Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Technical Skills
Generic

Emma Murray

Edinburgh

Summary

People-centric leader with over 20 years experience in creative and digital agencies, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in team management, project delivery, and resource optimisation. Expertise in driving organisational change, fostering collaborative environments, and delivering strategic initiatives. Highly adept at stakeholder engagement, operational improvement, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and productivity. I am excited to contribute my team leadership and project excellence to ZOE, where I can make a meaningful impact.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
2002
2002
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Change Lead

CreateFuture
Edinburgh
07.2024 - 01.2025
  • Spearheaded the integration of five separate capabilities into a cohesive business unit of 80 team members, effectively merging diverse teams and skill sets to forge a unified and collaborative powerhouse
  • Optimised resource allocation by conducting a comprehensive skills analysis across the unit, enabling strategic project staffing based on expertise and experience
  • This resulted in increased team fulfillment, enhanced project ownership, reduced client issues, and ultimately drove capability building and revenue growth
  • Implemented data-driven resource management strategies using tools such as PowerBI, Float, and Forecast, resulting in improved resource utilisation and reporting accuracy
  • Optimised project delivery processes, resulting in smoother workflows, improved project outcomes, and increased client satisfaction
  • Cultivated a positive and collaborative team environment, encouraging open communication and celebrating successes
  • Established new communication channels and meeting cadences to foster a collaborative and transparent team culture

People Operations Lead

CreateFuture
Edinburgh
07.2021 - 07.2024
  • Successfully integrated an acquired business team into the larger organisation, ensuring a smooth transition and achieving minimal employee attrition (0% in two years)
  • This was accomplished through meticulous planning, including TUPE agreements, benefits package negotiation, and a comprehensive communication strategy that prioritised transparency and employee well-being
  • Led the organisation to achieve BCorp certification, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility and positioning CreateFuture as a purpose-driven leader in the industry
  • Developed and launched a comprehensive Employee Experience strategy that drove increased employee engagement and solidified CreateFuture's reputation as an employer of choice within the consultancy industry
  • This included a bold overhaul of the organisational structure, benefits offering, and flexible working practice
  • Created a psychologically safe and supportive work environment, encouraging open feedback and transparent communication

Studio Operations and Project Lead

CreateFuture
Edinburgh
11.2019 - 07.2021
  • Led the implementation of new resource management and time tracking systems, improving operational efficiency and resource allocation
  • Managed resource planning, pipeline tracking, and commercial review of all projects, ensuring financial sustainability and project success
  • Delivered multiple innovation, creative, and strategy projects for a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries including Lloyds Bank, Penguin Random House, RBS, Standard Life and Beam Suntory
  • Implemented overseas working arrangements, expanding the talent pool and enabling recruitment from outside the UK

Group Project Director

Kin & Carta
Edinburgh
08.2018 - 11.2019
  • Oversaw the delivery of complex internal projects, including PSA and talent acquisition system implementations, and Google Workspace deployment across multiple organisations
  • Managed a team of project managers, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with company goals
  • Supported the organisation's commitment to the triple bottom line approach by delivering internal initiatives that contributed to the achievement of BCorp certification
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, budget control, risk management, stakeholder communication, and performance monitoring

Operations Lead

AmazeRealise
Edinburgh
07.2014 - 08.2018
  • Oversaw the day-to-day operations of a 300+ Digital Agency, optimising efficiency, managing resources, and maintaining quality standards
  • Implemented process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across different teams
  • Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) and analysed data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
  • Provided guidance and support to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment

Account Director

Realise
Edinburgh
01.2011 - 07.2014
  • Managed key client relationships, overseeing the strategic direction and delivery of digital projects and campaigns
  • Led and mentored a team of account managers and project managers, ensuring client satisfaction and project success
  • Contributed to budget planning and financial management, ensuring profitability on client accounts
  • Identified potential new clients and participated in the pitch process, driving business growth

Education

BA - Human Resources & Marketing

Strathclyde University Business School
Glasgow

Skills

  • Team Leadership & Development: Building and motivating high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment Experienced in leading teams through organisational change, including acquisitions and integrations
  • Strategic Project Management: Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects, including system implementations, strategic initiatives, and digital transformations Expertise in project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication
  • Resource Optimisation: Optimising resource utilisation through effective planning, allocation, and tracking Experience in implementing resource management systems and processes to enhance efficiency and productivity
  • Stakeholder Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including clients, senior leadership, and team members
  • Operational Efficiency & Improvement: Identifying and implementing process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency
  • Strategic Planning & Execution: Defining project objectives, scope, and strategies aligned with organisational goals

Change Management & Organisational Transformation: Leading teams through organisational change, including mergers, acquisitions, and system implementations

Timeline

Change Lead

CreateFuture
07.2024 - 01.2025

People Operations Lead

CreateFuture
07.2021 - 07.2024

Studio Operations and Project Lead

CreateFuture
11.2019 - 07.2021

Group Project Director

Kin & Carta
08.2018 - 11.2019

Operations Lead

AmazeRealise
07.2014 - 08.2018

Account Director

Realise
01.2011 - 07.2014

BA - Human Resources & Marketing

Strathclyde University Business School

Technical Skills

I possess strong technical proficiency in both Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient workflow management. I am adept at utilising visual collaboration tools like Miro and Asana to facilitate brainstorming sessions and project planning. Furthermore, I have an understanding of data visualisation and practical experience with Power BI, with a continued interest in expanding my knowledge in this area. I am also fascinated by the evolving capabilities of AI and its potential to enhance productivity and optimise workflows.

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Emma Murray