Pavel Sanka

Senior HR & Organizational Development Executive | HR extensive experience | Leadership | Talent development

Prague, Czechia

About

HR professional dedicated to helping people grow. Years of experience in designing and leading HR processes, driving talent development, and fostering a company culture built on growth, collaboration, and performance. Creating environments, where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

Experience

  • HR Director at Kovohutě Příbram nástupnická, a.s.
    May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 3 mos

    As HR Director, I lead the full spectrum of human resources activities within a leading industrial and recycling company. My role focuses on strategic HR management, organizational development, and fostering a culture that supports employee growth and business success. Key Responsibilities: ✅ Shaping and executing the overall HR strategy in alignment with the company’s goals and industrial environment. ✅ Leading all areas of human resources management: recruitment, talent development, employee relations, performance management, and compensation & benefits. ✅ Acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership, supporting organizational change, workforce planning, and long-term people development. ✅ Driving initiatives to support employee engagement, internal communication, and company culture. ✅ Ensuring compliance with labor law and regulatory requirements, while implementing HR best practices. ✅ Leading and mentoring the HR team, and overseeing HR processes across all departments. ✅ Supporting health & safety policies and cooperation with unions, where applicable. ✅ Playing a key role in sustainability and transformation projects, especially in the context of industrial recycling and environmental responsibility.

  • HR Manager at AstenJohnson
    Jul 2013 - Apr 2018 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    As HR Manager, I was responsible for the full spectrum of human resources functions, driving key strategic initiatives and ensuring operational excellence across the HR department. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: ✅ Led the end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes, including strategy implementation, process management, and performance evaluation. ✅ Designed, implemented, and managed key HR development programs including Training & Development, Talent Management, and Performance Management. ✅ Successfully introduced and managed several major HR projects: 🔹Performance Appraisal Process, including development of a Competency Matrix 🔹 Job Matrix implementation 🔹Roll-out of a new Bonus Scheme 🔹Update and enforcement of the Disciplinary Code ✅ Acted as an internal HR consultant, advising on labor law compliance, employee coaching, and people development strategies. ✅ Managed the annual Performance & Development Review cycle, ensuring alignment with business goals. ✅ Oversaw HR administration: employment contracts, terminations, reference letters, exit interviews, and personal file management. ✅ Conducted salary reviews and supported budgeting and HR data analytics. ✅ Rolled out Talent Management and Idea Management programs to enhance employee engagement and innovation. ✅ Led the company’s internal Paper Making Academy, supporting technical education and upskilling. ✅ Provided HR advisory for expatriate employees and supported international mobility. ✅ Coordinated corporate events and employee engagement activities. ✅ Oversaw workplace safety coordination in collaboration with external safety partners. ✅ Held direct responsibility for leading and managing the Reception team.

  • HR Business Partner at DHL
    Aug 2005 - Jun 2013 · 7 yrs 11 mos

    HR Business Partner DHL Supply Chain, s.r.o. HR Business Partner March 2011 – June 2013 ✅ Led and contributed to key HR projects, including the Resource Forecasting Tool, LinkedIn recruitment strategy, Induction & Adaptation Programs, Employee Handbook development, HR intranet portals, and the Employee Opinion Survey. ✅ Responsible for end-to-end recruitment strategy: defining recruitment processes, setting KPIs, managing hiring campaigns, and launching new resourcing initiatives. ✅ Maintained and analyzed essential HR metrics and reports (vacation tracking, workforce planning, preferred supplier list, etc.). ✅ Partnered closely with the Business Development department, ensuring HR alignment in new business projects and tenders. ✅ Provided HR advisory and relocation support to international assignees (expats). ✅ Delivered external trainings on Recruitment, Staffing Strategy, and Employer Branding. ✅ Gained early commercial experience as a Field Sales Executive, contributing to cross-functional understanding of business operations. DHL Express (Czech Republic), s.r.o. HR Business Partner August 2005 – March 2011 ✅ Acted as strategic HR advisor to line managers, supporting them in all core HR processes and compliance areas. ✅ Reviewed and optimized staffing processes, including coaching hiring managers on effective interviewing techniques. ✅ Conducted recruitment across all branches in the Czech Republic, from frontline roles to senior positions. ✅ Participated in key talent initiatives such as Development and Assessment Centers and the Talent DHL Management Internship Program. ✅ Led part-time HR team members and served as Acting Deputy to the Personnel Manager as needed. ✅ Provided career coaching and leadership guidance to employees, supporting development and retention. ✅ Delivered external trainings in Recruitment Strategy, Staffing, and HR Marketing.

  • Human Resources Manager at AMO - Association for International Affairs
    Nov 2002 - Aug 2011 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    Led the development of the organization's HR strategy and recruitment processes for one of the Czech Republic’s leading foreign policy think tanks. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: ✅ Created and implemented the Human Resources Strategy for the association, aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals. ✅ Conducted interviews and managed the recruitment of new collaborators, including researchers, analysts, and project staff. ✅ Built and maintained partnerships with leading academic institutions, including the University of Economics, Charles University, and the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI), to support talent acquisition and organizational visibility.

  • Recruitment Specialist (Outsourced Project Role) at ING
    Oct 2004 - Jun 2005 · 9 mos

    Worked as part of the HR team on a project-based outsourced role, focusing on recruitment and HR administrative support. Key Responsibilities: ✅ Conducted interviews and managed the full recruitment process for various roles. ✅ Participated in the Management Trainee Program, supporting candidate selection and coordination. ✅ Managed personal records and employee documentation. ✅ Provided comprehensive administrative support to the HR department.