SUJATHA BALAJI KANDASAMY
Woodford Green,London
Summary
Strategic Senior HR Business Advisor with over 10 years of experience delivering impactful people initiatives within complex, unionised, and high-growth Shared Service environments. Proven track record in leading large-scale organisational change for diverse portfolios, managing intricate employee relations, and acting as a trusted advisor to Senior Leaders. Expert at translating institutional goals into robust LOB people strategies, underpinned by a deep understanding of employment law, MIS data analytics, and commercial finance.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
HR Consultant / HR Business Partner
Sandra Connington HR
London
2021.09 - 2026.03
- Strategic Advisory: Business Partner with leadership across portfolio of 25+ maintained and Trust schools within the Borough of Tower Hamlets to execute annual people plans for multiple Lines of Business (LOB).
- Alignment & Viability: Ensure 100% alignment between academic/institutional ambitions and commercial viability.
- Organisational Change: Lead end-to-end restructures and TUPE processes, advising leadership on institutionalising new structures into Business As Usual (BAU) with zero litigation or formal grievances.
- Performance & Talent: Manage annual performance-related pay and talent management cycle, partnering with leaders to identify and develop high-potential (HiPo) talent for long-term succession planning.
- Data-Driven Insight: Leverage MIS data and people metrics to identify workforce trends and develop proactive, metrics-driven solutions that improve workforce efficiency.
- Executive Coaching: Provide individualised coaching to managers and emerging leaders, serving as trusted advisor on sensitive human capital issues.
HR Manager & PA to Headteacher
The LETTA Trust
London
2015.04 - 2021.08
- HR Strategy: Translated Trust Strategic Plans into effective operational HR service within Shared Service construct across multiple school sites.
- ER & Union Engagement: Successfully resolved 100% of complex ER cases regarding capability, disciplinary, and grievance procedures within unionised framework.
- Risk Mitigation: Mitigated legal and reputational risk through expert navigation of employment law.
- Organisational Design: Supported structural design and Staff Reduction (RIF) activities, achieving strategic budgetary targets while ensuring total compliance.
- Recruitment & Talent: Reduced time-to-hire by implementing proactive recruitment planning and best-practice safeguarding protocols.
- Stakeholder Management: Acted as bridge between Trust Leaders and staff to ensure seamless, process-driven HR delivery.
Assistant Store Manager
Kuoni Travel Ltd
London
2013.01 - 2014.01
- Managed and mentored 4 consultants, driving team performance and local business partnerships.
Customer Service Coordinator
Slough Central Library
2008.01 - 2010.01
- Managed recruitment, inductions, and performance appraisals for diverse team.
Regional Sales & Management Roles
Kuoni Travel / Inter-Globe
1999.01 - 2008.01
- Managed large-scale budgets and multi-site strategy across India and the UK.
Education
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma - Human Resources
The Chartered Institute of Personnel And Development (CIPD)
London2022
Master of Arts - Tourism
Middlesex University Business School
London2002
Master of Tourism Administration - Tourism
Pondicherry Central University
Pondicherry, IndiaBachelor of Corporate Secretaryship - Corporate Accounts & Finance
Pondicherry Central University
Pondicherry, India1997
Skills
- Strategic Partnering: Aligning people plans with 5-year LOB and institutional strategies
- Change Management: Leading and supporting restructures, Reductions in Force (RIF), TUPE, and cultural transformation
- Annual HR Cycles: Managing year-end compensation, performance, and talent management cycles
- Data Analytics & MIS: Using workforce metrics and MIS reporting to identify trends and facilitate fact-based, metrics-driven decisions
- Project Management: Implementing large-scale HR initiatives and continuous process improvements
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced MS Office Suite, including Excel (data analysis) and PowerPoint (strategic presentations)
- Languages: Fluent English, Tamil, and Hindi
- Training: Appraisals for Managers, Managing People & Performance, Diversity & Inclusion, Safer Recruitment, and Safeguarding
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
HR Consultant / HR Business Partner
Sandra Connington HR
2021.09 - 2026.03
HR Manager & PA to Headteacher
The LETTA Trust
2015.04 - 2021.08
Assistant Store Manager
Kuoni Travel Ltd
2013.01 - 2014.01
Customer Service Coordinator
Slough Central Library
2008.01 - 2010.01
Regional Sales & Management Roles
Kuoni Travel / Inter-Globe
1999.01 - 2008.01
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma - Human Resources
The Chartered Institute of Personnel And Development (CIPD)
Master of Arts - Tourism
Middlesex University Business School
Master of Tourism Administration - Tourism
Pondicherry Central University
Bachelor of Corporate Secretaryship - Corporate Accounts & Finance
Pondicherry Central University