Katarzyna Szaroleta
Lusowko
Summary
Results-driven learning and development professional specializing in strategic learning roadmaps and leadership development. Expertise in designing blended and digital learning solutions that align with business priorities and measure effectiveness through robust metrics. Proven ability to manage training budgets, lead L&D teams, and drive ROI-focused decision-making to support organizational culture transformation. Proficient in global L&D coordination and change management, utilizing tools like Hogan, DISC, and Workday to enhance talent strategies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of HR Service Delivery, Central Europe
DFDS
Poznań
2026.03 - 2026.03
- Oversee HR strategy and L&D coordination across Central European hubs, proactively shaping employee development programs aligned with regional business growth targets.
- Drive learning metrics standardization and cross-border stakeholder management in a complex matrix organization.
- Multinational logistics & GBS | 2000+ FTEs
HR Country Manager & Board Member | L&D Strategy Owner
DFDS Polska Sp. z o.o.
Poznań
2021.05 - 2026.02
- Spearheaded full change management integration of HSF Logistics (742 FTE, €296M acquisition): designed culture transformation workshops, harmonized onboarding and performance review frameworks, and coached mid-level leaders transitioning from hierarchical to flat organizational culture.
- Scaled operations from 400 to 1,300 FTE while sustaining 12–13% attrition — managed training budget allocation and workforce investment decisions as Board Member with direct P&L responsibility (HR costs = 80% of total company costs).
- Acted as strategic consultant to senior business leaders and Global CFO (Copenhagen), reporting learning metrics and HR KPIs linked to EBIT and proactively identifying talent risks during rapid growth.
- Transitioned all L&D programs to blended/digital formats during COVID-19 (Talent Factory, coaching, mentoring) — applying modern learning methods (shorter sessions, breakout rooms, asynchronous follow-up) to maintain learning effectiveness without interruption.
- GBS Hub for 20 European countries | 550+ FTE
HR Manager | L&D Program Architect
DFDS Polska Sp. z o.o.
Poznań
2016.05 - 2021.04
- Designed and launched Talent Factory — a strategic annual leadership development program using 9-box grid talent review, Assessment/Development Centers, and external coaching partners. Built the program from zero; reached 5th edition by 2021, consistently oversubscribed despite loyalty contract requirement.
- Established comprehensive L&D strategy from scratch: implemented competency-based recruitment standards, mentoring programs, and a Culture Ambassador network — creating an employee development ecosystem that reduced turnover from 25% to 12–13% (sustained 8+ years).
- Co-led quarterly leadership rollouts with global L&D team (Copenhagen, 2018–2020), ensuring global L&D coordination between local execution and global organizational culture standards in a matrix structure — meetings conducted in English with leaders from Denmark, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey.
- Monitored learning effectiveness via eNPS (Peakon Workday), tracking growth, belonging, and management drivers per team — used data to proactively shape L&D priorities, advise senior stakeholders on talent risks, and demonstrate learning ROI.
- GBS Hub | Poznań
HR Manager
Cheil Worldwide – Samsung Group
Warsaw
2012.01 - 2016.04
- Managed full HR function in a fast-paced creative and technology environment, developing engagement and retention strategies for high-turnover tech and creative talent.
- Partnered with senior leadership across 3 cultures (Korean HQ, Polish teams, global Samsung client) to align talent initiatives with innovation cycles and business priorities.
- Global creative & technology agency | Multicultural (Korean HQ)
HR Manager
Galileo Media
Warsaw
2010.01 - 2012.04
- Delivered HR in an IT/technology startup, partnering with software developers, UX designers, and information architects on career development and retention in a services business model.
- Developed ROI-oriented approach to people investments through close collaboration with founders and investors — learning to connect learning & development spending to business outcomes.
- Technology Startup | Digital product studio – developers, designers, architects
Branch Manager / Senior Recruitment Consultant
Manpower
Warsaw
2007.07 - 2010.11
Education
Coaching & Career Counseling - ICF ACC pathway
SWPS University
2014.09 - 2016.06
Personnel Management - Psychology
University of Warsaw
2007.08 - 2008.06
MA - Linguistics: Ethnolinguistics
Adam Mickiewicz University
Poznań 2001.10 - 2006.07
Skills
- Strategic learning roadmap
- Leadership development
- Employee development programs
- Blended & digital learning
- Learning effectiveness measurement
- Business priorities alignment
- Training budget management
- Learning metrics & KPIs
- ROI-driven decision-making
- L&D team leadership
- Change management
- Organizational culture transformation
- Global L&D coordination
- Proactive, solution-oriented approach
- AC/DC
- 9-box grid
- Hogan
- DISC
- Mindsonar
- Peakon Workday (eNPS)
- Coaching
- Vendor ecosystem management
Certification
- DISC Thomas International Certified Professional
- HOGAN Certified Professional
- Eco - Leadership, Ambassador
Languages
Polish
Native
English
Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin)
Beginner
Affiliations
- Apart from strong focus on development I am keen on climbing and other outdoor sport activities..
Disclaimer
I hereby consent to my personal data being processed for the purpose of the recruitment process.
Timeline
Head of HR Service Delivery, Central Europe
DFDS
2026.03 - 2026.03
HR Country Manager & Board Member | L&D Strategy Owner
DFDS Polska Sp. z o.o.
2021.05 - 2026.02
HR Manager | L&D Program Architect
DFDS Polska Sp. z o.o.
2016.05 - 2021.04
Coaching & Career Counseling - ICF ACC pathway
SWPS University
2014.09 - 2016.06
HR Manager
Cheil Worldwide – Samsung Group
2012.01 - 2016.04
HR Manager
Galileo Media
2010.01 - 2012.04
Personnel Management - Psychology
University of Warsaw
2007.08 - 2008.06
Branch Manager / Senior Recruitment Consultant
Manpower
2007.07 - 2010.11
MA - Linguistics: Ethnolinguistics
Adam Mickiewicz University
2001.10 - 2006.07