Varner AS – tech recruitment experience for the fashion industry

Ani Gasparyan

Last updated on May 25, 2023 | 17 min read

• DevsData LLC partnered with Varner on a high-priority digital transformation initiative that required rapid hiring of senior specialists across multiple domains.
• All placements were finalized within three months, which allowed Varner to begin executing core elements of its digital program with senior teams already in place.

Introduction

Varner, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, partnered with DevsData LLC to carry out a large-scale digital transformation that redefined how the company builds technology and manages operations. The goal was to move from traditional retail processes to a unified digital operating model, where product design, logistics, and eCommerce systems work together under one shared platform.

The project focused on strengthening the company’s technological foundation and internal expertise. DevsData LLC led a large-scale recruitment effort, securing senior specialists who modernized key systems and introduced more efficient, collaborative ways of working across the organization.

Client overview

Varner is one of the largest fashion retailers in Northern Europe, employing about 14000 people and operating more than 1200 stores across Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Founded in 1962 by Frank Varner, the family-owned business is now led by the second and third generations and manages well-known brands such as Bik Bok, Carlings, Cubus, Dressmann, Dressmann XL, Junkyard, and Levi’s Store. The company has built a reputation for a people-oriented culture that values collaboration and customer satisfaction.

To adapt to a fast-changing retail market, Varner launched an ambitious digital transformation program with an annual budget of $9 million. The initiative focused on modernizing its technology infrastructure, expanding eCommerce operations across all brands, improving data capabilities, and strengthening internal teams with experienced specialists in engineering and design. Varner entered this transformation with strong internal foundations, yet the scope of the program required bringing in additional senior professionals to accelerate progress across technology and product teams.

Project scope

The main goal of the project was to bring together top talent who could modernize Varner’s systems and improve collaboration across digital operations, engineering, eCommerce, design, logistics, and data analytics teams.

In total, 26 specialists were hired for roles that included senior and lead backend developers, frontend developers experienced in React and Angular, graphic and UX designers, data engineers, data scientists, machine learning specialists, testers, project managers, product managers, product owners, and business consultants.

Each role contributed to Varner’s digital transformation in a practical way. Senior engineers rebuilt core systems and introduced updated development standards. Designers improved usability across online channels and created consistent visual standards for all brand websites. Analytical work came from data engineers and data scientists, who developed tools that informed decisions in pricing and logistics. Project and product managers coordinated delivery so progress stayed aligned with priorities. Together, the team created the foundation needed for Varner to operate in a more modern and connected digital environment.

The entire recruitment program was completed within three months. Hiring 26 senior specialists in this timeframe is significantly faster than the typical enterprise recruitment pace, which often requires several months for just a few roles. This allowed Varner to onboard teams quickly and keep the digital transformation on schedule without disrupting ongoing operations. This level of speed and precision is uncommon in enterprise hiring and was made possible by working with a recruitment partner capable of managing complex searches at scale.

DevsData LLC’s value proposition

DevsData LLC combined recruitment expertise with a clear understanding of how both startups and large corporations structure their teams and scale operations. Recruiting for Varner required professionals who could perform at an enterprise level while maintaining the initiative and problem-solving mindset typical of smaller technology companies. This project also demonstrated DevsData LLC’s ability to build diverse, multi-role teams at scale, covering engineering, design, analytics, machine learning, and management within a short and fixed timeline.

Our recruiters drew on a proprietary database of more than 65000 verified specialists, sourcing candidates from Europe, the United States, and Canada. Each applicant took part in a detailed 90-minute interview that evaluated practical knowledge and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Regular communication with Varner’s leadership helped refine requirements throughout the process and secure individuals who matched the company’s culture and long-term vision. This structured evaluation process allowed us to manage a high volume of interviews in parallel and maintain consistent standards across multiple role types.

DevsData LLC follows a success-based model, charging clients only after a placement is made. Every hire also includes a guarantee period, reflecting our focus on accountability and lasting results.

Challenge

Varner’s digital transformation required specialists with deep technical expertise and experience working on large, multi-brand platforms. The search was demanding due to the wide range of roles, the international scope of recruitment, the required level of seniority, and the need to match every hire to the company’s fast-moving digital roadmap.

Key challenges included:

1. 1. Finding experts with the right transformation experience

Recruiting professionals capable of modernizing long-standing systems while introducing updated practices across engineering, data, design, and product teams. Candidates needed proven experience improving legacy platforms at scale, not just general seniority.

1. 2. Coordinating hiring across several business areas

Managing simultaneous recruitment for engineering, eCommerce, design, logistics, data, and product management functions. Each area had its own priorities, timelines, and technical requirements, which needed to be handled in parallel.

1. 3. Aligning new hires with Varner’s evolving digital priorities

Varner’s transformation roadmap evolved throughout the project as new system dependencies and project sequences became clearer. Hiring decisions had to stay aligned with these shifting needs, for example, prioritizing backend engineers when the platform rebuild accelerated, or data roles when analytics initiatives moved forward.

1. 4. Running a global search under time pressure

Coordinating candidates from different countries, handling relocation logistics where needed, and competing in regions with high demand for experienced engineers and product experts.

To address these challenges, DevsData LLC built a targeted and adaptive recruitment plan that helped secure the specialists required for Varner’s transformation.

The DevsData solution

Before outlining the specific steps of our recruitment process, it is important to describe the DevsData LLC team behind this project. The scale and pace of Varner’s transformation required a coordinated internal structure where each specialist played a clearly defined role. Senior recruiters handled sourcing and market analysis, technical interviewers assessed candidates’ practical skills, and project coordinators managed communication, scheduling, and alignment with Varner’s priorities.

