Panda Perspectives: Judit Mateu
Our people drive our success. Through Panda Perspectives, we highlight the journeys of our team members, offering an inside look at what it’s like to grow a career in one of the fastest-growing recruitment agencies in the Netherlands. Today, we sit down with Judit Mateu, our key player in Panda’s Talent Acquisition team. With years of experience in recruitment, she shares her insights on what it takes to thrive at Panda, what makes Life Sciences recruitment unique, and why recruiters looking for their next step should consider joining us.
Introduction & Growth at Panda
You’ve been with Panda for a while now - how has your role evolved since you first joined?
At the beginning of every new journey, there’s always a phase of adaptation - learning new ways of working and fully stepping into the role. These first months have been a huge learning curve for me, filled with new experiences, new people, and a lot of growth!
One of the most rewarding aspects so far has been welcoming some amazing new talent into Panda. Seeing our team expand and align with our growth plans has been truly exciting.
What is the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
Right now, we’re focusing on improving our internal recruitment process, making it more candidate-centric and streamlined. Having spent over four years in agency recruitment, I can bring best practices and process optimisations to ensure we’re attracting top talent effectively.
Another major project is enhancing our Employer Brand and EVP. Along with Ebba, our fantastic Head of Marketing, we’re developing a fresh strategy and looking for Panda and Panda Intelligence - emphasising how we embed our core values and building our proposition to the talent we want to attract to Panda.
What has been the biggest learning or surprise for you about recruiting for Panda?
The biggest surprise? The incredible people within Panda. With a mix of nationalities, driven mindsets, and strong motivation, the culture here makes my job easier and my day-to-day work more enjoyable!
Why Work at Panda?
What makes Panda a great place to work for recruiters?
As an internal recruiter, I need to believe in the company’s vision and long-term strategy, and Panda delivers on that. A strong growth plan is the foundation for any recruiter considering their next step.
Beyond that, it’s about being part of a winning team. We’ve been recognised as one of the 250 fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands, and that momentum fuels an energetic, high-performance environment. Combine that with a strong team spirit and a commitment to high-quality recruitment, and you have the perfect setup for success.
How would you describe the culture at Panda?
Panda’s culture is a balance of high performance and having fun. Our Culture Club plays a big role in ensuring that while we work hard, we also celebrate achievements and enjoy team moments together. There’s nothing quite like seeing people smash their targets and hit the gong!
Why Choose Life Sciences Recruitment?
What’s unique about being a recruiter in Life Sciences compared to other industries?
Life Sciences recruitment offers a greater sense of purpose. The work we do directly impacts human health - whether it’s placing professionals in drug development, medical devices, or biotech innovations.
The industry is constantly evolving, which means recruiters need to stay ahead of trends and be adaptable to scientific advancements. It’s a dynamic field where every placement contributes to something bigger.
What It Takes to Succeed at Panda
What type of person thrives in Panda’s recruitment team?
Success in recruitment doesn’t come down to luck - it’s about being ambitious, driven, and hard-working. No matter your level of experience, these are the key traits that define top recruiters.
The good news? Any additional skills can be developed through Panda’s Learning & Development team, which provides tailored training to enhance expertise and ensure ongoing career growth.
If you had the chance to speak directly to someone thinking about a career at Panda, what would you highlight to encourage them to join?
If you’re considering joining Panda, know that we are fully invested in your growth and success. Whether you’re just starting in recruitment or looking to elevate your career, we provide tailored opportunities and training at every level.
With unmatched career growth, earning potential, and an incredible team, what more could you ask for? Oh, and did I mention uncapped commission and top-tier incentives? If that sounds like your kind of environment, we need to have a chat!
Want to know more about a career at Panda? Get in touch today!
Email Judit at: j.mateu@panda-int.com