves as the legal employer in Belgium
- Consultants work exclusively for your company
- All employment compliance is managed by the EOR
- Payroll, benefits, and tax administration are handled correctly
- Compliant employment contracts are provided
- Employment risks and liabilities are mitigated
Independent Contractor Considerations
Many ERP consultants in Belgium operate as independent contractors. However, Belgian authorities strictly enforce proper worker classification. Misclassification risks include:
- Retroactive employment taxes and contributions
- Penalties and interest charges
- Mandatory employment status conversion
- Potential legal proceedings
For companies seeking the flexibility of contractor relationships with the compliance security of employment, Asanify’s EOR solution offers an optimal middle ground. Your consultants receive proper employment status while you maintain operational direction without establishing an entity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring ERP Consultants in Belgium
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Begin by clearly defining your ERP consulting needs:
- Specific SAP or Oracle modules required (Finance, SCM, HCM, etc.)
- Project scope and duration (implementation, upgrade, support)
- Required experience level (junior, mid-level, senior)
- Industry-specific expertise needed
- Language requirements (Dutch, French, English, German)
- Remote vs. on-site work expectations
- Budget parameters and preferred engagement model
Step 2: Select Your Hiring Model
Based on your specific requirements, determine the optimal engagement approach:
- Direct employment through an entity or EOR service
- Independent contractor engagement
- Staff augmentation through a consulting partner
- Project-based consulting engagement
- Build-Operate-Transfer model for longer-term initiatives
Consider factors like project duration, budget constraints, intellectual property concerns, and team integration needs when selecting your model.
Step 3: Source Candidates
Develop a targeted sourcing strategy to find qualified Belgian ERP consultants:
- Specialized ERP recruiting firms in Belgium
- LinkedIn and professional networks (SAP and Oracle user groups)
- Belgian technology job boards (ICTjob.be, References.be)
- SAP and Oracle partner networks in Belgium
- Industry conferences and networking events
- University recruitment for junior consultants (KU Leuven, UCL, etc.)
- Referrals from existing team members
Step 4: Evaluate and Select Candidates
Implement a thorough assessment process to identify the most qualified consultants:
- Technical screening focused on specific SAP/Oracle module expertise
- Case studies or practical assessments of implementation approach
- Behavioral interviews to assess consulting skills and cultural fit
- Reference checks with previous clients or employers
- Verification of certifications and qualifications
- Assessment of language skills if multilingual capabilities are required
- Team interviews to evaluate fit with existing project members
Step 5: Onboard Your New Team Member
Create a structured onboarding process for your Belgian ERP consultants:
- Prepare compliant Belgian employment contracts or consultant agreements
- Set up proper payroll and benefits administration
- Provide thorough project and organizational context
- Facilitate introductions to key stakeholders and team members
- Ensure access to necessary systems and information
- Establish clear communication protocols and reporting structures
- Define initial objectives and expectations
When using Asanify as your Employer of Record, we handle the complex administrative aspects of onboarding (contracts, payroll setup, benefits enrollment) while you focus on the technical and project integration of your new ERP consultant.
Salary Benchmarks
Belgian ERP consultant compensation varies based on specialization, experience level, and specific SAP or Oracle technology expertise. Understanding these benchmarks is essential for creating competitive offers.
