Careers

I am proud to be part of Podravka, a multinational company whose operations leave a strong mark not only on the local community but much more broadly. As Head of Department in Energy, I am responsible for all electrical power facilities of Podravka d.d., not only their maintenance, but also their continuous improvement and modernization.

In addition, I lead major energy projects, among which the most significant currently is the construction and commissioning of solar power plants in Dugopolje, Varaždin and Koprivnica. I would especially highlight the plant in Koprivnica, which is the largest integrated solar power plant in Croatia, with a total capacity of more than 9 MW.

Podravka is a future-oriented company that not only embraces new technologies and innovations, but also boldly implements them in its operations.

I have been with Podravka for almost 30 years. I completed secondary food-processing school, and after additional education arranged by Podravka, I became a specialist food technician.

I started my working life at Podravka as a trainee, and I currently work in the Vegeta, Soups and Pasta Factory. I see Podravka as my second home and my second family. Today it is much easier to work than it used to be, there is not as much physical work, everything is automated and robotized. The company invests in technology, and anyone who comes here can learn a great deal.

I am sure even more successful days lie ahead for Podravka because Podravka’s products are high-quality and unique on the market.

In the end, I invite young people to come and work here; we will help them fit in as quickly as possible and gain valuable knowledge.

The Podravka Group, as one of the leading business systems in the region, provides me with a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

During my work so far, I have collaborated with almost all business units, especially through work on the Business Strategy, where I actively participated in creating key guidelines for future development.

This experience has enabled me to better understand the complexity of the Group’s business model and further motivated me to contribute to its growth with my knowledge and experience.

I especially value the openness and support of my colleagues, because I believe that collaboration and team spirit are key to success. The combination of innovation, tradition and ambitious strategic plans makes Podravka a place where I can grow professionally and contribute to its long-term success.

I came to Podravka through the Shape 2.2 employment program, joining as a production technologist in the Vegeta, Soups and Pasta Factory. Even then, I considered Podravka an ideal environment for ambitious young people striving for professional development, which has been confirmed through my experience so far.

Within a short period, I advanced to a managerial position and now lead three production plants with around 200 employees. Working in a dynamic environment has given me valuable experience, while internal training and development programs have further strengthened my leadership skills.

I am especially pleased that Podravka continuously invests in employee development, improving working conditions and optimizing production processes. With the support of colleagues who generously share their knowledge, every challenge becomes an opportunity for learning and further progress.

Being part of Podravka is a great privilege because it is a company that is global and yet still ours. This special balance between global reach and local authenticity makes Podravka a unique place to work.

The opportunities it offers for further professional development, collaboration with top experts from different business areas and opportunities to participate in various projects, combined with a pleasant working atmosphere, make the perfect blend of spices in my career.

In the future, I see Podravka as a company that not only continuously follows but also actively sets new food trends, while remaining true to its roots and rich tradition that made it recognizable around the world.

As a driver at Podravka, I have travelled across almost all of Europe and covered more than a million kilometers. Although it could sometimes be challenging, especially back when we had neither technology nor GPS, I love my job.

When I joined Podravka, I first worked as an intern, and during my long career I went through all Podravka plants – from baby food to cocktails to soups. After that, I moved to the Maintenance sector. But then, after some time, I started thinking about succeeding my father, who was Podravka’s official driver. I was always interested in his job, and when I realized there was a generational shift coming, I took the opportunity.

Sometimes it can be exhausting, but I would not trade this job for anything in the world. Considering that my parents also worked at Podravka, I can freely say that I am truly a real Podravka child.

As a leading international company headquartered in Croatia, Podravka offers its employees continuous opportunities for learning and development throughout their careers. Openness to change and readiness for new challenges within the company open many doors for those who want to progress.

To my satisfaction, my position as Director of the Corporate Marketing Sector covers quite a wide range of tasks, allowing me to be involved, directly or indirectly, in all marketing activities Podravka carries out in all its markets. What matters most to me is that I built my position exclusively through expertise, dedicated work and quality cooperation with colleagues at all levels, based on mutual respect and support.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various roles – from direct contact with consumers and work at points of sale to visits to distant markets such as Sweden, the USA and Argentina. All of this helped me understand the bigger picture of our company more clearly and become aware of its full potential and what it truly can be.

I am very glad that the sense of optimism and the desire to learn and work in my profession that I had when I joined Podravka are still present after more than three years of work.

In just a few years in the Corporate Development sector, I have had opportunities to progress and learn far more than I expected. I participated in numerous projects related to innovative products and technologies that will, among other things, significantly contribute to the principles of sustainable development.

Interesting and challenging projects have enabled me to come to work motivated and convinced that my effort will be useful for Podravka’s development and for my further personal growth.

