KATE ROBERTSON

As Head of HR, and subsequently HR Director following promotion in January 2025, I oversaw all HR functions. This role came to an end due to the company going into administration.

• Developed and executed HR Strategy aligned with business objectives
• Collaborated with Executive Leadership Team to drive organisational success
• Engaged with directors, managers, and employees to meet business goals
• Managed a team of 7, encompassing generalist HR, Payroll, Recruitment and Learning and Development
• Fostered positive employer-employee relationships through transparent communication practices
• Championed a learning culture with ongoing professional development initiatives
• Managed complex employee relations casework including dispute resolutions and disciplinaries
• Oversaw compliance with employment laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks

Directed HR function for multi-site firm with 133 staff and Partners.

• Developed and executed HR strategy in alignment with firm goals
• Collaborated with senior managers, partners, and team leaders on HR projects
• Implemented HR policies and procedures for legal compliance
• Re-wrote the competency framework and performance development documents and process to create a more robust review, recognition, and development process
• Handled all firm recruitment activities
• In February 2019, took the firm through the Investors In People accreditation assessment. The assessor said I had been consistently named throughout as making a tangible positive difference to the morale and environment
• Administered payroll operations ensuring timely and accurate payments
• Managed reception teams for Chester and Shrewsbury offices

• Oversaw all facets of HR management, ensuring effective collaboration with HR Specialists
• Drove employee engagement initiatives to improve morale and productivity
• Developed and delivered training and development programmes for new employees
• Mentored Industrial Placement students from the 2016/17 intake – guiding and supporting them through their placement
• Executed talent and succession planning processes to support organisational growth
• Developed and managed the Buying Graduate recruitment campaign. Managing and conducting all elements of the process
• Part of HR management team who developed and implemented the HR strategy, contributing to Iceland winning Sunday Times Best Big Company in 2012 & 2014

From February 2015 to January 2016 I had a secondment opportunity as a standalone HR Manager for Iceland’s manufacturing site in Manchester.

• Managed three direct reports and a workforce of approximately 450 employees plus agency staff
• Assumed full responsibility for HR strategy and daily operations of the HR function

• Received comprehensive training in all aspects of HR, shadowing HR Managers and assuming HR Management responsibility for departments with support from colleagues and specialists to enhance knowledge and experience

• This role involved many aspects of HR practice. Key responsibilities included supporting managers with ER issues, leading recruitment for Online Delivery Driving Assessors and delivering management training workshops

• Oversaw department KPIs, achieving sales targets and enhancing customer service
• Managed waste reduction initiatives to optimise operational efficiency
• Developed and engaged team members to foster a productive work environment
• Fulfilled Store Duty Manager responsibilities, ensuring smooth store operations.

As part of the graduate scheme, from July 2009 to January 2010, I was chosen for a Project Assistant secondment supporting the Store Director within the HR sector of Retail Services and Telecoms Department, specialising in recruitment and reward.