SAP Consultant Salary Ranges (Annual, EUR)
| Experience Level | SAP Functional | SAP Technical | SAP S/4HANA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (1-3 years) | €45,000 – €60,000 | €48,000 – €63,000 | €50,000 – €65,000 |
| Mid-Level (4-7 years) | €60,000 – €80,000 | €63,000 – €85,000 | €70,000 – €90,000 |
| Senior (8+ years) | €80,000 – €110,000 | €85,000 – €115,000 | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| Solution Architect | €95,000 – €130,000 | €100,000 – €135,000 | €110,000 – €150,000 |
Oracle Consultant Salary Ranges (Annual, EUR)
| Experience Level | Oracle Functional | Oracle Technical | Oracle Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (1-3 years) | €45,000 – €58,000 | €48,000 – €62,000 | €50,000 – €65,000 |
| Mid-Level (4-7 years) | €58,000 – €78,000 | €62,000 – €82,000 | €65,000 – €90,000 |
| Senior (8+ years) | €78,000 – €105,000 | €82,000 – €110,000 | €90,000 – €125,000 |
| Solution Architect | €95,000 – €125,000 | €100,000 – €130,000 | €110,000 – €145,000 |
Additional Compensation Factors
- Standard Belgian Benefits: Include 13th-month bonus, vacation allowance (approximately 92% of monthly salary), meal vouchers, hospitalization insurance, and group pension plans.
- Variable Compensation: Performance bonuses typically range from 5-20% of base salary.
- Specialization Premiums: Hot skills like S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud, or industry-specific expertise can command 10-15% premiums above standard rates.
- Company Car or Mobility Budget: Common for senior consultants, valued at €10,000-15,000 annually.
- Independent Contractor Rates: Freelance SAP/Oracle consultants typically charge €600-1,200 daily depending on specialization and experience.
Total employment costs for employers include substantial social security contributions (approximately 25% above gross salary) and other mandatory benefits, making the fully-loaded cost significantly higher than the base salary.
What Skills to Look for When Hiring ERP Consultants
Technical Skills
Effective ERP consultants need specialized technical capabilities specific to SAP or Oracle systems:
SAP Technical Skills
- Module-Specific Expertise: Deep knowledge of relevant modules (FI/CO, MM/SD, HCM, etc.)
- SAP S/4HANA: Experience with migration methodology and modern interfaces
- ABAP Development: Programming skills for customizations and reports (for technical roles)
- SAP Fiori: Implementation and configuration of modern user experience
- Integration Knowledge: Experience with integration technologies (PI/PO, CPI)
- SAP Solution Manager: Familiarity with implementation and project management tools
- SAP Analytics: BW, BusinessObjects, or SAP Analytics Cloud experience
Oracle Technical Skills
- Oracle Applications Expertise: Specific module knowledge (Financials, SCM, HCM)
- Oracle Cloud ERP: Implementation and migration experience
- PL/SQL: Development skills for customizations and reports (technical roles)
- Oracle Integration: Experience with Oracle Integration Cloud, SOA
- Oracle Database: Administration and performance optimization skills
- BI/Analytics: OBIEE, Oracle Analytics Cloud experience
- Oracle Development Framework: ADF, APEX skills for extensions
Business and Consulting Skills
Beyond technical expertise, look for these crucial business and consulting capabilities:
- Business Process Knowledge: Understanding of industry-specific processes and best practices
- Requirements Analysis: Ability to translate business needs into technical specifications
- Solution Design: Experience creating effective technical solutions to business problems
- Change Management: Skills in facilitating organizational adoption of new systems
- Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor implementation activities
- Documentation: Clear, comprehensive documentation of configurations and processes
- Training: Experience developing and delivering end-user training
Soft Skills
Successful ERP consultants demonstrate these essential interpersonal qualities:
- Communication: Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Stakeholder Management: Experience working with executives and business leaders
- Problem-Solving: Creative approach to addressing implementation challenges
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing project requirements and priorities
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively across different organizational cultures
- Multilingual Capabilities: Proficiency in relevant languages for your operations
- Client Management: Professional approach to managing expectations and relationships
Certifications to Look For
- SAP Certifications: Module-specific certifications, S/4HANA certifications
- Oracle Certifications: Oracle Cloud certifications, module specializations
- Project Management: PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum Master
- ITIL: For support and service management roles
- Industry Certifications: Relevant industry-specific credentials
The optimal skill mix depends on your specific project needs, with a balance between technical expertise, business knowledge, and interpersonal capabilities typically delivering the best results.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Hiring ERP consultants in Belgium requires careful attention to the country’s employment regulations, particularly when managing a workforce with specialized technical skills.
