Margarita Stancheva
Director Of Talent Strategy & Performance-Based Hiring
Sofia
Summary
I’m a strategic and hands-on talent leader with 14+ years of experience building scalable recruitment frameworks, leading high-performing global teams, and partnering with senior leadership to shape hiring strategies in fast-moving tech environments. My approach is grounded in data and behavioral science, but always centered around people - candidate experience, inclusion, and long-term team impact come first. Driven, curious, and solutions-focused, I’m known for creative sourcing, clear communication, and getting things done without overcomplicating. I thrive in ambiguity, stay calm under pressure, and bring a mix of structure and heart to everything I do. Whether I’m refining selection processes, mentoring recruiters, or helping hiring managers raise the bar, I’m always looking for better ways to connect great talent with meaningful work.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Managing Director
Sofia Tech Recruitment Ltd.
11.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: Founded and grew a boutique tech recruitment firm that partnered with some of Europe’s most exciting fintech and product companies.
- Founded and grew a boutique tech recruitment firm that partnered with some of Europe’s most exciting fintech and product companies.
- Helped fast-scaling startups build hiring strategies from the ground up — from executive search to technical roles and org design.
- Led delivery teams and built internal tools like interview scorecards and structured feedback loops to ensure consistency and quality in hiring.
- Supported clients with market entry hiring, distributed team planning, and employer brand positioning across EMEA.
- Mentored senior recruiters, helping them build stronger stakeholder relationships and sharpen their strategic thinking.
- Worked closely with founders and exec teams to align hiring plans with team performance goals and long-term growth vision.
- Founded and grew a boutique tech recruitment firm that partnered with some of Europe’s most exciting fintech and product companies.
Senior Technical Recruiter
Uber
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Collaborated with engineering leads across Europe to run targeted sourcing and hiring campaigns for high-impact tech roles.
- Rolled out sourcing automation tools and pipeline analytics to improve efficiency and conversion.
- Organized hiring manager calibration sessions and implemented hiring plans to support rapid headcount growth.
- Took part in DEI-focused sourcing initiatives and built passive talent pipelines through creative engagement strategies.
Lead Technical Recruiter
Paysafe Group
11.2015 - 08.2016
- Owned recruitment for several product engineering teams, integrating performance profiling into the selection process.
- Worked alongside senior leadership to refine role requirements and ensure hiring aligned with broader team outcomes.
- Ran end-to-end hiring processes, from job definition to offer stage, while driving improvements in candidate experience.
Recruitment Lead / Internal Mobility Manager
Luxoft
02.2014 - 04.2015
- Oversaw hiring across multiple locations, with a focus on internal moves and policy development for internal mobility.
- Created and delivered behavioral interview training for hiring teams to build consistency and fairness into the process.
- Ran high-volume recruitment campaigns across EMEA in close coordination with hiring managers.
- Rolled out structured interview formats to reduce bias and improve selection quality.
- Partnered with HRBPs and L&D to design internal career paths and upskilling plans.
IT Recruiter
PFG Bulgaria Ltd.
07.2013 - 01.2014
- Built pipelines for engineering roles using a mix of sourcing tools, Boolean logic, and candidate profiling.
- Worked with managers to define hiring criteria and translate team needs into clear candidate requirements.
- Ran full-cycle recruitment including job ad writing, interview coordination, and offer negotiation.
- Focused on passive talent sourcing through LinkedIn, industry events, and local tech communities.
- Contributed to early employer branding efforts and role marketing content.
HR Specialist
CNsys PLC
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Handled a broad range of HR responsibilities — from hiring and onboarding to employee records and payroll.
- Led internal audits and documentation reviews to ensure HR practices met legal and regulatory standards.
- Ran employee orientation and supported knowledge transfer across departments.
- Helped build and update performance review forms and internal career guidelines.
HR Intern
Meiji Co., Ltd
03.2009 - 02.2010
- Assisted with local hiring and training coordination for both new grads and experienced professionals.
- Took part in interview scheduling, onboarding logistics, and translation of internal HR materials.
- Supported the team with cultural onboarding initiatives for international hires.
- Gained hands-on experience with Japanese workplace culture and HR administration.
Education
Bachelor’s - Economics and Marketing
MTM College
01.2012 - 01.2015
Bachelor’s - Human Resources and Management
Temple University
01.2008 - 01.2011
Skills
- Strategic Talent Planning
- Scalable Hiring Frameworks
- Behavioral Interviewing
- Scorecards
- Talent Analytics (SQL - basic)
- Distributed Team Recruitment
- Global TA Strategy
- Employer Branding
- Talent Product Design
- DEI Hiring
- Internal Mobility
- Org Design
- Performance-based Hiring
- Coaching & Mentorship of TA Professionals
- Stakeholder Management
- Project Leadership
Affiliations
British Bulgarian Business Association (BBBA), 04/01/23, Present
Remote Friendly
True
Timeline
Managing Director
Sofia Tech Recruitment Ltd.
11.2018 - Current
Senior Technical Recruiter
Uber
08.2016 - 10.2018
Lead Technical Recruiter
Paysafe Group
11.2015 - 08.2016
Recruitment Lead / Internal Mobility Manager
Luxoft
02.2014 - 04.2015
IT Recruiter
PFG Bulgaria Ltd.
07.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor’s - Economics and Marketing
MTM College
01.2012 - 01.2015
HR Specialist
CNsys PLC
07.2011 - 07.2013
HR Intern
Meiji Co., Ltd
03.2009 - 02.2010
Bachelor’s - Human Resources and Management
Temple University
01.2008 - 01.2011
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