Mariana Stanigut

Results-driven People & Culture leader with 10+ years of experience across retail and logistics environments, specializing in building and scaling high-performing teams. Strong expertise in HR operations within logistics, including workforce planning, high-volume recruitment, and employee lifecycle management. Proven success in scaling FTEs from 150 at initial rollout to approximately 400 employees, ensuring operational readiness and sustainable growth in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Experienced in setting up HR structures from scratch for a logistics distribution center, as well as opening new retail stores and managing store refits. Trusted partner to senior leadership, driving people strategies that support business growth, operational excellence, and employee engagement. Demonstrated impact in optimizing recruitment processes (achieving 25% faster hiring cycles) and strengthening internal talent pipelines (30% increase in internal promotions).

Passionate about building strong organizational culture, developing leaders, and aligning People & Culture initiatives with business objectives to deliver measurable results.

Head of Country HR at Notino (2022-01 – 2025-07)

• Partnered with business leaders to implement workforce planning, performance management, and retention strategies aligned with company growth for logistics expansion.
• Managed full-cycle recruitment for leadership in logistics and for other management roles, improving hiring processes and reducing time-to-fill by 25%.
• Led talent development and succession planning initiatives, increasing internal promotions by 30% across the logistics department.
• Collaborated with senior leadership to support operational growth, workforce cost management, and store staffing strategies.
• Oversaw external staffing partners to ensure cost efficiency and workforce readiness for logistics operations.
• Implemented a local HRIS system for payroll process and automated reporting processes, reducing administrative costs by 35%.
• Coached and mentored a team of 7 HR professionals, strengthening internal capabilities and improving cross-functional collaboration.
• Supported business leaders in driving performance culture, employee engagement, and leadership development.

HR Business Partner / HR Generalist at Notino

• Actively contributed to the launch of the Distribution Center in Romania for Notino as part of the core HR rollout team.
• Led the full recruitment cycle for the new operation, hiring key management positions and approximately 150 operational employees to support the start of operations.
• Managed candidate sourcing, selection, onboarding, and personnel administration, ensuring a structured hiring process, compliance with local labor regulations, and a smooth workforce ramp-up aligned with operational timelines.
• Supported business leaders with strategic workforce planning and talent development initiatives.
• Provided HR support for retail operations, ensuring efficient recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement.
• Monitored compensation and benefits trends to maintain competitiveness in the retail market and logistics.
• Managed HR administration and labor law compliance for employees across Romania.

Retail Manager at Notino (2017-11 – 2020-06)

• Played a key role in the retail expansion of Notino in Romania as part of the rollout team for the first store opening in the country.
• Contributed to the successful launch by supporting store setup, operational readiness, and team preparation.
• Subsequently took full responsibility for the opening of the second store, leading recruitment, onboarding, and training of the store team, while coordinating operational processes, merchandising setup, and store procedures to ensure a smooth launch and strong commercial start.
• Managed two retail stores, ensuring strong operational performance and alignment with company targets.
• Led and developed store teams, focusing on sales performance, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
• Monitored store KPIs, staffing needs, and sales targets, implementing improvements to increase store performance.
• Coached team members and supervisors to improve sales results, service quality, and team engagement.

Retail Store Manager at PIMKIE (2010-02 – 2017-10)

• Managed operations for two fashion retail stores, leading teams to deliver strong sales performance.
• Coached team members and supervisors to improve sales results, service quality, and team engagement.

Retail Store Manager at Starboard Cruise Services (2004-09 – 2008-02)

• Managed retail operations onboard cruise ships, leading teams of 10-25 sales associates.
• Delivered strong sales performance through effective planning, merchandising, and staff coaching.
• Trained teams on sales techniques, customer service, and product knowledge.
• Maintained strong inventory management and loss prevention controls.
• Reported sales performance and operational metrics to corporate management.

Bachelor's Degree in Economics – Spiru Haret University (2007-10 – 2010-07)