I am proud to have participated in the research project “Development of innovative products from by-products during vegetable processing” because it is the first research project of this kind co-financed by European Union funds.

I have been working at Podravka for 3 years as an electrician.

I really like it here, although it is completely different from Nepal, where I come from. My colleagues are kind, friendly and ready to help.

Every day I learn new things that help me become a better electrical technician.

At the moment I am really enjoying myself; I like the job, but also the city of Koprivnica, which I have grown very fond of in a short time. It is safe and pleasant to live in.

I see myself here in the future, and I will also recommend Podravka to my friends and acquaintances.

Podravka’s greatest business value lies in its brands. Generations of Podravka employees participated in creating Vegeta, Lino, Podravka fruit and other brands. Today we know the names of only a few of them, but thousands of other people in production, sales or finance have woven a part of themselves into the market success of these brands.

I am proud to be part of that chain and to have the opportunity to work in marketing and create new value, primarily for consumers and then for the company. It is wonderful when you can be part of a team of people who, after several months of work, turn an idea, a concept or a sketch on paper into a real product.

The breadth of the job, besides the marketing side, includes portfolio management, monitoring financial performance and actively influencing sales, so everyone can find the area that suits them and specialize in it.

After graduating from secondary food-processing school, I got a job at Podravka, and I believe I will also end my working life here.

Today I work as a business secretary in Foreign Trade, and along my career path I have changed several jobs and positions. I can say that I live my job and truly love it. Quite simply, it is never hard for me to go to work. I am happy that I invested in myself and my knowledge, and that today I am a proud Podravka employee and part of a family that has lasted for 75 years.

Podravka continues to develop and is making incredible progress. I am sure our Podravka is moving in the right direction.

Friendship, togetherness, tolerance, helping one another and the feeling that you are a drop helping to weave a great waterfall are priceless.

I came to Podravka as a seasonal worker, and soon after that I got a job as an electromechanic in central maintenance. After ten years, I moved to the Baby Food and Spreads Factory, where I have been working for fifteen years.

The job is very dynamic and every day brings new challenges, since I deal with machine maintenance and preparation. The team I work with is exceptional – people really give their all, and working conditions are excellent. I am especially glad that I have the opportunity to work with two colleagues from Nepal, who have brought new energy into the team. I always enjoy sharing my knowledge with them and watching their progress.

I invite young people who want to work in this industry to apply to Podravka. Continuous investment in new technologies and numerous areas in which employees can develop make it possible to reach one’s full potential.

My story with Podravka began in childhood in Sydney, where my parents prepared meals using Podravka products. I am Croatian by origin, and today, after 26 years of working for the company, I am the director of Podravka International – the only Croatian company in Australia.

Australian consumers perceive Podravka as a European brand, and our goal is to bring it closer to them as a symbol of home cooking, full of warmth and tradition.

We have introduced various products, but Vegeta remains the most recognizable, and it is fascinating to see how many different cultures use it in their gastronomy.

Although I live and work in Australia, I regularly visit Koprivnica and Podravka’s headquarters. These visits are not only business-related – they allow me to stay connected with colleagues, but also with my heritage and culture.

I am proud to have been a Podravka employee for 17 years. I have worked in different jobs in several Podravka units, and today I work in the Meat Products Factory.

The biggest part of my working day relates to receiving and preparing raw materials for salami production. I am proud that when I go to the store, I see a product I worked on, one that is high-quality and that people can enjoy.

Working conditions at Podravka are good, working hours are respected and the working atmosphere is excellent. We all stick together and we are truly a real team. That is the most important thing to me because all of us spend a big part of our lives at work.

I think Podravka will be even more successful in the future; the products have always been high-quality, and I am sure we will continue in that direction.

What makes me happiest in my everyday work at Podravka is interaction with people and the positive challenges that come with day-to-day work.

The key elements of satisfaction include the feeling of contributing to the organization through talent development and management, and supporting employees in achieving their professional goals.

As my favorite aspect of the job, I would definitely mention opportunities to connect with colleagues through various projects, from recruiting new talents to implementing development programs.

My everyday motivation that encourages me to give my maximum is certainly the fact that I work in one of the most recognizable companies, one with a rich history that shapes food habits and is an important part of the daily lives of many consumers.

In my everyday work, what I like most is the dynamism and diversity of the job – every project carries its own story and an opportunity for innovation. Working on digital platforms like Coolinarika and projects like Coolie allows me to combine creativity and technology while creating something that truly impacts people. I especially enjoy the fact that through these projects we can build the future while also highlighting values that are deeply woven into Podravka’s tradition.

Podravka continuously provides me with opportunities to invest in new knowledge, whether through training or through projects that are challenging and require constant improvement.

Through all of this, it has additionally “fuelled” my curiosity – it pushes me to think about how things can be different, better, more relevant not only today, but also in the context of the future needs of our users.