People Profiles
Role: HR Manager - UK Regional Airports
Base Station: Head Office, UK
Business: Ground Handling
Years at MA: 2 years
Hobbies and interests: Films, Food and Travel
What I was doing before joining MA?
I worked for uktv, a commercial enterprise formed by the BBC, as a Senior HR Advisor. Whilst a very glamorous and interesting role, I missed the fast-paced aviation industry, having previously completed 2 years with British Midland International (bmi) and several years with DHL Express before that.
Why I decided to join MA?
I believe there is something infectious about working within Aviation, and having left the industry to work in media, made me realise how much I missed being a part of it! As you can imagine, I was keen to move back into aviation, but also wanted to work closer to home so that I could spend more time with my young family. Therefore an opportunity to join the HR team at Menzies came at the right time for me both professionally and personally. Menzies Aviation is a major player in International Ground Handling and I wanted to be a part of a team that was successfully growing their business.
What I’m working on now?
I’m responsible for the successful delivery of the UK’s Management Development Programme. The commitment for this initiative comes directly from our senior managers, who believe the investment is necessary to support our future growth plans. The challenge has been to select a high calibre of junior managers, and design a programme that blends perfectly, the practical elements of our business and the best of management / leadership principles/theory. As you can imagine, this project takes up a significant amount of my time, but I also manage a small HR team, and together we support 8 UK Airport Managers with their People Agendas.
What’s been the most rewarding experience?
There have been many in the little time I have been at Menzies Aviation, but as an HR Manager, the most rewarding experience has to be the difference I see in the capability and confidence of the managers I have supported and coached since joining the team. Being able to see them deal with people management and tricky employment relations issues with confidence is brilliant!