Employment Contracts
- Contract Requirements: Belgian law requires written employment contracts specifying role, compensation, working hours, and location.
- Fixed-Term vs. Permanent: Fixed-term contracts are limited to four consecutive contracts over two years maximum.
- Intellectual Property: Clearly define IP ownership of configurations, customizations, and development work.
- Non-Compete Clauses: Limited enforceability under Belgian law; must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geography.
- Confidentiality: Essential for ERP consultants with access to sensitive business data and processes.
Working Hours and Compensation
- Standard Working Week: 38 hours with strict limitations on overtime.
- Overtime Rules: Technical consultants may qualify for special IT professional provisions but must receive compensatory rest or payment.
- Minimum Benefits: 20 vacation days, 10 public holidays, 13th-month bonus, and vacation allowance (92% of monthly salary).
- Meal Vouchers: Standard practice providing tax-advantaged meal benefits (typical value €8/working day).
- Company Cars/Mobility Budget: Common for consultants due to client site travel needs.
Contractor vs. Employee Classification
- Strict Classification Rules: Belgium enforces clear distinctions between employees and independent contractors.
- Key Determination Factors: Work organization, hierarchy, supervision, and freedom to accept/decline assignments.
- Misclassification Risks: Severe penalties, back taxes, and retroactive social security contributions.
- Management Technique: Even for proper contractors, avoid employee-like direction that could trigger reclassification.
Data Protection and Security
- GDPR Compliance: ERP consultants typically access sensitive personal and business data requiring strict GDPR adherence.
- Data Processing Agreements: Required for consultants processing personal data within ERP systems.
- Security Protocols: Implement clear procedures for remote access to systems and handling of sensitive data.
- Cross-Border Data Transfer: Consider restrictions on moving data outside the EU when consultants access systems remotely.
Managing these compliance requirements can be complex, especially for companies without Belgian legal expertise. Asanify’s Employer of Record services ensure full compliance with all aspects of Belgian employment law, including proper contracts, benefits administration, and worker classification, while allowing you to focus on the technical contributions of your ERP consultants.
Common Challenges Global Employers Face
Hiring and managing ERP consultants in Belgium presents several unique challenges that organizations should anticipate and address proactively.
Competitive Talent Market
- High demand for SAP and Oracle specialists creates intense competition, particularly for S/4HANA and Oracle Cloud expertise.
- Belgian consultants often receive multiple competing offers, requiring competitive packages and efficient hiring processes.
- Many top consultants prefer the flexibility and higher rates of independent contracting over traditional employment.
- Large consulting firms actively recruit experienced consultants, creating ongoing retention challenges.
Regulatory Complexity
- Belgium has one of Europe’s most complex employment tax systems, with various specialized provisions.
- Worker classification is strictly enforced, with significant penalties for misclassifying employees as contractors.
- Regional variations exist between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, affecting employment regulations.
- Regular regulatory changes require constant monitoring to maintain compliance.
Employment Costs
- High employer social security contributions add approximately 25% to base salary costs.
- Mandatory benefits (13th month, vacation pay, meal vouchers) significantly increase total compensation.
- Market expectations for additional benefits (company cars, private insurance) further increase costs.
- Strict termination regulations create potential long-term financial commitments.
Cultural and Language Considerations
- Regional language differences (Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, both in Brussels) affect team dynamics.
- Belgian business culture emphasizes consensus-building, potentially affecting project timelines.
- Different communication styles between global headquarters and Belgian teams can create misunderstandings.
- Local business practices and expectations may differ from global corporate standards.
Remote Work and Project Management
- Time zone differences can complicate collaboration with global teams, particularly for US-based companies.
- Belgian work-life balance expectations may clash with demanding implementation schedules.
- Remote management requires additional effort to maintain engagement and project alignment.
- Belgian labor laws have specific provisions regarding remote work that must be addressed in employment contracts.
