Deborah Brown
Chesterfield,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in human resource management, business management, and strategic workforce planning. Demonstrates proficiency in payroll administration, recruitment and selection, and learning and development. Skilled in operations management and enterprise resource planning, with a strong focus on employee retention strategies and benchmarking practices. Adept at social media marketing, marketing strategies, and client relationship management. Experienced in training and evaluation, cross-functional teamwork, and business process optimisation. Proficient in website development using WordPress. Holds an Associate CIPD certification.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Employee Relations Manager
Frasers Group (Sports Direct)
Shirebrook, Derbyshire
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Managed a team of 5 Employee Relations Advisors to ensure effective oversight across business units.
- Handled over 200 live cases, including absence processes and flexible working requests.
- Dealt with complex casework involving investigations, disciplinary hearings, and grievances.
- Collaborated with external legal teams on Employment Tribunal cases and policy reviews.
- Coordinated with shared services and payroll to resolve employee queries efficiently.
- Partnered with Business Partners and Retail Support team to meet operational needs.
- Mentored team members while implementing new processes and training initiatives.
- Managed complex disciplinary procedures resulting in fair outcomes.
- Organised training sessions for line managers on handling grievances effectively.
- Supported leadership team during mergers and acquisitions facilitating smooth integration processes.
- Worked closely with the legal team whilst managing redundancy processes, minimising potential liability risks for the company.
- Advised senior management on potential risks associated with employment decisions reducing instances of litigation.
- Developed effective employee relations strategy for improved workplace culture.
- Liaised with trade union representatives for constructive negotiations.
- Supported management team during restructuring periods, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Resolved employee conflicts through mediation and open dialogue.
- Conducted internal investigations into allegations of misconduct, ensuring impartiality and fairness.
- Facilitated workshops on conflict resolution to enhance team cohesion.
- Supported restructuring and change management operations, advising on redundancies and reorganisation strategy.
- Reviewed and renewed company policies, ensuring strict legal compliance across all business activities.
Owner
Cavalo Guesthouse
Drummond, South Africa
12.2018 - 08.2025
- Converted equestrian property into a successful guesthouse in South Africa.
- Managed an equestrian centre featuring stables and horses.
- Oversaw operations with a dedicated team of four staff members.
- Maintained high standards while minimising direct involvement.
Head of People
Freshcut Foods
Beeston, Nottingham
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Developed and implemented HR strategy, presenting results to board and site leaders.
- Collaborated with directors to establish a functional HR department focusing on recruitment and development.
- Led change management initiatives, updated policies, and established procedures for efficient operations.
- Authored and executed company people plan, ensuring alignment across the site.
- Managed projects including Engagement Forum, Recruitment, Appraisals, and Grading System.
- Oversaw KPI setting for department performance and facilitated change management processes.
- Implemented time and attendance system while updating employee engagement survey.
- Directed Health and Safety Department with six direct reports, including HR Manager and H&S Manager.
Business Partner
Pilgrims UK
Spalding, Lincolnshire
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Implemented head count reduction initiatives, resulting in significant cost savings.
- Delivered various projects, including Crown Options T&A system and Picture Clock Card system.
- Conducted Smeta and McDonald's ethical audits to ensure compliance.
- Enhanced employee engagement, recruitment, and retention strategies across the organisation.
- Managed complex employee relations cases, focusing on resolution efficiency.
- Oversaw payroll processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Collaborated with senior leadership team to drive strategic objectives.
- Led a team of 12, including four direct reports, within a workforce of 750.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, fostering productive working relationships.
- Promoted corporate culture values among staff members.
Business Partner
Bakkavor Salads
Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire
05.2022 - 01.2023
- I was part of the Senior Leadership Team for the site, attend daily SLT meeting and assist with decision regarding people on site. Supporting the SLT where needed. Manage the department budget and the HR team. Monthly SEF meetings.
- Project work included: redundancy project including relocations, Implementation of Board Report KPI’s for site, occupational health overhaul and reduction of long term sick. SMETA audit.
- Permanent - Restructure – site closure
- Position – SLT
- Headcount 550 people
Snr HR Advisor
Samworth Brothers
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
04.2021 - 04.2022
- In this role I work with the following : upskilling and supporting the Junior HR Team, coaching mentoring and assisting with investigations, putting packs together, Complex ER Cases, Salaried Payroll as well as recruitment, board reports, oversaw OH department.
