What is your new role?
HR director with the Logic Group, an information and transaction company.
Where were you working before and what were your duties?
I was international HR manager for Engenio Information Technologies, a subsidiary of LSI Logic. I was responsible for all aspects of HR across Europe and Asia.
What qualifications do you hold?
I have a BA (Hons) and a postgraduate diploma.
What are the duties in your new role?
I report to the finance director, and I have a team of four. I’m responsible for the design and implementation of the HR strategy, as well as managing the day-to-day HR issues such as recruitment, employee relations, management development, compensation and benefits and training.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
To ensure the business recognises the value of HR, and to implement the HR strategy effectively, so that the function is valued across the business.
What are the challenges HR faces in the next five years?
The retention of key talent; ensuring managers have the necessary tools, confidence and courage to manage performance effectively; to keep up with the changing face of employment legislation; and to ensure our teams are ready for expansion outside the UK.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Get to know the business you are in – its challenges, values and opportunities.
What is the essential tool in your job?
Listening skills.
And the most overrated?
Metrics.
What is the worst thing about HR?
When organisational change leads to difficult decisions being made about people.
Who is your ultimate guru?
My ex-boss, Keri Crask, at Engenio – she respected and trusted her whole team to do the best job possible.
What is the most annoying piece of management jargon?
Three-letter acronyms that are thrown around to make things/people sound important.
What is your essential TV viewing?
The Apprentice and Green Wing.
Who would you most dislike to work with?
Someone who doesn’t listen.
How do you fill your spare time?
I sing in a local choir and spend time with my two children.
What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Moving out of HR into an IT project manager role. I learned so much, and grew personally and professionally, but I won’t be doing it again.
What is your most popular web page?
Linked In (a website for networking online).
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Ride on Time by Black Box.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Kate Winslet (below), because she is a grounded woman who seems to get the work-life balance right.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
I would like to get stuck with Alan Sugar, to see if he is as fearsome in real life.
CV
- 2006 – HR director, Logic Group
- 2003-2005 – International HR manager, Engenio Information Technologies
- 1999-2003 – Regional HR manager, LSI Logic
- 1998-1999 – Project manager, British Gas (now Centrica)
- 1996-1998 – HR manager, British Gas
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