Paola Koycheva
Sofia,Bulgaria
Summary
Strategic HR Business Partner with 15+ years of international experience, specializing in talent management, recruitment, and employee engagement. Expert in designing and executing people strategies that drive business performance, attract top talent, and foster a high-engagement culture.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior HR Business Partner
bTV Media Group
2025.08 - Current
- Develop and implement talent management and succession strategies aligned to business goals.
- Lead recruitment and employer branding initiatives; oversee full lifecycle from sourcing to onboarding.
- Partner with leaders to align HR practices with organizational objectives and culture.
- Drive employee engagement programs improving satisfaction and retention.
- Facilitate performance reviews, coaching, and leadership development.
- Represent the company at career fairs and external events.
Senior Leadership Development Consultant
Eviden (an Atos brand)
, Global
2023.08 - 2025.07
- Designed and delivered global leadership programs impacting 1,500+ employees.
- Built and delivered mid-to-senior management programs with Harvard Business Publishing (400+ participants).
- Established leadership capability framework for talent and succession planning.
- Integrated leadership initiatives into broader talent strategy with HR and business leaders.
Senior Strategic Recruiter (Executive Recruitment)
Atos
, EMEIA
2021.05 - 2023.08
- Led executive-level searches across EMEIA, ensuring top-tier talent acquisition
- Managed the full recruitment cycle, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding
- Partnered with Employer Branding to amplify EVP and talent attraction
- Provided strategic guidance to executive leadership on talent acquisition and workforce planning
Talent Attraction Partner
Falcon.io
, EMEIA
2020.10 - 2021.05
- Executed talent acquisition and employer branding initiatives across EMEIA
- Delivered recruitment services for multiple international offices
- Developed and implemented strategies to attract and retain top talent
- Created content for employer branding and internal communications
Senior HR Consultant
People Solutions Factory
2017.06 - 2020.05
- Provided strategic HR counsel to organizations, addressing HR challenges and optimizing growth
- Mentored a team of juniors, ensuring seamless execution of HR initiatives
- Designed and delivered tailored training programs and led market salary surveys
- Supported clients with recruitment, talent management, and organizational development
HR Consultant
Dr. Pendl & Dr. Piswanger
2016.10 - 2017.06
- Managed the full recruitment lifecycle for client organizations
- Led HR outsourcing, outplacement, and personnel leasing projects
- Consulted on labor market trends and sourcing strategies
- Supported clients with HR process improvement and compliance
Executive Coordinator
Experian
2016.01 - 2016.09
- Provided HR administrative support to the executive team
- Coordinated HR processes, including onboarding, training, and employee communications
- Supported EMEA operations management and optimized HR documentation and reporting
HR Specialist
KPMG Bulgaria
2007.01 - 2011.03
- Supported recruitment, onboarding, training, and talent management processes
- Acted as a liaison between HR and employees, ensuring effective communication and engagement
- Organized corporate recruitment campaigns and career events
- Assisted with HR reporting, employee relations, and global mobility programs
Chief of Staff
Kirov JSCo
2004.01 - 2006.12
- Supported the CEO and executive team with HR-related administrative tasks
- Maintained office procedures, data management, and internal communications
- Assisted with recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement activities
Marketing Assistant (HR-aligned functions)
IMRO
2003.01 - 2004.02
- Conducted marketing research and reporting for international partners
- Supported client communications and campaign tracking
Sales Consultant
Mobiltel (now A1)
1998.09 - 2003.03
- Delivered customer service and sales support
- Assisted with client inquiries and order processing
- Supported team communication and daily operations
Education
MA - General Psychology
Sofia University Sv. Kliment Ohridski
BA - Information Science
Sofia University Sv. Kliment Ohridski
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) -
PMI
PRINCE2 Certification -
APMG International
Certification in Psychotherapy -
World Association for Positive Psychotherapy
Skills
- Talent Management & Succession Planning
- End-to-End Recruitment & Executive Search
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- Leadership Development
- Employer Branding
- Performance Management
- Organizational Development
- Change & Stakeholder Management
Certification
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), PMI
- PRINCE2 Certification, APMG International
- Certification in Psychotherapy, WAPP
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Languages
Bulgarian – Native
English – C1 Advanced
Italian – C1 Advanced
German – A1 Beginner
References
Available upon request.
Affiliations
- Personal Growth & Wellbeing Practicing yoga and mindfulness Ongoing psychotherapy training and learning Exploring human psychology and hypnosis Adventure & Exploration Traveling and discovering new places Intellectual Curiosity Reading and personal development
Timeline
Senior HR Business Partner
bTV Media Group
2025.08 - Current
Senior Leadership Development Consultant
Eviden (an Atos brand)
2023.08 - 2025.07
Senior Strategic Recruiter (Executive Recruitment)
Atos
2021.05 - 2023.08
Talent Attraction Partner
Falcon.io
2020.10 - 2021.05
Senior HR Consultant
People Solutions Factory
2017.06 - 2020.05
HR Consultant
Dr. Pendl & Dr. Piswanger
2016.10 - 2017.06
Executive Coordinator
Experian
2016.01 - 2016.09
HR Specialist
KPMG Bulgaria
2007.01 - 2011.03
Chief of Staff
Kirov JSCo
2004.01 - 2006.12
Marketing Assistant (HR-aligned functions)
IMRO
2003.01 - 2004.02
Sales Consultant
Mobiltel (now A1)
1998.09 - 2003.03
MA - General Psychology
Sofia University Sv. Kliment Ohridski
BA - Information Science
Sofia University Sv. Kliment Ohridski
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) -
PMI
PRINCE2 Certification -
APMG International
Certification in Psychotherapy -
World Association for Positive Psychotherapy