- Headcount 1000 – 1250 people
- Updated company policies, maintaining compliance with employment legislation.
- Interpreted employment law effectively, safeguarding organisational interests.
- Promoted equality and diversity as part of the organisation's culture.
- Facilitated performance reviews, encouraging continuous professional development.
- Managed staff records meticulously, ensuring data privacy and accuracy.
HR Advisor – nightshift
Greencore
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
01.2021 - 04.2021
- I did a 4-month interim contract with Greencore working nightshift as an HR Advisor. Where I did comprehensive complex er cases. This was a fantastic opportunity as well as a great experience in a fast-paced HR department within the food industry, Unite union was on site and I developed a good relationship with them. I trained a lot of their reps and did work with them to. Project work – settlement agreement, this was dealt with carefully as he was also a Union Rep.
- Headcount – 2000 people
- Union Experience
Finance & HR Director
Mitras Amenities CC, Durban
Durban, South Africa
03.2001 - 10.2020
- Directed HR functions, overseeing employee relations and compliance issues to mitigate risks.
- Streamlined payroll processes using SAGE VIP Premier Payroll for timely disbursements.
- Implemented recruitment strategies that attracted high-calibre candidates across various roles.
- Increased employee engagement through targeted initiatives and recognition programmes.
- Established succession planning frameworks to secure future leadership talent.
- Led change management processes to enhance organisational adaptability and innovation.
- Coached and mentored staff, enhancing performance and facilitating professional development.
- Optimised HR costs through strategic budget controls and effective workforce planning.
Education
Diploma - Business Management
Varsity College
Durban 01/2009 - 11/2010
Advanced Diploma - UK Employment Law
Lead Academy
Diploma - Business Administration
Brits Technical College
Brits 01/1995 - 11/1996
Skills
- Human resource management
- Business management
- Strategic workforce planning
- Payroll administration
- Recruitment and selection
- Learning and development
- Operations management
- Enterprise resource planning
- Employee retention strategies
- Benchmarking practices
- Social media marketing
- Marketing strategies
- Client relationship management
- Training and evaluation
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Business process optimization
- Website development (WordPress)
- Associate CIPD certification
- Employee relations management
- Conflict resolution
- Policy development
- Legal compliance
- Investigation techniques
- Change management
- Data analysis
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Team collaboration
- Mentorship and leadership mentoring
- Stakeholder engagement and client relations
- Performance management and constructive feedback
- Union negotiations and workplace safety guidelines
- Mentorship
Certification
- Associate CIPD
- HR Fundamentals – Certificate – CIPD
- EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women, Certificate
- Associate Member – Coschem
- TUPE – Certificate – ACAS - UK
References
Can be provided on request
Awards
Topco Media Entrepreneur Finalist - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship 2011, Finalist BWA Entrepreneur 2011, Winner UWA Achiever of the Year 2011, Semi-finalist in 2015 CEO, Africa’s Most Influential Women, Completed the EY Entrepreneurial Wining Women Programme in 2015/2016, National Business Awards Finalist – 2015 & 2017
Community Service
Governor for Schools, Derbyshire - Model C School - Shirebrook, 2020, 2022, Appointed as a Governor for Schools, awaiting placement, to attend 6 board meetings per annum and advise at board level and assist the school where necessary.
Timeline
Employee Relations Manager
Frasers Group (Sports Direct)
08.2024 - 08.2025
Head of People
Freshcut Foods
02.2024 - 06.2024
Business Partner
Pilgrims UK
01.2023 - 12.2023
Business Partner
Bakkavor Salads
05.2022 - 01.2023
Snr HR Advisor
Samworth Brothers
04.2021 - 04.2022
HR Advisor – nightshift
Greencore
01.2021 - 04.2021
Owner
Cavalo Guesthouse
12.2018 - 08.2025
Finance & HR Director
Mitras Amenities CC, Durban
03.2001 - 10.2020
Diploma - Business Management
Varsity College
01/2009 - 11/2010
Advanced Diploma - UK Employment Law
Lead Academy
Diploma - Business Administration
Brits Technical College
01/1995 - 11/1996
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