In our Varna office, there’s one person who always finds a way to make things happen calmly, efficiently, and with a smile. That’s Irina, our HR and recruitment specialist in Bulgaria. With a background in sales, logistics, and people management, she joined Marino Projects to take on a new challenge – one that would combine her problem-solving skills with her natural ability to connect with others.
From Sales to HR
“I worked in sales departments for over 15 years,” Irina says.. “I was responsible for logistics, finding suppliers, and maintaining communication with clients and transport companies. It taught me a lot about people: how they think, how they react under pressure, and how to stay calm when everything changes at the last minute.”
Those years in fast-paced logistics gave Irina the foundation she uses every day in HR, that is quick decision-making, adaptability, and efficiency. “In many ways, what I do now is similar,” she says. “Instead of shipments, I organize people’s journeys to new projects. Instead of products, I help match the right professionals with the right opportunities.”
Her move to HR came naturally. “I wanted a new challenge. And it turned out that everything I’d learned before helped me a lot in this role.”
Joining Marino Projects
For Irina, Marino Projects felt like the right place from the start. “My father worked in shipbuilding, so the industry wasn’t unfamiliar to me. Here in Varna, shipbuilding is one of the main sectors, it’s part of our city’s DNA. When I heard about the opportunity at Marino Projects, I decided to apply. And it was a perfect fit.”
Collaborating daily with colleagues from Lithuania and other countries, Irina immediately felt part of the team. “From the very first day, everyone made me feel welcome and supported. Even though we’re not in the same office, I always feel like we’re working side by side.”
For her, international collaboration is one of the best parts of the job: “You learn something new all the time. People who work in international teams often bring different experiences, and sharing them helps us all grow.”
What Makes a Candidate a Good Fit for Marino Projects?
According to Irina, doing well at Marino Projects requires more than just technical skills. “We work in a dynamic environment, so we need strong people who are not afraid of challenges. Things don’t always go perfectly, and sometimes you face unexpected situations. That’s why I look for people who have common sense, patience, and a problem-solving attitude.”
She admits it’s not always easy. “Bulgarians are not impulsive. They like to think before making decisions. For example, people usually want to know about a job a few days in advance – not start the next day. It’s a cultural thing. Relocating for work is still not very common here, so sometimes it takes patience to find the right candidates.
But when I find the right person for the right job, it’s the best feeling. Especially when someone calls or visits me later to say thank you – that I helped them find work at a moment they needed it most. That’s when I know my work makes a difference.”
Overcoming Challenges
Recruiting and coordinating work across countries comes with its difficulties. “Sometimes logistics can be tricky – workers may need several connections to reach a project site, or they might need help with documents and courses before starting. But we handle it as a team. We support people through every step.”
Building trust has also been an important part of her mission in Bulgaria. “At first, Marino Projects wasn’t well known here. But over the last two years, more and more people recognize our name and trust us. That’s the biggest reward – when people start recommending us to others.”
Motivation and the Future
What motivates her most? “The team,” she says without hesitation. “When you work with good people, everything else becomes easier. I truly believe that a strong team is the biggest advantage any company can have.”
And her vision for the future? “I see Marino Projects expanding and working all over the world. We have the people, the energy, and the ambition to do it.”