Rachel Johnson
Wimborne,Dorset
Summary
A resilient and self-driven professional with exceptional leadership skills, engendering respect from others while fostering a motivational and empathetic environment. Demonstrates highly developed interpersonal influencing and communication skills, complemented by astute negotiation abilities to grasp relevant issues and understand relationships between interested parties. Innovative and solution-focused, with a fast-paced and agile approach to HR metrics analysis, aiming to drive organisational success through analytical creativity.
Results-driven HR professional with focus on strategic leadership and organisational development. Specialises in enhancing employee engagement and driving talent acquisition through innovative HR practices. Committed to fostering positive workplace culture and aligning HR initiatives with business goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
UK HR Director
Perseus Software (part of Constellation Software)
Poole, Dorset
09.2023 - Current
- Trusted partner and resource to the business at all levels across the group – from employee to executive leadership.
- Oversight of employee benefits and compensation – monitoring the effectiveness of the programs being offered and partnering with the business units to research, recommend and implement new offerings.
- Oversight of Talent Acquisition to identify, attract, and hire skilled individuals.
- Oversight and management of the UK payroll process
- Employee relations and performance management support across the organization – providing recommendations and coaching to managers on how to handle difficult situations. Mitigate risk for the business.
- Overall responsibility for the general compliance with UK employment legislation requirements. Liaise with third party legal counsel when necessary.
- Overall responsibility for the employee lifecycle and employee experience focusing on experience and retention.
- Oversee the management of global mobility requests
- Manage due diligence process during a UK acquisition
- Utilise people metrics to identify trends and shape effective, data driven interventions
- Guide on the use of AI in HR applications
- Organisational Design
- Strategic Project Management
UK HR Manager
Perseus Software Group
Poole, Dorset
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Maintain up to date knowledge of UK employment legislation
- Support the integrity of all HR processes, systems and documentation in accordance with UK legislation
- Manage the UK payroll process
- Manage the UK employee lifecycle experience to ensure it is positive and enriching
- Work with the UK business units to manage and reduce absence
- Act as a trusted partner, giving sound and fair employee relations advice and support to all Line Managers. Reduce and mitigate risk to the UK business units
- Partner and build relationships with the different UK business unit leaders and their teams
UK HR Business Partner
Perseus Software Group
Poole, Dorset
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with organisational goals.
- Collaborated with leadership to address employee relations issues effectively.
- Managed recruitment processes, ensuring talent acquisition met departmental needs.
- Provided guidance on performance management and staff development initiatives.
- Portfolio responsibilities also included payroll, employee experience, learning and development
- Use HR metrics to effectively utilise all resources
- Work closely with key stakeholders to shape de3velopment of a high-performing People and Learning support service that built capacity, capability and culture
- Developed succession plans securing the future leadership of the organisation.
Customer Experience Manager/ HR Projects
Tower Supplies
Poole, Dorset
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Managed customer accounts by resolving inquiries, providing tailored support, recommending new products and managing margins.
- Researched and introduced new business
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline service delivery processes.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to enhance satisfaction.
- Analysed customer feedback to identify trends and recommend improvements.
- Coordinated HR projects by implementing training programmes and enhancing employee engagement.
- Designed benefits and Reward Programme
- Designed and implemented Employee Engagement Survey.
- Introduced a wellbeing programme for the business.
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Operations Manager/Sales Manager
Debenhams
Bournemouth, Dorset
03.2004 - 03.2018
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring effective resource allocation and workflow efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programmes, enhancing team performance and operational standards.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication, streamlining processes and improving collaboration.
- Managed inventory control systems, optimising stock levels and reducing waste across operations.
- Portfolio responsibility for HR, Training, Finance, Security, Stock Management and Facilities Management
- Sales Management responsibility for 4 departments/9 teams
- Responsibility for store budget and forecasting including payroll, expenses and facilities costs.
- Health and Safety Manager for the store
- Liaise with and build productive working relationships with external groups e.g. local council and emergency services
Regional Ops -Training, Audit , Project Management
Debenhams
06.2000 - 04.2003
- Led training initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across regional teams.
- Coordinated audit processes to ensure compliance with organisational standards.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, streamlining workflows and improving productivity.
- Developed and implemented training programmes tailored to team needs and operational goals.
- Mobile team to open new stores
- Project managed store modernisations
Education
Certificate in Human Resource Management Level 5 - Human Resources
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Cache Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants - Education
Bournemouth and Poole College
PooleCache Level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants - Education
Bournemouth and Poole College
PooleBachelor of Arts - History
Reading University
ReadingA-Levels - English, History and German
Maidstone Girls Grammar School
MaidstoneO-Levels - 8 including Maths and English
Maidstone Girls Grammar School
MaidstoneIOSH Managing Safely in the Workplace - Health and Safety
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Skills
- Leadership and influence with a multi-site, global organisation
- Proven ability to plan and think strategically
- HR metrics analysis
- Interpersonal communication
- Analytical problem-solving
- Negotiation skills
- Empathy and motivation
- Resilience and drive
- Diversity advocacy
- Organizational development
- Ethical leadership
- Financial budgeting
- Compensation structure
- Employee engagement
- Experience of creating and implementing strategic recrutiment initiatives in competitive markets
- Experience of delivering significant people transformation projects
Certification
Associate Member of CIPD - in process of upgrading to Chartered level
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)- Managing Safely in the Workplace
Accomplishments
Customer Experience Account Manager Annual Award 2019
Speaker at Perseus company conference September 2025 - Presenting 2 sessions - Employee Experience and Professional Development Programmes
Affiliations
- Walking, running, travelling and live music
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
UK HR Director
Perseus Software (part of Constellation Software)
09.2023 - Current
UK HR Manager
Perseus Software Group
07.2022 - 08.2023
UK HR Business Partner
Perseus Software Group
08.2021 - 06.2022
Customer Experience Manager/ HR Projects
Tower Supplies
06.2018 - 08.2021
Operations Manager/Sales Manager
Debenhams
03.2004 - 03.2018
Regional Ops -Training, Audit , Project Management
Debenhams
06.2000 - 04.2003
Certificate in Human Resource Management Level 5 - Human Resources
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Cache Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants - Education
Bournemouth and Poole College
Cache Level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants - Education
Bournemouth and Poole College
Bachelor of Arts - History
Reading University
A-Levels - English, History and German
Maidstone Girls Grammar School
O-Levels - 8 including Maths and English
Maidstone Girls Grammar School
IOSH Managing Safely in the Workplace - Health and Safety
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health