SPD Stories, Meet Andi, HR Manager

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at SPD

I’m Andi and work as an HR Generalist Manager at SPD.  My role at SPD encompasses all aspects of HR and payroll management.

Can you name your most memorable highlight at SPD?

Strangely enough, my most memorable highlight with SPD was the pandemic.  I had just started working for SPD in February 2020 and at the end of March 2020, we went into full lockdown.  It was a fantastic learning opportunity for me and many others working in HR as this was totally unprecedented.  It gave me the opportunity to work with our CEO, Rachel and upper Management and the chance to think on our feet in order to continue trading. 

Putting in policies, practices and procedures as well as dealing with Furlough was a challenge.  Working with amazing staff who managed to turn face-to-face events and courses into virtual events.  We continued trading through the pandemic.  All credit to the amazing staff at SPD.

Also, managing staff wellbeing throughout the process was of high priority.

Why did you choose a career in Human Resources?

I pursued a career in Law in my early 20s and worked in the Litigation sector for over 20 years.  I was working very long hours with little job satisfaction.

I’ve always been a people person, a good listener and a problem solver.  I felt that these skills would be better matched to a career in Human Resources

Working in Human Resources gives me the opportunity to work towards sustainable performance and I relish the challenge of working in complex, and ever-changing, environments. I like to think my role means I can have a profound impact on people every day. My daily duties involve making employee welfare and happiness a matter of my professional responsibility.

How do you achieve a good/work-life balance?

Hybrid working has now made it possible for many people to achieve a better work-life balance.  Working from home cuts out the travel time and allows you to spend a little more quality time with family and friends.

What is one piece of advice you could give to your younger self?

Never let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. You can achieve anything in life if you want it hard enough. Don’t wait, just go for it.