Addressing these challenges effectively often requires specialized local knowledge. Asanify helps global companies navigate these complexities by providing compliant employment solutions, cultural insights, and administrative support for Belgian ERP consultants. Our EOR service eliminates regulatory uncertainty while allowing you to build and manage your technical team according to your project needs.
Best Practices for Managing Remote ERP Consultants in Belgium
Successfully managing Belgian ERP consultants in remote or hybrid arrangements requires specific approaches to communication, collaboration, and project governance.
Establish Clear Communication Protocols
- Implement structured meeting schedules that respect Belgian working hours (typically 9:00-17:30 CET).
- Define primary communication channels for different purposes (e.g., Teams for quick questions, email for formal documentation).
- Create a shared project calendar marking Belgian holidays and team availability.
- Establish regular one-on-one check-ins to address individual concerns and provide feedback.
- Consider language preferences—while most Belgian consultants speak excellent English, technical discussions in Dutch or French may be more effective for complex topics.
Implement Robust Project Governance
- Develop detailed project plans with clearly defined deliverables, responsibilities, and deadlines.
- Use collaborative project management tools accessible to all team members across time zones.
- Establish clear decision-making processes that respect Belgian consultants’ expectation for input and consensus.
- Implement regular status reporting with standardized formats to track progress consistently.
- Create clear escalation paths for technical and project management issues.
Leverage Appropriate Collaboration Tools
- Implement secure access to development and testing environments that meets both technical and GDPR requirements.
- Utilize collaborative documentation platforms for sharing and jointly developing technical specifications.
- Consider screen sharing and recording tools for technical knowledge transfer and training.
- Use digital whiteboarding tools for design sessions and process mapping.
- Ensure all tools comply with both company security policies and Belgian data protection requirements.
Respect Belgian Work Culture
- Honor the distinction between work and personal time—avoid scheduling calls outside Belgian business hours unless absolutely necessary.
- Recognize Belgian holidays and vacation periods, which may differ from those in your primary location.
- Understand that Belgian consultants often value direct but diplomatic communication.
- Appreciate the Belgian approach to meetings, which typically follow agendas closely and emphasize thorough discussion.
- Recognize regional cultural differences between Flemish and Walloon consultants, which can affect communication styles.
Build Team Cohesion Despite Distance
- Plan periodic in-person meetings when possible, particularly for project kickoffs and key milestones.
- Create opportunities for informal interaction through virtual team events or coffee chats.
- Recognize and celebrate achievements publicly to maintain motivation and engagement.
- Include remote Belgian team members in important company communications and updates.
- Consider occasional visits to Belgium to strengthen relationships and deepen understanding of local context.
Provide Ongoing Development
- Support certification and continuing education in SAP or Oracle technologies.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing between Belgian consultants and global team members.
- Create opportunities for Belgian consultants to develop leadership skills and expand their responsibilities.
- Ensure access to technical resources, communities of practice, and learning platforms.
- Discuss career aspirations and development paths during regular review conversations.
Why Use Asanify to Hire ERP Consultants in Belgium
Asanify provides a comprehensive Employer of Record (EOR) solution that simplifies the hiring and management of SAP and Oracle consultants in Belgium, addressing the unique challenges of technical talent acquisition in this competitive market.
