Interview With Marie Haywood, HR Manager At Ellis Jones Solicitors

I have been at Ellis Jones for almost 4 years. I was previously working for an Insurance Intermediary as a Senior Business Manager. It was a dual role managing a sales team with large key accounts and also managing the organization's H.R. function.

My previous roles have been Office or Operational Management roles incorporating H.R. When I decided to leave my last post, I knew that I was ready for a new challenge. I felt that I needed to make a choice in order to concentrate my efforts in one specific area. I have always been interested in the people side of business and feel passionate that how an organization looks after its people is key to its success and with this in mind, I felt that a more people focused role would suit my skills and interests. Therefore, I chose to focus on H.R.

When Ellis Jones were marketing for an H.R Manager their main challenge was to find someone who was wiling to 'do' as well as 'manage'. They had a need for someone flexible who didn't mind getting there hands dirty with the more mundane tasks and muck in where needed but also someone with appropriate management experience and who was strong enough in character to face the more 'managerial' and 'people focused' challenges. I think that my assertiveness coupled with my people management, operational, commercial and operational experience matched their requirements.

The role has changed greatly since I joined the Firm. One of the reasons I have so enjoyed my role at Ellis Jones so much is due to the fact that from the outset I knew I could make a difference and would be empowered to do so. I am fortunate to have had a great deal of back up from the Practice Manager and Partners of the Firm who have allowed me to implement various initiatives. These have ranged from overhauling pretty much all of the H.R. processes and procedures through to staff engagement initiatives such as implementing a Consultation Policy and putting together the 'Green Team' who are set to concentrate on Corporate Social Responsibility. H.R. within the Firm has moved on from being reactionary to proactive. I see that as a major step forward in terms of being able to plan for the future and invoke positive change aligned to strategic business goals rather than only being able to deal with issues during or after the event.

My background is predominantly in sales and service industries such as Telecommunications and Insurance. I have always worked in SME's as I like the personal approach and I find it rewarding to be able to know people by name and deal with them as individuals.

Ellis Jones is one of the leading law practices in the area. I was attracted to the fact that they are keen to be proactive and are receptive to new ideas. I knew I could really get my teeth into this role and make a difference. I have never really been interested in purely keeping the cogs in the wheel turning, whilst I appreciate the importance of that, I am motivated by challenge and positive change, so Ellis Jones fitted well with my ideals in terms of how I wanted to work.

I am very passionate about H.R. and it having a positive impact on the business and staff. I encourage our managers to know their employees, recognize and work with people's strengths and weaknesses and celebrate their differences. Working in a service orientated business means that the people are your main asset so it is important to ensure that they are engaged. I think you need assertiveness, resilience and tenacity in this role. You need to be able to have the confidence of the Partners and the trust of the staff. It is important to react quickly to situations in order that people do not lose faith in your ability to get the task done whatever it is. It is about delivering a service and delivering it well. As in all H.R. roles, you need to be a good mediator and be incredibly diplomatic and remain calm in sometimes adverse situations.

The current economic climate in itself brings about its own set of challenges and is possibly one of current hot H.R. topics. It is sometimes difficult to ensure staff engagement when people are so worried about the future of the economy and how it may affect them.

The great thing about my role is the variety of tasks. I never know what is going to happen from one day to the next. Sometimes you will get at knock at the door from someone who has a real concern or problem, there is nothing more rewarding than helping them to solve it - especially when they say 'thank you, our chat/your advice really helped me'. Unfortunately, H.R. are often viewed as the bearers of bad news - 'H.R. have arrived - someone must be in trouble'. I like to think that we can change this perception and be seen as facilitators and implementers of positive change as well as just being viewed as dealing with the more negative aspects of employment.

There are often situations that arise that I haven't dealt with previously but I tend to see that more of a challenge than a difficulty and an opportunity to enhance my skills.

I would like to travel and work for charity in poorer countries perhaps helping people less fortunate to set up businesses and/or learn business skills.

It is important to stay positive and have faith in your own ability. Attitude is equally as important as skills. You can have all the skills and competencies you like, but if you can't communicate effectively and give the impression that you can relate positively towards others, you are unlikely to win anyone over with skills alone unless you are planning on a job with little or no interaction and in H.R. or law, this is unlikely.

Unfortunately, for the most part, I think 'a job for life' is a thing of the past. I feel strongly that anyone who is willing to work hard who can produce positive results and has a good work ethic will ultimately find employment and, in the right environment, will normally be rewarded with the recognition they deserve.

To be fitter, run faster for longer and fix the puncture on my mountain bike and stop using it as an excuse to sit in front of the telly.

A nice (large) chilled glass of Pinot Blush.