Julie - HR Transformation Professional

Julie
HR Transformation Professional

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Running global transformation programmes requires incredible levels of influencing and engagement skills – Julie’s capability in these areas is undeniable. 

When presented with little more than a single slide as an operational plan, Julie knew she had a challenge. Engaged in an international business transformation driven by the implementation of SAP, Julie was seconded to a Shared Services project that was struggling to take flight. There was little understanding between countries of what was to be achieved and no will to co-operate – many regions were happy with the status quo. The business perceived HR as not fit for purpose and internally the department recognised they needed modernising, but the HR Shared Services project that could remedy the situation was woefully inadequate.

Julie had to use her considerable influencing skills to get the Head of Systems and Transformation to backtrack on his plan. She proposed implementing the Ulrich model where shared services would be implemented in each country, and began defining an operational model based on best practice from around the business. Julie’s gap analysis revealed a number of issues, one in particular concerning employee self service. For example, there was no dedicated internet portal for employees, with each country operating independently from this perspective. Julie ensured all the operational details were in place and secured the buy in from the regions to adopt a centralised online resource.

The business was establishing operations in a number of new territories, and these fledgling businesses were using the UK’s HR team for support. There was no governance around hiring or development in these regions and they didn’t even know how many employees they had. This was proving to be a constant drain on the UK HR team, which was in turn impacting the 10,000 UK employees. Julie set up a ‘one stop shop’ for HR services in Europe, providing dedicated HR support and relieving pressure on the UK team.

Julie has now created a strategic platform for a Shared Services that fits the needs and resources of the business. In doing so, Julie has realised over £15 million in cost efficiencies, and the business is now in a position to deliver the global transformation programme.

The HR department inherited by Julie was functional, but far from cutting edge. A government drive to improve back office efficiency was underway at the time, and Julie was keen to drive changes without intervention. She initially proposed and then delivered a comprehensive reform of HR practice for the 6,500 employees and 40 separate businesses served by the function, creating a world-class HR function.

With over 220 locations and a heavy reliance on paper-based processes, Julie focused first on an eHR strategy that would allow those in remote locations to gain access to the complete range of services. This included training and development, performance management, and Employee Self Service, which alone realised savings of AUS$2.5 million a year.

Recruitment processes were also archaic, and HR was being blamed for hiring lead times that stretched into 6 months. By putting in tracking measures, Julie was able to prove it was hiring managers that were causing a blockage in the process and by offering them support, times were reduced to a maximum of 72 hours. She also drove more process and rigour throughout the selection process, vastly improving the calibre of candidates that were selected for interview.

These measures were instrumental in gaining the confidence of five commercial organisations that fell under the AGD remit. They were well funded and self sustaining, and had their own HR teams in house. Julie set up a centralised HR service built around best practice, and by proving its efficiency and high quality, she was able to secure the contract to provide HR services. The internal teams were no longer necessary, which created significant savings.

Julie’s impact at the AGD was incredibly wide-ranging; below are just a few more of her achievements:

  • Developed and led negotiations for Flexible Working
  • Undertook workforce profiling and created a Graduate Recruitment programme
  • Introduced Annual Achievement Awards as part of a comprehensive reward and recognition strategy
  • Developed the Department’s first People Management and Development Strategy

Fast Facts

  • An HR Change and Transformation expert with both Public and Private Sector experience
  • Recently delivered savings of £15 million per year for a global telecoms provider through Shared Services platform
  • Employee Self Service, Performance Management and e-Learning expertise
  • Employs Project and Programme Management methodologies to drive initiatives
  • Outstanding stakeholder management skills across geographies and cultures
  • Specialises in implementing global HR transformation programmes
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