Specialized ERP Industry Knowledge
- Understanding of market rates and compensation structures for different SAP/Oracle specializations
- Expertise in appropriate contract terms for technical consultants with access to sensitive systems
- Knowledge of industry-standard IP protection provisions for implementation work
- Experience with typical work arrangements for ERP consultants, including remote work provisions
Comprehensive Employment Compliance
- Compliant employment contracts tailored for ERP consulting roles
- Proper management of Belgian payroll and tax obligations
- Administration of all mandatory and market-competitive benefits
- Ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes affecting technical workers
- Protection against misclassification risks for consultant relationships
Streamlined Onboarding Process
- Efficient conversion of candidates to employees, reducing time-to-productivity
- Management of all documentation and government registrations
- Guidance on appropriate non-compete and confidentiality provisions
- Setup of compliant remote work arrangements for technical staff
Competitive Benefits Administration
- Implementation of industry-standard benefits attractive to ERP talent
- Management of company car or mobility budgets common for consultants
- Administration of meal vouchers and other Belgian-specific benefits
- Setup of appropriate professional development allowances
Ongoing HR Support
- Day-to-day HR administration freeing you to focus on technical management
- Guidance on performance management processes compliant with Belgian expectations
- Support for work permit and immigration issues for international consultants
- Management of leaves, absences, and time tracking in accordance with Belgian requirements
Cost and Time Efficiency
- Elimination of entity setup costs and ongoing administrative burden
- Reduction of compliance risks and potential penalties
- Faster deployment of technical teams to meet implementation timelines
- Simplified budget planning with transparent fee structure
By partnering with Asanify for your Belgian ERP talent needs, you gain a compliant, efficient path to building your technical team while eliminating administrative complexity. Our EOR solution allows you to focus on the strategic and technical aspects of your SAP or Oracle implementation while we manage the intricate details of Belgian employment compliance.
FAQs: Hiring ERP Consultants in Belgium
What qualifications should I look for when hiring SAP/Oracle consultants in Belgium?
Look for consultants with relevant SAP or Oracle certifications in their specific module expertise (SAP FICO, SD/MM, HCM, etc. or Oracle Financials, SCM, HCM). Belgian consultants typically hold master’s degrees in information systems, business informatics, or related fields. For senior roles, seek candidates with experience in multiple implementation lifecycles and proven delivery methodology expertise. Multilingual capabilities (Dutch, French, English) are valuable for projects spanning Belgium’s linguistic regions.
What is the average salary for ERP consultants in Belgium?
Mid-level SAP consultants (4-7 years experience) typically earn €60,000-80,000 annually, while senior consultants command €80,000-110,000+. Oracle consultants earn similar amounts, with cloud specialists often at the higher end of ranges. These figures represent base salary only—total compensation includes substantial additional benefits (13th month, vacation pay, meal vouchers) and potentially company cars or mobility budgets valued at €10,000-15,000 annually.
How long does it take to hire an ERP consultant in Belgium?
The hiring timeline varies by specialization and seniority. For in-demand skills like S/4HANA or Oracle Cloud, expect 4-8 weeks from search initiation to offer acceptance. The competitive market means top candidates often receive multiple offers, necessitating efficient hiring processes. Using Asanify’s EOR service significantly reduces administrative time once a candidate is identified, allowing onboarding within days rather than the weeks or months required for entity setup.
Can I hire ERP consultants in Belgium as independent contractors?
Yes, many Belgian ERP consultants operate as independent contractors through their own legal entities. However, Belgian authorities strictly enforce proper worker classification. The relationship must demonstrate genuine independence regarding work organization, supervision, and freedom to accept/decline assignments. Misclassification risks include significant penalties and retroactive social security contributions. For borderline cases, Asanify’s employment solution offers a compliant alternative with similar flexibility.
Do Belgian ERP consultants typically work remotely or on-site?
Belgian ERP consultants commonly work in hybrid arrangements, with a mix of remote work and on-site presence as project phases require. Implementation kickoffs, design workshops, and go-live support typically happen on-site, while configuration, development, and testing can often be performed remotely. Post-COVID, increased remote work acceptance has made fully remote arrangements more common, though many consultants still value periodic in-person collaboration, especially for complex projects.
What benefits are typically expected by ERP consultants in Belgium?
Beyond mandatory benefits (20 vacation days, public holidays, 13th month bonus), Belgian ERP consultants typically expect additional perks including: meal vouchers (€8-10 daily), company cars or mobility budgets (especially if client travel is required), group insurance (pension and health coverage), flexible working arrangements, professional development budgets for certifications, and potentially profit-sharing or performance bonuses. Asanify can advise on creating competitive packages aligned with current market expectations.
