Jessica Kirby
Leeds
Summary
An accomplished HR professional with a strong foundation in organisational and commercial awareness, complemented by a certification in CIPD. Proven record of demonstrating expertise in employee relations, policy development and people planning, ensuring employment law compliance and effective workplace practices. Skilled in succession planning and conflict resolution, with a proactive and compassionate approach as a Mental Health First Aider. Committed to fostering a positive workplace environment while pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
10100
10100
years of post-secondary education
Work history
People Advisor
Leeds United Football Club
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2025 - Current
- Creating and maintaining business relationships by establishing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders.
- Evaluating performance metrics, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Fostering collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and innovation.
- Facilitating staff training sessions to boost performance levels.
- Streamlined HR processes to improve overall efficiency and productivity.
- Conducting comprehensive recruitment drives for efficient talent acquisition.
- Provided expert advice on employment law to mitigate risk of litigation.
- Streamlined communication channels between employees and senior management, boosting transparency within organisation.
- Designed effective onboarding programmes, facilitating smooth integration of new hires into organisation.
- Collaborate with leadership team to develop and implement organisational change initiatives.
- Facilitate grievance and disciplinary procedures ensuring resolution of issues in accordance with company policy.
- Implemented diversity and inclusion practices within workforce, promoting harmonious workplace culture.
- Championed wellness programmes, contributing towards better employee health and well-being.
- Promoted culture of continuous learning through implementation of professional development initiatives.
- Provided expert HR advice to line managers to tackle obstacles such as conflict resolution, pay disputes and under-performance management.
- Devised and implemented successful employee retention strategies, including introduction of Occupational Health provider and Long Service Award scheme
- Supporting with people succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
- Conduct workforce planning and benchmarking to meet company needs.
ER Consultant
Direct Line Group
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Provided specialist advice focused on solution-oriented approaches to manage risks and issues.
- Established strong, trust-based relationships with people leaders through expert guidance.
- Analysed ER data to identify trends, supporting continuous improvement aligned with strategic priorities.
- Assisted leaders in resolving people-related matters swiftly and effectively.
- Advised on complex case management, including performance issues and disciplinary actions.
- Facilitated timely escalation of formal cases as required.
- Led creation and review of people-related policies, ensuring compliance with best practices and legislation.
- Completed all documentation to required standards for potential litigation.
HR Advisory Consultant
Direct Line Group
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2017 - 08.2023
- Provided generalist employee lifecycle advice regarding pay, benefits, and HR systems.
- Delivered consistent support in line with strict SLAs to enhance customer experience.
- Assisted recruitment team with telephone interviews and creation of internal contracts.
- Led project work on Workplace Adjustments process and apprenticeship programme while acquiring Level 3 CIPD in Human Resource Practice.
- Streamlined processes to promote simplicity and improve workforce services.
- Advised employees and People Leaders on HR policies to empower performance ownership.
- Offered pragmatic guidance on complex employee relations issues, including sickness absence and disciplinary proceedings.
- Managed Refer a Friend scheme, ensuring timely payment and tracking for colleagues.
Sales Assistant
Pandora
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Company Overview: White Rose Shopping Centre
- Selling product to customers, understanding their needs and expectations of the brand.
- Working in partnership with peers, under strict KPI's.
- White Rose Shopping Centre
Work Experience
Leeds City Council
Leeds, Leeds
07.2016 - 07.2016
- Work Experience within the HR Department- involvement with real life cases, participation in legislative briefings and experiencing group debates around policy changes.
Education
CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management - Human Resources
DPG
LeedsLevel 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management - Human Resources
ILM (City & Guilds of London)
LeedsCIPD Level 3 Diploma in Human Resource Pratice - Human Resources
Sheffield College
LeedsPriesthorpe School Sixth - English Literature, History, Psychology
Priesthorpe School Sixth
Leeds07.2017
Priesthorpe School - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, History, Geography, Spanish, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Studies
Priesthorpe School
Leeds07.2015
Skills
- Certification in CIPD
- Mental Health First Aider
- Organisational and commercial awareness
- Project Management
- Succession planning
- Employment law compliance
- Employee Relations
- Policy development
- Strategic planning
- Resourcefulness
- Conflict resolution
Affiliations
- Reading
- Walking
- Cycling
- Gardening
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
People Advisor
Leeds United Football Club
01.2025 - Current
ER Consultant
Direct Line Group
09.2023 - 01.2025
HR Advisory Consultant
Direct Line Group
09.2017 - 08.2023
Work Experience
Leeds City Council
07.2016 - 07.2016
Sales Assistant
Pandora
09.2015 - 09.2017
CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management - Human Resources
DPG
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management - Human Resources
ILM (City & Guilds of London)
CIPD Level 3 Diploma in Human Resource Pratice - Human Resources
Sheffield College
Priesthorpe School Sixth - English Literature, History, Psychology
Priesthorpe School Sixth
Priesthorpe School - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, History, Geography, Spanish, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Studies
Priesthorpe School
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