Sonia Ristea

HR professional with seven years of progressive experience across talent acquisition, HR operations, and people partnering in fast-paced, multi-location environments. Comfortable owning the full employee lifecycle independently, partnering closely with managers, and maintaining compliance in regulated industries.

Experience spans hospitality, retail, pharma, and medical, with a consistent focus on building reliable HR foundations and positive employee experiences.

Head of People at Le Bab & LBFC (2023-09 – Present)

Lead HR operations across 10 restaurant locations, acting as the primary people partner for managers and senior leadership.

• Lead HR operations across 10 restaurant locations, acting as the primary people partner for managers and senior leadership.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, performance processes, and offboarding.
• Design and implement HR processes and documentation where none previously existed, bringing consistency across sites.
• Oversee employment contracts, addendums, and Revisal reporting in collaboration with outsourced payroll providers.
• Handle all employee relations matters independently, providing guidance on sensitive and complex situations.
• Lead cross-border employment processes and serve as the main HR contact for external and international partners.
• Support workforce planning and validate payroll inputs across multiple locations.

HR & Training Manager at Poke House (2022-08 – 2023-07)

Managed full-cycle recruitment and onboarding during a period of rapid company growth.

• Managed full-cycle recruitment and onboarding during a period of rapid company growth.
• Designed onboarding programmes to improve new hire integration and early performance.
• Introduced structured performance check-ins and supported managers in conducting meaningful review conversations.
• Maintained HR administration and employment documentation in full compliance with Romanian labour law.
• Coordinated payroll inputs and worked closely with outsourced HR and payroll providers.

Human Resources Specialist at BebeTei (2021-06 – 2022-07)

Managed recruitment across a regulated pharma and OTC retail environment, handling a high volume of concurrent roles.

• Managed recruitment across a regulated pharma and OTC retail environment, handling a high volume of concurrent roles.
• Prepared employment contracts and ensured ongoing Revisal compliance.
• Supported employee relations and day-to-day HR administration for a large employee population.
• Maintained accurate employee records and documentation across the organisation.

Recruiter at MEDIJobs (2019-09 – 2021-06)

Managed end-to-end recruitment for medical professionals, pharma roles, and clinical trials positions.

• Managed end-to-end recruitment for medical professionals, pharma roles, and clinical trials positions.
• Conducted structured interviews and supported candidates and clients through offer and negotiation stages.
• Partnered with clients to define hiring needs, timelines, and role requirements.
• Maintained candidate pipelines and long-term relationships within the medical talent market.

HR Assistant at Playwing (2018-12 – 2019-08)

Supported HR administration, recruitment coordination, and onboarding across the business.

• Supported HR administration, recruitment coordination, and onboarding across the business.
• Maintained employee documentation, payroll records, and internal communications.

MA in Human Resources Management – Titu Maiorescu University (2019-09 – 2021-06)

BA in Psychology – Titu Maiorescu University (2015-09 – 2018-06)