Catherine Leader
London
Summary
Driven professional with vast experience in the food manufacturing industry and keen ability to foster positive workplace environments and implement strategic HR initiatives. Demonstrates proficiency in conflict resolution with vast experience in complex ER case management. Committed to enhancing organisational culture and driving employee engagement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
HR Manager
Bread Bread Ltd
London
08.2023 - Current
- Solely responsible for building the company's entire HR function from the ground up. I operate as the business' HR specialist, establishing fundamental people process, ensured legal compliance and created scalable HR infrastructure aligned with business goals. I have established a fully functioning, complaint HR department from scratch whilst improving employee experience through strengthened knowledge and confidence in people management in the senior leadership team.
- Acted as the main point of contact for all ER matters, whilst managing a wide range of ER cases and providing managers with coaching and guidance.
- Conducted a full review of workforce needs, skills gaps and productivity to develop a labour model and skills matrix which underpin succession planning and L&D initiatives and focus.
- Developed the full suite of HR policies, procedures and handbook in line with current legislation and best practice.
- Built a compliance framework for auditing, record-keeping and documentation, in line with GDPR and ensuring consistent processes.
- Managed all stages of the employee life cycle, creating and delivering an onboarding programme with a focus on integration and early performance for employees working both on-premises and in silo in the field.
- Implemented and led performance management processes, including objective setting, appraisal frameworks, and capability development.
- Developed compensation, benefits and recognition processes suitable for a small but scaling business.
- Streamlined onboarding processes to improve new hire integration and retention rates.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for employee development and growth.
HR Advisor
Greencore Ltd
London
01.2019 - 08.2023
- Cultivated trusting relations to advise, guide and support line managers with all ER matters, including disciplinary, grievance and absence management in a 24/7 business with 900 colleagues and additional agency contracts.
- Created and delivered up-skilling training for all line managers, covering the full employee life cycle.
- Regularly reviewed and updated policies and handbooks in line with legislation, HR trends and best practice.
- Supported Employment Tribunal cases, organising case files, ensuring compliance with Tribunal orders and writing to the Tribunal.
- Collated and presented HR KPI's to senior leaders.
- Successfully implemented an employee forum into the business, with the objective of supporting charities and the local community.
- Organised and implemented the furlough and return to work of circa-800 employees, using meticulous organisational skills.
- Conducted annual employee engagement surveys and listening groups following report, drafting an action plan based on evidence.
HR Advisor
Bidvest Fresh
London
09.2015 - 01.2019
- Providing HR support and services to 13 sites in the UK, in a small team of 2.
- TUPE transfer, organised and conducted consultation meetings for circa 100 staff, maintaining thorough records of the process.
- Created an onboarding plan for consistency across the group, designing an employee handbook and induction presentation for all new starters.
- Created and delivered training to line managers on disciplinary and grievance.
- Advised and supported on ER matters such as disciplinary and grievance.
- Organised a recruitment drive for a new site,
- Built and cultivated lasting rapport with employees, peers and upper management.
- Organised and facilitated team building weekends for colleagues across the group.
Education
Level 5 -
CIPD
London 04.2001 -
Level 3 -
CIPD
London 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Publishing
Bath Spa University
BathTimeline
HR Manager
Bread Bread Ltd
08.2023 - Current
HR Advisor
Greencore Ltd
01.2019 - 08.2023
HR Advisor
Bidvest Fresh
09.2015 - 01.2019
Level 5 -
CIPD
04.2001 -
Level 3 -
CIPD
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Publishing
Bath Spa University