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Our “day in the life” series tend to follow the candidates we place. This time, we decided to reach out to the “other side” of the hiring table and interview our client! We wanted to know a little more about what our Aldrich & Co client enjoys about her role as an HR Director, and why she always returns to Aldrich & Co when seeking great candidates in HR.
What is your role, and what are you expected to do?
As an HR consultant, I provide support to HR teams and executives. This can include guidance on HR team restructure, upskilling, board level decisions, improvements to systems, and cultural engagement.
What kind of people do you work with on a daily basis?
I’ve worked for large global investment banks and smaller financial institutions. In a small firm, it is a combination of strategy, tactics, and administration. So, keeping a handle on everything from service levels and presenting to leadership and external stakeholders. Embedding culture into the firm is also intrinsic to the role.
Relationships are key to my work. I work closely with heads of departments, the CEO and board, and I have been on advisory committees, advising on governance, strategy and compensation.
What do you love about your job?
As an HR consultant, the position is rewarding during times of growth, and a challenge during times of downsizing. However, dealing with change is fulfilling.
Providing guidance to teams and management cannot be underestimated – as someone with many years of experience, I have enjoyed seeing people I have mentored grow, develop, and make the role their own.
What else challenges you about your role?
The biggest challenge for many firms is upgrading and systems enhancement. I’ve previously put in new systems – digitising is the game changer for HR and managers. The speed at which a business works and expects HR to keep up is phenomenal. For example, I’ve previously hired 50 people in five months in investment banking.
What do you enjoy about working in London?
I love the energy and fast pace of London, and the speed of delivery in the financial sector.
How can readers get their foot in the door for similar jobs?
If you’re looking for a career in HR, CIPD qualifications are still necessary. It is important to get first-hand experience of the systems and processes. For other skills, you must be discreet, be able to set the tone for the company culture, have decent numeracy skills, have the proven ability to multitask, and have a high attention to detail.
What do you appreciate the most about Aldrich & Co’s support?
What I like about Aldrich & Co and why I always come to them first is their ability to understand what a company needs, the speed at which they deliver high-quality candidates, their honesty, and the fact that they rigorously test candidates.
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