CARLIE PATON
Summary
People Operations leader with 20+ years' experience in building, scaling, and transforming People functions in fast-paced, high-growth environments. As Chief People Officer at a remote SaaS consultancy, I scaled the business through 800% growth and led it through to acquisition. Now, as a consultant, I support founders and entrepreneurs to design scalable, human-first businesses. I bring calm energy, high standards, and a no-fuss, solutions-first approach to every team I work with.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2014
2014
years of post-secondary education
Work history
FOUNDER
HR CONSULTANT & BUSINESS GROWTH ADVISOR
2024.03 - 2025.08
- Partner with founders and entrepreneurs to build sustainable growth through People strategy, marketing, and operations.
- Lead workshops and 1:1 coaching on client attraction, branding, pricing, and strategic planning.
- Support small businesses and self-employed professionals in developing repeatable, scale-friendly business models.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, reduced operational expenses significantly.
- Formed partnerships with key stakeholders to drive business growth.
- Led team to achieve company objectives on time and within budget.
- Fostered customer loyalty with excellent service standards and quality products.
- Established company brand for improved visibility and recognition.
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
NEW WORLD TECH
2022.02 - 2024.03
- Company Overview: Remote SaaS Consultancy
- Built and led the People function through 800% team growth across 10+ countries, culminating in a successful acquisition.
- Created and implemented global onboarding, offboarding, career development, and performance frameworks.
- Overhauled payroll, compliance, and EOR processes; selected and embedded scalable HR tech tools (e.g., Breathe HR).
- Designed and launched DE&I, wellbeing, and L&D strategies tailored for a distributed team.
- Partnered with C-Suite and Board to execute long-term People strategy aligned to commercial goals.
- Remote SaaS Consultancy
HR MANAGER
MACINTYRE ACADEMIES
2020.01 - 2021.01
- Led HR for a multi-site hybrid education workforce during COVID-19.
- Managed recruitment, HR compliance, policy reviews, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Delivered a full HRIS implementation project and managed TUPE for a school acquisition.
HR CONSULTANT (FOUNDER)
GAME CHANGER HR
2018.01 - 2020.01
- Delivered end-to-end People strategy support to high-growth clients, including US employment compliance.
- Provided strategic advice and implementation on employee engagement, succession, and HR technology.
MULTI-SITE HR, PAYROLL & ADMIN MANAGER
CHEQUERS
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Oversaw HR and payroll operations across multiple business units, ensuring compliance and employee support.
HR MANAGER
PERRY WOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
2011.01 - 2015.01
- Provided HR leadership and support, including recruitment, policy development, and employee relations.
SENIOR HR ADVISOR
AMEY LTD
2006.01 - 2008.01
- Delivered HR advisory services, including employee relations, performance management, and policy implementation.
MULTI-SITE/REGIONAL HR ADVISOR
BROMFORD HOUSING ASSOCIATION
2003.01 - 2006.01
- Supported HR operations across multiple sites, focusing on employee engagement and compliance.
HR ADVISOR
CADBURY
2002.01 - 2003.01
- Provided HR support, including recruitment, training, and employee relations.
Education
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma - Personnel & Development
CIPD
09/2009 - 2013.09
Skills
- Building People Ops from scratch
- Global remote team leadership
- SaaS and scale-up expertise
- Onboarding
- Offboarding
- EX
- HRIS and tech stack implementation
- Global payroll
- Compliance
- EORs
- People analytics
- Data-led strategy
- Performance
- L&D
- Employee engagement
- Wellbeing
- DE&I strategy
- Inclusive hiring
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
FOUNDER
HR CONSULTANT & BUSINESS GROWTH ADVISOR
2024.03 - 2025.08
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
NEW WORLD TECH
2022.02 - 2024.03
HR MANAGER
MACINTYRE ACADEMIES
2020.01 - 2021.01
HR CONSULTANT (FOUNDER)
GAME CHANGER HR
2018.01 - 2020.01
MULTI-SITE HR, PAYROLL & ADMIN MANAGER
CHEQUERS
2015.01 - 2018.01
HR MANAGER
PERRY WOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
2011.01 - 2015.01
SENIOR HR ADVISOR
AMEY LTD
2006.01 - 2008.01
MULTI-SITE/REGIONAL HR ADVISOR
BROMFORD HOUSING ASSOCIATION
2003.01 - 2006.01
HR ADVISOR
CADBURY
2002.01 - 2003.01
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma - Personnel & Development
CIPD
09/2009 - 2013.09