Job Description:
HR Manager – Commercial Eastern Region🌎 At ESAB, innovation in welding and cutting technologies has been at the heart of our business for more than 100 years. From Oscar Kjellberg’s invention of the covered welding electrode in 1904 to today’s advanced solutions in welding automation and consumables, ESAB continues to shape the future of fabrication and manufacturing worldwide.
We are looking for an HR Manager – Commercial Eastern Region who will be responsible for leading and managing all strategic and operational HR activities across the Eastern Region. The role partners closely with the Regional Sales Director for Eastern to align people strategies with business objectives, support employee performance and engagement, and drive talent and organizational development initiatives.
Countries in scope: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Performance Objectives and ResponsibilitiesStrategic HR Partnership
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Regional Sales Director and Area Sales Managers on HR-related matters.
- Translate business objectives into HR strategies and action plans.
- Support organizational growth, transformation, and workforce planning initiatives.
Talent Management & Succession Planning
- Lead regional talent management and implement global strategies locally.
- Conduct annual Talent Reviews with key stakeholders.
- Develop and track development plans for key talent.
- Support internal mobility and career progression.
- Advise on retention strategies and monitor talent risks.
- Foster a high-performance, growth-oriented culture.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Lead and/or perform recruitment activities for key and strategic positions.
- Partner with managers to identify workforce needs.
Performance Management
- Drive the performance management cycle, including objective setting, mid-year and end-year reviews.
- Coach managers on performance improvement and employee development.
Learning & Development
- Identify training and development needs across the organization.
- Coordinate leadership development and employee capability-building programs.
- Promote continuous learning and career development opportunities.
- Deliver training when required.
Employee Engagement & Culture
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture in the spirit of SHAPE.
- Support the annual Engagement Survey, Focus Groups, and implementation of improvement action plans.
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Change Management & Organizational Development
- Support organizational design and restructuring initiatives.
- Guide managers and employees through change and transition processes.
- Facilitate communication and adoption of organizational changes.
Compensation & Benefits
- Support the implementation and communication of compensation and benefits programs.
- Partner with managers on annual compensation planning and salary reviews.
- Advise on compensation decisions to ensure equity and competitiveness.
- Conduct benchmarking and monitor market trends.
- Support job evaluation, grading, and approval processes.
- Promote employee understanding of reward programs.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.
HR Policies & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws and company policies across all countries within scope.
- Maintain awareness of legal and market developments impacting HR practices.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams when required.
HR Metrics & Reporting
- Analyze HR data and trends to support decision-making.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for management.
Scope Exclusions
The role does not include direct responsibility for:
- Payroll processing
- Personnel administration / HR administration
- Labor union relations and collective bargaining activities
RequirementsLanguages
- Proficiency in the local language at C1 level.
- English proficiency at minimum B2 level; C1 level is considered an advantage.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline.
- Degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or Business Administration is preferred.
- Coaching certification is considered an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 4 years of experience in an international or global environment.
- Proven track record in supporting commercial organizations or business units.
Mobility & Travel
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%.
Why ESAB is a great company to work for
- Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from home several days per week.
- Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Continuous performance feedback and development discussions.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Career growth opportunities aligned with your professional aspirations.
🚀 Apply now with your English CV and let's Shape the Future Together!
Skills Required
- Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience
- At least 4 years of experience in an international or global environment
- Bachelor's or higher degree in any discipline
- Degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or Business Administration is preferred
- Proficiency in local language at C1 level
- English proficiency at minimum B2 level
ESAB Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ESAB and has not been reviewed or approved by ESAB.
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Retirement Support — The package includes an immediately vested 401(k) with a strong company match plus an additional employer contribution. Feedback suggests this structure is a standout element of total compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple plan choices, including HSA‑eligible options with employer contributions, alongside dental and vision. Feedback suggests these mainstream offerings strengthen perceived total rewards when paired with other benefits.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave, child and elder‑care support, and access to caregiving services are included. Feedback suggests these family‑oriented supports add meaningful value for many employees.
ESAB Insights
What We Do
ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding consumables and equipment. Our brand is synonymous with world-leading expertise in the following key areas: * Manual welding and cutting equipment * Welding consumables * Welding automation * Cutting systems Celebrating 110 years since its founding, ESAB now serves a global market. We are represented in almost every country by subsidiaries or agents providing sales and support. ESAB also has manufacturing plants across four continents. Manufacturers everywhere are looking for ways to improve productivity and reduce operating costs. One way to achieve this goal is to align with a welding and cutting partner that offers a complete line of innovative solutions that meet the current demands of industry. ESAB has led the way in research and development of better technologies and products for this industry since its founding. ESAB has many great minds working on ways to make our industry stronger and better able to meet the needs of the future. We are constantly striving to expand our product offerings – from the best in traditional welding applications to large automated manufacturing facilities. ESAB continues to offer world-class technical support and educational opportunities to help our customers work smarter and better. We are dedicated to working with customers to help them be more productive, more profitable, and better able to compete. The ESAB group has been owned by Colfax Corporation since January 13, 2012. To learn more visit our website at www.esab.com and choose your region to begin
