Panda’s New Talent Acquisition Lead: Shaping the Future of Talent

With a career spanning marketing, sales, and recruitment, they bring a wealth of experience to Panda. In this interview, we get into their background, insights on recruitment, and how she plans to contribute to Panda’s ambitious growth plans. Their thoughtful approach to talent acquisition and vision for the future promise exciting developments ahead.

A Journey through Sales, Marketing, and Recruitment

Tell us a bit about your career journey before joining Panda.

"I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people, and this passion has guided my career since completing my bachelor’s degree. My career started with a marketing internship at a Japanese multinational, which gave me invaluable insight into how a large corporation operates and the nuances of the marketing world. Following that, I pursued sales roles across Australia and Spain, where I relished the fast-paced environment and the thrill of meeting ambitious targets.

But recruitment was where I truly found my calling. It was about bringing my people skills, business knowledge, and understanding of corporate dynamics together. For nearly three years, I worked at another recruitment agency in talent acquisition, helping stakeholders find the best talent for their teams. This blend of experience across industries, roles, and countries has shaped me into a dynamic professional. Now, I’m excited to bring all of this to Panda and help drive the company’s growth."

Why Panda?

What attracted you to the role of TA Lead at Panda?

"It was Panda’s unique approach to growth and development that really drew me in, both in terms of the company’s goals and its commitment to the personal and professional development of its employees. I’m someone who thrives in an environment where there’s room to grow, where you’re encouraged to take ownership and be part of something transformative.

During my conversations with the CEO and the management team, it became clear that their vision for the company’s future is ambitious and incredibly exciting. The energy and commitment they bring to realising that vision is inspiring, and it’s clear that people are at the heart of everything they do. Being part of that growth journey and helping to shape the team that will take Panda to the next level was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up."

First Impressions 

What are your first impressions of the company and the team?

"My first impressions of Panda have been nothing short of fantastic. From the moment I walked through the door, the warmth and support I felt were overwhelming. It’s rare to find a company where everyone is so open, approachable, and genuinely interested in each other’s success. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here, and that spirit is incredibly motivating. It’s not just about individual achievements; there’s a collective drive to push the company forward and make a real impact in the life sciences industry."

Building Panda’s Future

Panda has big growth plans. How do you see your role in helping achieve those goals?

"Panda’s ambitions are impressive, and talent acquisition is central to making them a reality. In competitive industries like Life Sciences and Data & AI, it’s not enough to simply fill roles. You need to find the right people. Those whose skills and personalities align with the company’s vision and culture. It’s these individuals who will help drive innovation, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and contribute to success in the long-term.

I believe in a holistic approach and one that goes beyond just ticking boxes in a job description. It’s about understanding the company’s goals, and the team dynamics, and then matching that with people who not only have the right skills but also the passion to contribute to something bigger. The right talent brings fresh perspectives and energy that will help Panda build a solid foundation for sustained growth."

Tackling the Competitive Market

What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to tackle them?

"One of the key challenges we’re already facing is the increasing competition for top talent, especially in commercial roles. As industries like Life Sciences and Data & AI continue to grow, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all time high. Competing for this talent while also differentiating ourselves as an employer of choice is no small task.

To address it, we’re developing our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) further to support our communication as to why Panda is an attractive place to work. This is not just in terms of roles or pay, but also in terms of culture, growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of something exciting. We want to create a positive candidate experience that stands out, where people feel connected to our mission from the first touchpoint."

Long-Term Vision

Looking further ahead, what long-term changes or impacts do you hope to make at Panda?

"My goal is to make lasting contributions that support Panda’s ambitious growth plans. I see an opportunity to refine our recruitment processes by leveraging best practices I’ve developed throughout my career and introducing innovations to make things smoother and more efficient. I also believe there’s a huge potential in incorporating AI tools into our recruitment strategy. This will not only streamline our efforts but help us make data-driven decisions, improving both the candidate experience and the quality of our hires.

Another long-term goal of mine is to enhance cross-functional collaboration. Recruitment doesn’t exist in a bubble; it’s deeply interconnected with every part of the business.

By fostering stronger collaboration between departments, we can ensure that every new hire is aligned with the company’s broader goals, making the entire process more cohesive and impactful."

The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Talent at Panda

With our Talent Acquisition Lead, Judit, onboard, we’re more dedicated than ever to finding top professionals who thrive in a dynamic, fast-growing environment.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career in recruitment or take on a new challenge in your professional career, Panda is the place to make it happen.

Want to learn more about opportunities at Panda? Reach out to Judit and explore how you can be part of our mission:
Email: j.mateu@panda-int.comPhone: +31 625 351 072