Why did you join Hays?
Hays is a major player in the recruitment industry, and having met a number of people as part of the recruitment process, I was super impressed with the company’s structure, culture and ambition.
Tell us about your career with Hays so far (including desk, specialism etc)
I joined Hays in 2020 as Senior Business Manager to support the London rail and engineering division. Since then, I have progressed to the role of Business Director.
As a member of the Black Network, what does that mean for you as a Hays employee?
I’m very proud to be a member of the Black Network. I’m pleased that the importance of these kind of networks has been recognised and implemented by Hays. Having these networks in place allows those that identify with them to feel a sense of belonging, safety and acceptance, which in turns supports individuals to perform to their full potential.
What is next for the Black Network?
These networks won’t reach their full potential and make a difference without members,so I would encourage anyone who identifies with any of the Hays Networks to reach out and come along to meetings. As for the Black Network, we’d like to continue to raise awareness.
Do you think the Black Network contributes to Hays’ commitment of creating an inclusive workplace?
Yes, I believe this is the case. The fact we have a black network demonstrates this. However, like all of the community groups, it takes everybody in the workplace to support this to make Hays a truly inclusive place to work.
Why did you join Hays?
I worked at another agency before joining Hays and was attracted to both the location and the career progression. At my previous business there seemed very little option other than being on desk, but at Hays, there were genuine long term career options.
Tell us about your career with Hays so far (including desk, specialism etc)?
Although I’ve always been part of C&P, having worked on a facilities management desk at my previous client, I’ve worked in three different businesses and on a variety of desks. I started in our Maidstone office running a mixed maintenance section supplying both blue collar and white collar workers across Kent. I was then offered an opportunity to move to our Bromley office to specialise in contract building services. Almost five years later I moved to take over the Building Services team in London and grow the business there. Since then, I’ve moved desk a few times, notably moving to four days a week and taking over our Town Planning desk when my first child was born. Last year, due to some internal moves and hires, I moved back to Building Services and now manage a number of our C&P businesses across London Central.
What learning and development support have you received throughout all stages of your career?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the training sessions I’ve received, although they’ve changed name several times over the past 16 years. I’ve always felt very supported at each stage and with each promotion.
How important has the management support been to achieve your goals?
I’ve been lucky to work for a number of great managers during my time and have learnt a lot from all of them to help shape my business and my way of running my own team.
What would be your advice to anyone starting their management career at Hays?
Go for it – it’s stressful and not always smooth sailing but incredibly rewarding seeing consultants develop and get promoted into management roles themselves.
What has been your biggest achievement at Hays?
A mixture of things. I’ve billed a decent amount of money and have always been at the top – or near the top – of my sub specialism fees… a PB of over £65k helps. But getting my consultants promoted has always been a big driver to me, and seeing consultants move into management and director level roles always means a lot to me.
What is next for the Black Network?
These networks won’t reach their full potential and make a difference without members,so I would encourage anyone who identifies with any of the Hays Networks to reach out and come along to meetings. As for the Black Network, we’d like to continue to raise awareness.
Do you think the Black Network contributes to Hays’ commitment of creating an inclusive workplace?
Yes, I believe this is the case. The fact we have a black network demonstrates this. However, like all of the community groups, it takes everybody in the workplace to support this to make Hays a truly inclusive place to work.
