For our client, a global full-service marketing and communications agency, we are looking for an HR Manager/HR Director to rebuild and modernize the HR function in Russia.
This is a high-impact leadership role with direct reporting to the expat CEO and CFO and close partnership with the local leadership team. The HR Manager/Director will play a critical role in restoring structure, clarity, and trust across the organization while building scalable, transparent HR practices aligned with international agency standards.
The role is designed for a hands-on HR leader with strong advertising agency experience, capable of operating in a fast-paced, creative, and commercially driven environment.
This is not a support role — it is a business-critical transformation role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Rebuild & Transformation
Lead the end-to-end rebuild of the HR function in Russia, ensuring compliance, structure, and transparency.
Redesign organizational structures, role architecture, and reporting lines in line with business strategy and growth priorities.
Establish clear governance, accountability, and decision-making frameworks across teams.
Drive change management initiatives and support leadership through transformation periods.
Talent Acquisition & Retention
Design and implement a structured and scalable talent acquisition strategy tailored to a full-service advertising agency environment.
Build effective recruitment channels for creative, digital, media, and account roles.
Develop retention and engagement initiatives to reduce attrition and secure critical talent.
Partner closely with business leaders on workforce planning, succession, and capability needs.
Performance Management & Culture
Develop and implement performance management frameworks, including goal setting, annual reviews, and development planning.
Embed a culture of ownership, accountability, and performance excellence while respecting the creative nature of the business.
Support leaders in managing performance, underperformance, development plans, and internal mobility.
Contribute to rebuilding trust and strengthening leadership effectiveness across teams.
Compensation, Benefits & HR Policies
Build fair, competitive, and transparent compensation frameworks aligned with agency market benchmarks and global standards.
Review, update, and implement HR policies, including employee handbook, attendance rules, grievance, and disciplinary procedures.
Ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance across all HR practices.
Leadership Partnership & HR Operations
Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, and leadership team on people strategy and organizational decisions.
Provide data-driven insights through HR metrics, dashboards, and reporting (headcount, attrition, hiring, performance).
Ensure HR operations support business priorities and leadership decision-making.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Must Have
5+ years of senior HR leadership experience, with a strong track record in organizational transformation, restructuring, or turnaround environments.
Direct experience working in advertising or integrated marketing agencies (full-service agency experience is critical).
Deep understanding of agency-specific workflows, project-based delivery models, and creative/digital talent dynamics.
Proven expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, and compensation design within agency environments.
Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to partner with senior leadership.
Fluency in Russian and strong professional English (direct interaction with expat CEO and international stakeholders).
Nice to Have
Experience leading HR transformation in complex or fast-changing organizations.
Hands-on experience with digital HR tools and people analytics.
Strong knowledge of the Russian talent market for creative, digital, and media professionals.
Experience forecasting workforce needs and managing attrition risks through analytics and proactive planning.
