“Pivara Skopje” is a company with more than a century of history, where tradition and innovation intertwine, creating not only beer but also stories, emotions, and brands that have become part of everyday culture. What is it like to work behind a brand that has symbolized Macedonian authenticity for decades?

In a conversation with Radovan Bakracheski, Financial Control Manager – Commercial, we explore what it means to be part of one of the country’s most reputable brands, how new flavors and brands are developed, and why Pivara Skopje is the right place for young people who want to work in a dynamic, inspiring, and modern environment. Radovan speaks about the experiences and challenges of finance and commerce today, his passion for numbers and analytics, and his desire to work in a company that produces the best beer and the best “Coca-Cola.”

When did you start working at “Pivara,” and what experiences have you gained working in such a renowned giant company?

– My journey at “Pivara Skopje” began in 2018, when I decided to follow my passion for numbers and analytics, as well as my desire to work for a company that not only produces the best Coca-Cola in the world (officially confirmed), but also the best beer we are recognized for – Skopsko. That was my motivation to make a career shift and become a part of the Financial Planning & Analysis team.

Since then, my career has progressed through various roles in the finance sector, from Financial Analyst, to Financial Control Manager for production and logistics, to my current position: Financial Control Manager – Commercial. Each of these roles enabled me to contribute to business planning, participate in strategic decision-making, and track performance through financial KPIs.

But what truly kept me at “Pivara” has not been the numbers alone, but the values. As part of the global groups Coca-Cola HBC and Heineken N.V, to which “Pivara Skopje” belongs, it is a company that genuinely lives its core principles in practice: fostering and enabling continuous learning and upskilling, providing equal development opportunities for every “Pivarec,” and nurturing employee well-being and satisfaction through the many programs available. These values motivate me to grow and contribute, not only as a professional, but as a person.

How did you reach the position of Financial Control Manager – Commercial, and how much effort and knowledge does it take to develop into a successful manager?

I reached the position of Financial Control Manager – Commercial through years of dedicated work, continuous learning, and embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. I believe that to become a successful manager, it is not enough to know the numbers, you also need to understand the people, the processes, and the strategy behind them.

The most important traits that have guided me along this path are curiosity, the constant desire to learn something new, openness to new challenges without fear of the unknown, and a clear vision for my career development – goals that motivate me every day to become a better version of myself.

In this role, key skills include analytical thinking, strategic planning ability, strong communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate across different teams. The challenges are numerous, from rapidly changing market conditions to the need for fast and accurate, data-driven decisions. But it is precisely these challenges that make the work dynamic and fulfilling. And as I mentioned, all of this is supported by “Pivara Skopje’s” development programs, which enable continuous learning, mentoring, and personal growth. What remains most important on our side is the desire and the courage to invest in ourselves.

What was your perception of “Pivara” and Skopsko before you joined, and what is your perception of the company as a brand now, from the inside?

Before joining “Pivara Skopje,” my perception was similar to that of many people – a robust, stable, almost unattainable organization that is difficult to enter. After I became a part of the team, that stereotype and image changed, not because “Pivara” is not large, but because behind that size stands a warm, professional, and dedicated community.

Today, from the inside, I see “Pivara” as a company that not only nurtures its brands with attention and passion, but also lives its values through people, culture, and care for the community.

I am especially proud to be part of an organization that actively contributes to society through initiatives like “Generalka Weekend” and many other volunteer actions where every “Pivarec” has the opportunity to make a personal contribution. That sense of belonging, a shared purpose, and positive impact is something you don’t fully see from the outside, but you feel it every day when you are part of the team.

What kind of environment is “Pivara” for young people in terms of professional development, and what are the benefits of working there?

If you are young, ambitious, curious, and want to work in an environment where your voice is heard, your effort is valued, and career advancement is a real motivator, then “Pivara Skopje” is the right place for you.

Here, you are not “just a new employee.” From day one, you become part of a team that believes in the potential of young people. Everyone has access to countless regional and global learning platforms, mentoring from experienced colleagues, and real opportunities to prove themselves and progress. Every challenge is a chance to learn something new, and every success, no matter how small, is celebrated.

For example, through the Coke Summership program, many students begin their professional journey right here, and many of them stay because working here means growing professionally and personally. It means being part of brands with a history, but also a future. And most importantly, it means working with people who believe in you from the very first day.

A moment that has had a lasting impact on your career at “Pivara”?

Definitely the mentoring from colleagues, especially from my line managers. Their dedication to my professional development, and their genuine investment in my growth as a person and as a leader, the way they set goals for me, their commitment to helping me achieve them, and the opportunity to receive open and constructive feedback, all of that taught me that growth does not come only from success, but also from mistakes.

They encouraged me not to be afraid of making mistakes, but to learn from every situation. That gave me confidence, but also awareness that true development requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to change. That support helped me build my professional identity and become a manager who believes in people, just as someone once believed in me.

Interview for fakulteti.mk
Photo: private archive