I am an entrepreneurial self-starter with more than 20 years’ experience in both private and public- sector companies in the UK and in the USA. My career working with many outstanding businesses has afforded me the opportunity to develop my skillset, specifically in my skills as a leader. My experience has given me the chance to widen my understanding of diverse cultures, practices and procedures and has enabled me to work as both a team member and team leader to bring out the best in people and ultimately deliver business efficiencies whilst continuing to provide great customer service.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work for some outstanding companies and gained valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing business today which I personally believe is to provide ongoing service improvements for the customer, whilst implementing a process of change that is beneficial to the organisation and employees of the company.
Leadership
Bringing out the best in people is important to me and I believe this is the foundations of a great team. Assisting employees to meet their objectives by providing a mentoring and coaching approach to allow them to be better at work than they believed they could be, is something I find particularly satisfying. My experience demonstrates that motivation is best done when leading by example and something that I am proud of doing. I am proud that my career record can demonstrate my contributions in the development of high performing teams.
Digital Technology
I have a passion for technology and adapting this to deliver great customer service, in addition I also enjoy providing the “back office” with systems that can make jobs easier to perform. From implementing a HR intranet service to developing payroll and HR systems. Understanding that putting in the right system is as important and working with the correct people to deliver the desired results.
Business Support
To ‘get the job done’ is the reason I get up in the morning. Implementing processes and procedures motivating colleagues and delivering the right outcomes are my passion.
Career Timeline
Govia Thameslink Railway
2023 – Onwards Employee Relations Manager
As the Employee Relations Manager I lead the delivery of industrial relations support for a major train operating company, working strategically with union representatives and senior stakeholders to shape and maintain effective labour relations frameworks. My role focuses on developing robust industrial relations strategies, providing senior leaders and managers with expert advice on negotiation, data interpretation, and evidence-based decision making. I act as a key interface between the organisation and trade unions on policy matters, ensuring constructive engagement and timely resolution of complex cases. I oversee the production and strategic analysis of industrial relations data, including ballots and the use of mediation, to inform organisational responses and risk management.
Additionally, I ensure employment and industrial relations policies, guidance, and information are accessible and aligned to support consistent and effective management practices across the business.
P&O Ferries – Dover
2017 – 2023 People Services Manager
As People Services Manager at P&O Ferries, I was responsible for leading the People Services team, including HR Advisors, HR Officers and the HR Systems Advisor, ensuring the delivery of professional HR advice and support to managers and employees across the organisation. A key aspect of my role was driving continuous improvement in HR processes, guidance and systems to enhance the overall employee and manager experience. I also played a significant role in employee relations, working in close partnership with the four recognised trade unions to manage a wide range of industrial relations matters at both local and national level. In addition, I was involved in the delivery of a significant organisational change programme in March 2022, supporting the implementation of a new operating model and ensuring the effective delivery of complex HR processes, stakeholder engagement and communication during a period of major transformation for the business.
EK Human Resources – HR Shared Service (Canterbury City Council, Dover District Council, Thanet District Council)
2010 – 2017
Varied roles including the delivering of diverse HR projects. Key projects implementation of HR Intranet and external website, development of payroll and HR system (iTrent) from back office to self-service for managers and employees, development of customer issue resolution processes and adoption of online forms package.
Veolia Transportation – Santa Clarita California
2006 – 2008 Human Resources & Payroll Manager
As a senior member of the director/management team for the Santa Clarita Transit operations my role was specifically accountable for all aspects of the Human Resources and Payroll departments. My specific area of responsibility comprised of some 240 employees and involved all aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, welfare, sickness, absence, disciplinary procedures, equal opportunities compliance, trade union matters including negotiation and consultation, customer service, payroll delivery and financial overview of the client contract. My role also included being the designated business partner with the client authority for performance and contract delivery for the City of Santa Clarita transport authority.
South Eastern Trains – London and Ashford Kent
2003 – 2006 Unit Performance Manager
In my role as Unit Performance Manager for South Eastern Trains, formally Connex Rail UK (part of the Veolia Transportation group) my responsibilities were, as part of the senior team was to provide professional level support and advice for the General Manager’s organisation relating to the day to day running of the Kent main line area of Operations.
Responsibilities included the compilation and monthly monitoring of the Kent mainlines area performance and the management of six geographically diverse train drivers’ depots and 2 light maintenance sidings. In all a total of some 500 staff.
I was specifically responsible for the management of the performance department and traincrew allocation roster office. I along with my team of managers and colleagues, which consisted of Performance Manager, Roster Manager and 4 admin support staff provided professional operational support to the business unit. In addition, I held the post as management secretary for the company wide staff trade union council meetings.
Adding to the above experience, I have been fortunate enough to have been appointed to a number of special project groups working directly for various heads of departments, directors and at CEO level.
British Rail / Connex South-Eastern London
1996 – 2003 Various Roles
I started my career in the railway industry as an accounts clerk and from that starting point was promoted through various departments. I held various posts within the rail business ranging from Management Accounting, Operations Office Manager, Business Administration Manager and finally as Unit Performance Manager in both the rural and metro service areas of the rail business.