HR Manager - Retail

Our Client

A prestigious international player in the retail sector, with a widespread presence both online and in over 1,850 stores across Europe. With an annual turnover of 4.1 billion and a team of approximately 18,000 employees, the company stands out for its wide product range, combining exclusive and premium brands with its own private label. With around 40 stores across Croatia and Slovenia, the company is continuing its expansion and organizational development. The role is based in the company's commercial branch in Zagreb, located just 10/15 minutes from the city center in a lively area known for its retail and shopping hubs.

The Role

We are currently seeking an HR Manager to support the CEO in overseeing the people strategy across Croatia and Slovenia. This person will serve as a trusted advisor and key point of reference for all HR-related topics, with a strong focus on operational HR, people development, and cross-country coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the go-to HR reference for Croatia and Slovenia, reporting directly to the CEO.
• Support day-to-day operations, conducting one-on-one meetings with store managers and ensuring alignment with company values and goals.
• Manage the full recruitment cycle, especially for retail profiles, using an intuitive, soft-skills-driven approach.
• Foster employee engagement and retention.
• Contribute to shaping a positive, structured work environment, even in a fast-growing and dynamic setting.
• Collaborate with leadership (CFO, CCO) and be a strategic counterpart for people-related decisions.
• Implement clear HR processes and promote internal consistency across locations and languages.
• Coordinate potential future HR team growth as the business continues to expand.

Required Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in HR roles within structured companies, preferably in retail, or similar sectors.
• Strong knowledge of HR operational practices; administrative knowledge is a plus but not the focus.
• Previous experience in multicultural or cross-border contexts is a strong advantage.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Croatian or Slovenian is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• A trustworthy, proactive personality with a strong but approachable character.
• Critical thinking and the courage to challenge the status quo when necessary.
• Ability to foster collaboration and a positive team spirit, even in high-paced environments.