How did you get into what you do / How has your career progressed?

My HR journey began as an HR Administrator at a fast-growing construction company in Hertfordshire. After graduating from university with a BA in English, I was keen to channel my written and verbal communication skills into a role that focused on people. I was fortunate to work under an inspiring manager who championed my growth and supported my progression from HR Administrator to HR Assistant, then HR Advisor, and ultimately HR Manager. Along the way, I was sponsored to pursue my MA in HR Management, an experience that has shaped my career.

I was delighted to get the opportunity to join a top M&E contractor like Phoenix ME as HR Business Partner and work alongside the fantastic team!

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

Relationship management is key to the business partner role. You need strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with multiple stakeholders who have different demands and requirements—so being flexible is also important. It also really helps to understand the business you work for and its challenges, which can help you to identify and anticipate stakeholder needs. It’s a busy role, so you need to be organised and able to prioritise!

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Phoenix ME?

The best part of my role is that I never know what to expect! Each day is unique, and I’ll inevitably face something new or different, which keeps the role interesting and exciting. Being in HR gives you exposure to all levels of the organisation, and meeting a wide network of people at Phoenix ME has been a very enjoyable experience.

How do you challenge yourself to reach new heights?

Due to the exciting and sometimes unpredictable nature of HR, I often get the opportunity to be involved in initiatives or activities that I might never have done before. I like challenging myself to volunteer for unfamiliar projects that broaden my experience. When I joined Phoenix ME, I was given the opportunity to partner with the European business, and working internationally has been both a challenging and rewarding experience.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

Be approachable, be flexible, and be authentic. Building relationships, fostering trust, and encouraging open communication is key to positioning HR as a positive influence within any business.