Leslee Sunderland
Lisburn
Summary
Senior Strategic Manager with 20+ years of proven success across both public and private sectors, specialising in driving organisational transformation and optimising operational performance. A Certified Agile Project Manager and solution-oriented leader, I excel at solving complex problems, building high-performing teams, and securing exceptional results. Expertise includes strategic planning, enterprise-wide project delivery, advanced performance management system development, and mentoring managers for continuous growth.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior General Manager
McCune Management Services Ltd
11.2024 - Current
- Strategic & Business Development: Developed and implemented business strategies aligned with organisational goals, with a focus on improving efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Represented the company in external meetings and negotiations to secure new opportunities.
- Financial & Operational Oversight: Managed all day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulations. Accountable for company finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and comprehensive financial reporting.
- People & Team Leadership: Built and led high-performing teams, while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Managed all aspects of employee relations, providing guidance on HR policies and workplace matters.
Senior Executive Personal Assistant
British Army
02.2000 - 11.2024
- Human Resources Management: Managed comprehensive HR functions, including pay, discipline, and career development, providing policy guidance and supporting personnel of 400-800 individuals.
- Executive Support: Key liaison for senior management, including Brigadiers and Commanding Officers, ensuring seamless communication and operations.
- Senior-Level Meeting & Event Coordination: Skilled in arranging and managing high-stakes meetings, conferences, and events for senior management, including preparing agendas controlling calendars both weekly and forecast annually, capturing key minutes weekly, and ensuring follow-up on critical action items daily.
- Customer Service: Delivered high-quality customer service by resolving pay issues and addressing personal concerns. Maintained strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Risk Management & Compliance: As a Senior HR Manager, maintain rigorous risk management and compliance standards across HR functions, with monthly reporting and alignment to external audit standards.
- Project Management: Directed special projects from inception through to completion, overseeing budget controls, ensuring deadlines were met, and achieving project objectives efficiently.
- Human Resources Specialist
Education
Agile Practitioner -
10.2024
Scrum Master - undefined
10.2024
Level 2 Website Software - undefined
05.2024
Level 4 Social Media and Digital Marketing - undefined
08.2021
Level 5 ICT - undefined
06.2013
GNVQ Telecommunications - undefined
11.2004
A – Level Sociology - undefined
06.2000
GNVQ Advanced Business - undefined
06.2000
Skills
- Strategic Partnership: Advised senior leadership and executive boards with data-driven insights that directly influenced long-term organisational strategy and goal achievement Forged and managed key collaborations across internal departments, international embassies, and external agencies, accelerating informed decision-making and aligning stakeholders on complex initiatives
- Business Strategy & Development: Executed a core component of the new four-year business strategy by designing and launching a revised compensation structure and incentive program Successfully aligned pay equity with strategic goals while maintaining a 20% compensation budget
- Programme & Project Management: Led end-to-end programme delivery for high-impact change initiatives, successfully overseeing all business verticals within a 60 person organisation Managed the seamless integration of new HR Management Systems (HRMS), achieving 100% user adoption with zero business disruption for end-users
- Leadership, Communication & Conflict Resolution: A skilled professional in handling complex employee issues, with experience overseeing the disciplinary and grievance process for 600 employees, advising managers and ensuring full policy compliance
- HR Generalist Expertise: Drove full-cycle HR operations, including optimising employee relations and talent development programs for a 600 person workforce Consistently ensured 100% compliance with all governance and policy, acting as the primary subject matter expert to mitigate organisational risk
- Operational & Risk Management: Directed all facilities and operational infrastructure, managing a £35,000 monthly portfolio while ensuring robust risk mitigation and 100% organisational compliance Optimised reporting processes to deliver accurate, real-time auditability of public funds, significantly enhancing governance and fiscal transparency across all verticals
Timeline
Senior General Manager
McCune Management Services Ltd
11.2024 - Current
Senior Executive Personal Assistant
British Army
02.2000 - 11.2024
Scrum Master - undefined
Level 2 Website Software - undefined
Level 4 Social Media and Digital Marketing - undefined
Level 5 ICT - undefined
GNVQ Telecommunications - undefined
A – Level Sociology - undefined
GNVQ Advanced Business - undefined
Agile Practitioner -
Interests & Affiliations
Committed volunteer in Youth Cycling Development with Cycling Ulster, Cycling Ireland, and British Cycling., Personal focus on well-being through competitive cold-water swimming and endurance hiking.