This setup reflected DevsData LLC’s core values, such as thorough preparation before every hiring decision, transparent communication with stakeholders, responsibility for results, and a focus on long-term fit. These principles guided how our team worked together internally and how we represented Varner throughout the recruitment process.

With this foundation in place, the sections below describe the approach we used to identify and secure professionals who could drive Varner’s digital transformation.

Understanding the requirements

The process began with detailed discussions between DevsData LLC and Varner’s leadership to define expectations for each department involved in the transformation. Together, we clarified technical needs, management priorities, collaboration methods, and the personal qualities required for professionals to succeed within the company’s culture. We also advised on how to structure and sequence these requirements so hiring decisions would support the broader transformation plan.

Global talent mapping

After the initial alignment, our team analyzed the job market across Europe, the United States, and Canada to locate the strongest talent pools. Priority was given to professionals with experience in enterprise environments, startup ecosystems, large-scale transformation projects, and cross-functional collaboration. This broad search helped identify candidates capable of meeting both technical and organizational goals.

In-depth evaluation

Selected candidates completed several assessments, including technical interviews, practical assignments, portfolio reviews, and structured conversations about their approach to teamwork. These steps helped verify both professional competence and their ability to work effectively in a fast-moving digital transformation environment.

Continuous collaboration

Throughout the project, our recruiters worked closely with Varner’s managers, providing progress updates, candidate feedback, status reports, and refined shortlists at every stage. This transparent communication made it possible to adjust hiring priorities quickly and keep the recruitment process aligned with the company’s evolving needs.

By keeping the process structured and closely aligned with Varner’s priorities, DevsData LLC assembled the team that moved the digital transformation forward.

Execution

The recruitment program for Varner was carried out in several well-defined stages, with DevsData LLC managing the process from sourcing to onboarding. Each phase was closely coordinated with the company’s internal teams to align hiring priorities with ongoing digital projects. Completing this volume of senior hiring in such a short period highlighted DevsData LLC’s ability to execute complex recruitment programs for large enterprises with predictable outcomes.

Candidate selection and coordination

Our recruiters reviewed hundreds of profiles from Europe, the United States, and Canada before shortlisting the most qualified candidates for interviews and assessments. Alongside managing the search, DevsData LLC advised Varner on role definitions, sequencing of hires, and cross-team requirements to keep recruitment aligned with the broader transformation plan. Every stage of evaluation was documented and shared with Varner’s leadership, and we coordinated interviews, testing, and feedback to maintain consistency across departments and time zones.

Strengthening Varner’s internal teams

Within the agreed timeframe, 26 professionals joined Varner’s technology, product, design, and data divisions, forming the core team responsible for delivering key parts of the company’s digital transformation. Engineering hires supported the development of a modern eCommerce platform that unified multiple brands under one infrastructure and improved system scalability. In design, senior and lead specialists built a cohesive digital identity and improved user journeys across brand websites. Data and machine learning experts introduced new analytical tools that supported decisions in pricing, logistics, and marketing. Project and product managers strengthened coordination and delivery processes across all workstreams.

Integration and support

After recruitment, DevsData LLC assisted with onboarding by coordinating introductions, clarifying role expectations, and supporting the setup of initial workflows. Regular check-ins with HR and technical leaders allowed us to monitor adaptation, address potential challenges early, and maintain strong performance standards from the first weeks of collaboration.

The structured execution of this program provided Varner with a skilled, balanced team whose combined efforts accelerated digital transformation and strengthened the company’s position in the competitive fashion market. This outcome reflected DevsData LLC’s ability to manage complex, multi-role recruitment programs with consistency and precision, delivering teams that were ready to contribute from the first weeks.

Results

The collaboration between Varner and DevsData LLC achieved all key recruitment goals within three months. The newly hired professionals played a central role in supporting the company’s digital transformation, helping modernize its systems, improve workflow coordination, and strengthen data-driven operations.

The new teams supported Varner’s ongoing modernization by enhancing eCommerce capabilities, strengthening analytical systems, and creating a stronger link between technology and business processes. The success of this recruitment project became a foundation for Varner’s next phase of digital development.

Business impact

The specialists hired during this project played a direct role in advancing Varner’s digital transformation and enabled the company to modernize key operational areas. Their work supported key initiatives such as the development of new digital sales platforms, the introduction of data analytics into strategic planning, and the streamlining of daily workflows.

The new hires helped Varner:

• Strengthen collaboration between technology, design, and business units
• Reduce operational delays caused by outdated internal systems
• Expand the use of analytics in pricing, logistics, and customer insights
• Improve the quality and consistency of digital product releases

As a result, Varner built a stronger foundation for continued growth in both retail and online channels. The company gained the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing consumer expectations and to manage its brands through an integrated, technology-focused approach.

Contact us

DevsData LLC supports companies in large-scale transformation projects by connecting them with exceptional technical and managerial talent. Our recruitment process brings together thorough market research, a structured multilayer evaluation process, regular communication with clients, and a focus on long-term fit to deliver lasting results.

Those interested in similar large-scale recruitment projects can also explore our collaborations with Paysera, Johnson & Johnson, Kyoto AS, and Sea. These case studies offer additional examples of how our recruitment approach supports companies expanding their engineering, product, design, and data teams at scale.

If your organization is planning to expand its technology teams or strengthen its digital capabilities, contact us at general@devsdata.com or visit www.devsdata.com to learn more about our recruitment and consulting services.

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Ani Gasparyan Senior copywriter and marketer

Ani is a marketing enthusiast and content writer. With 6+ years of expertise in marketing, she succeeded in developing engaging marketing collaterals, including blog articles, social media content, and other promotional materials. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she thrives in crafting compelling content that resonates with the target audience.

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