What does a typical day in your role look like?
I usually have 3–5 meetings a day. My core responsibilities include making sure HR functions like recruitment, onboarding, induction, employment contracts, remuneration and benefits, and payroll are running smoothly and efficiently. I also work on improving our systems and processes.
A big part of my role is working with staff and managers to enhance the experience of working at KBC. Over the past year, this has included building stronger connections between people who don’t usually work together, developing our values, and creating clearer career paths.
I collaborate with the Leadership Team on strategies and policies — for example, around Learning and Development or our performance framework. I also work on Health & Safety, including risk assessments, investigations, and initiatives that support safe work practices and wellbeing.
How did you get into this role?
I studied Organisational Psychology and have worked in HR ever since, including roles in training, leadership coaching, and consulting.
Did you need to study for this role, if so, what did you study?
I studied Organisational Psychology and completed an MBA. There are other pathways into this role too, such as degrees in HR, employment law, or commerce.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy shaping the work environment so that people can be their best. I get to work across all levels of the organisation to help achieve meaningful results.
What’s something unique, surprising, or fun about your role or team?
People are unique, which brings variety and new challenges to the role. At the same time, we all share basic needs — like feeling a sense of belonging, being respected, and being appreciated. That human element makes the work both interesting and rewarding.
What advice would you give someone interested in your role or career path?
Be genuinely interested in people and what motivates them. You’ll need a high level of integrity and good judgement, plus the confidence to navigate employment relations in a neutral, fact-based, and empathetic way. It’s helpful to get an HR-related qualification and start in a junior role within a larger HR team so you can learn from others.
Anything else that you would like to add?
A People and Culture Manager succeeds by achieving through others — through collaboration, advice, and influence.