With over 25 years’ experience running HR functions, including more than a decade as the No. 1 HR professional in three separate companies, I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field. I work alongside the CHRO and their HR team, providing support and guidance to drive successful change throughout the function. This can include mentoring the CHRO and emerging functional talent, optimising the functional structure to maximum commercial effect, assessing talent at all levels within the HR function, and implementing a balanced scorecard of people and functional KPIs for the business.

In mentoring the CHRO and offering career coaching to the emerging talent, my aim is to support them to achieve their career goals and drive success within their HR function. Through one-on-one coaching and guidance, I help the CHRO to develop their skills, build their network, and achieve their objectives. I also provide mentoring and coaching to the HR leadership team, supporting them in their roles and ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

I have extensive experience of optimising the functional structure of HR functions to achieve maximum commercial impact. This involves reviewing existing structures, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes that support the business's strategic goals. By aligning the HR function with the broader objectives of the organisation, I help companies achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their HR operations.

Finally, I help companies implement a balanced scorecard of people KPIs and functional KPIs to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of their HR function. This involves developing KPIs that align with the business's strategic goals and measuring progress against these KPIs over time. By providing regular insights and analysis, I help companies make data-driven decisions that drive success and growth.

I was introduced to Nick via a mutual contact, and I am so glad that we were. His depth of experience as a people leader is evident in every conversation, and he was generous in sharing this knowledge as a speaker at our 2023 HR Leaders of East Anglia conference. He is passionate about using HR to help organisations make better commercial and financial decisions, and he spoke eloquently about the need for HR professionals to step into that environment with confidence and compassion. For organisations who need senior-level alignment between cultural and commercial strategies, working with Nick would be highly recommended.

Nina Metson, MD, Waddington Brown