How can I legally hire an ERP consultant in Belgium without establishing an entity?
An Employer of Record (EOR) service like Asanify provides the most compliant solution. The EOR serves as the legal employer while you maintain day-to-day operational control. This arrangement eliminates entity establishment costs and compliance risks while providing consultants with proper employment status. Alternative approaches include engaging consultants through their own legal entities (with proper classification) or working through staff augmentation providers specializing in outsourcing work to Belgium.
What are the typical working hours for ERP consultants in Belgium?
Standard working hours in Belgium are 38-40 hours weekly, typically 9:00-17:30 with a lunch break. Belgian work culture generally respects work-life boundaries, though ERP implementation projects may occasionally require additional hours during critical phases. Any overtime should be compensated through time off or additional payment in accordance with Belgian regulations. While some flexibility exists for IT professionals, consistent excessive hours would violate Belgian labor laws.
How does Belgian employment law affect termination of ERP consultants?
Belgium has structured notice periods based on seniority, ranging from several weeks for new employees to potentially several months for long-term staff. Termination requires valid grounds and proper process. For ERP project completions, fixed-term contracts may be appropriate, but Belgium limits consecutive fixed-term contracts to four over a maximum two-year period. Asanify manages these complex termination procedures to ensure compliance while helping structure appropriate contract terms for project-based work.
What language skills are required for ERP consultants working in Belgium?
Language requirements depend on project location and scope. For projects in Flanders, Dutch proficiency is valuable; in Wallonia, French is important; while Brussels generally requires both. English serves as a common language in international companies and technical documentation. For client-facing roles interacting with end users, local language proficiency becomes more critical. The ideal consultant has multilingual capabilities matching your specific project environment.
How can we ensure knowledge transfer from Belgian ERP consultants to our internal team?
Implement a structured knowledge transfer plan including: documented solution designs and configurations, paired working sessions with internal staff, recorded training sessions on key functionality, comprehensive handover documentation, and potentially a phased transition period where consultants move from implementation to support roles. Consider including specific knowledge transfer deliverables in consultant agreements. Asanify can help structure employment terms that encourage effective knowledge sharing.
What are the data security considerations when hiring Belgian ERP consultants?
Belgian ERP consultants typically require access to sensitive business data, necessitating strong security protocols. Consider implementing: detailed confidentiality provisions in employment contracts, secure remote access technologies, clear data handling procedures, regular security training, and explicit GDPR-compliant data processing agreements. For consultants working with ERP systems containing personal data, ensure compliance with both Belgian and EU data protection requirements. Asanify ensures employment contracts include appropriate data protection provisions.
Conclusion
Hiring ERP consultants in Belgium offers global companies access to a deep pool of highly qualified SAP and Oracle specialists with multilingual capabilities and cross-border implementation experience. The Belgian market provides a strategic advantage for organizations seeking to build or enhance their European ERP capabilities, offering technical expertise combined with valuable EU business process knowledge.
The competitive landscape for Belgian ERP talent requires a thoughtful approach to attraction and retention, with carefully structured compensation packages and efficient hiring processes. Understanding the unique aspects of Belgian employment regulations, cultural expectations, and industry standards is essential for success.
While traditional entity establishment remains an option for companies with long-term plans in Belgium, many organizations find that Asanify’s Employer of Record solution offers the optimal balance of compliance, flexibility, and administrative efficiency. This approach enables companies to quickly secure in-demand SAP and Oracle talent while eliminating the complexity of Belgian employment administration.
By leveraging the strategies outlined in this guide and working with experienced partners, global employers can successfully navigate the Belgian ERP consulting market, building high-performing technical teams that drive successful implementations and digital transformations. Whether you’re implementing S/4HANA, migrating to Oracle Cloud ERP, or enhancing existing systems, Belgian consultants can provide the expertise needed to achieve your objectives.
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.

