Friday, January 06, 2023

Tell us about your career journey at MDLZ

I joined MDLZ in 2014 on the School Leaver Scheme in Human Resources (HR) and completed 4 placements including Learning and Development, Talent Acquisition, a cross functional move into Sales and then returned to HR manufacturing in Bournville.

Following the scheme, I joined the Employee Relations Team for 18 months and then became the HR Admin Team Lead for Western Europe managing a team of 22 at its largest. After 18 months in the team lead role, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to do another cross functional move and joined the Corporate and Government Affairs team as the Internal Communications Manager for Northern Europe. I did this role for 2 years and then returned to HR taking on the role as People Lead for Customer Service & Logistics (CS&L) and Procurement as a maternity cover and most recently People Lead Marketing and Corporate Functions.

What do you like about working at MDLZ?

I love the culture, different perspectives, and diversity of people I get to work with every day. The people are what really make it so great working at MDLZ!

What is the most exciting project that you have worked on?

Without a doubt, being part of the Covid-19 Special Situation team and managing all the internal communications and creating different policies, procedures, and ways of working to ensure safety was a top priority and our colleagues were informed and connected whilst working remotely.

Can you give us an example of how you stepped outside your comfort-zone in this role?

In my role as People Lead CS&L, I was part of the CS&L Leadership Team (LT) and ran a 2-day Vision 2025 workshop for the LT which was pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I had to fully immerse myself in understanding the challenges and priorities of the function, how the leaders wanted to operate and what behaviours and capabilities we would need to support the roadmap; as well as challenging them throughout the session to ensure the right decisions were made and energy was being invested in the right areas.

What is your biggest learning experience since working with us?

Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Success begins with believing you can, and I have always found by asking questions, being inquisitive and saying yes to opportunities you broaden your knowledge, build your network, and become a more rounded individual.

How would you describe the work culture at Mondelēz International and within your function?

A culture of respect, trust and openness, and a desire to always be the best version of yourself supported by colleagues and leaders who enable personal growth and development as well as a lot of fun along the way!

What is your favourite brand?

Cadbury!

How do you flex-work?

I love the benefits of Hybrid Working – the energy I get from being in the office, connecting with people and having the commute to disconnect is amazing but balanced with some focus time at home, an opportunity to catch up and work on complex items helps me manage a busy job and a busy life outside of work.

What advice would you give someone that wants to join MDLZ in the HR function?

If you enjoy supporting and working with people in the business, HR is for you. It is a great function that partners all our business areas and really enables them to operate effectively with high performing teams, a high level of engagement and a winning culture. Variety is also a key element to HR so a great way to have lots of different experiences in your day-to-day role.