FuturExec: The Academy - Spotlight on…Alex Darby, HR Manager at Aimia Foods

In the first edition of our new series, ‘FuturExec:  The Academy - Spotlight on…’ we speak to Alex Darby, HR Manager at Aimia Foods. Alex was part of our initial cohort on our inaugural programme of FuturExec: The Academy. Here, Leanne Boddy speaks to Alex about her career to date, how she feels the academy has helped her career, as well as discussing her career ambitions and desire to show that women can achieve huge professional success whilst maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Alex, what inspired you to work within HR in particular?

My first professional job out of university was in HR, and I quickly realised HR professionals have a unique opportunity to not just make a positive impact on people’s working life, but also on the success and growth of the business. That, coupled with the fact that I love that no two days are ever the same!

Tell me about your career to date and how you got into the HR function.

My HR career began immediately after completing university, where I worked in an in-store HR team for Sainsbury's, whilst studying CIPD. I was there for a few years before spending time in banking and facilities management before I eventually found my professional home in the food industry.

 A big turning point for me was returning from maternity leave. I was off from October 2020 and during that time I felt like I was watching the world change, and I really came to understand that the world of work I would be returning to, would be completely different from the one I had left - people’s expectations and motivations had completely changed.

I am lucky enough to be part of a progressive organisation, especially in manufacturing, who were so supportive and encouraging of my strategic vision. The last two years have been the most exciting and rewarding years of my career. During that time, I've had the opportunity to build an employer brand and value proposition that seamlessly aligns with our corporate brand identity. I’ve established a corporate partnership with a local children’s charity, where I have been able to witness not only the impact we've made on them but also the pride amongst our employees - we're truly making a difference to families in our community. I have also launched an internal social network to enhance communication, build greater connections and celebrate our success. I also designed our leadership programme, which includes executive coaching, and has been truly transformative. In addition to this, I have made coaching accessible for all employees through e-learning and led an important project around succession planning and a flight risk matrix, which in turn, has made our organisational structure more resilient.

What are some of the core skills you feel HR professionals need to add to help organisations progress? 

HR professionals need to be agile and adaptable; you can plan as much as you like, but best-laid plans can go awry! If you want to add value to your organisation, get to know your business inside out, the industry you’re in, and the economic world outside of it. That way, your strategies will always contribute effectively.

How do you feel being a participant on Macmillan Davies’ FuturExec: The Academy has helped your career over the last 12 months? 

The Academy has been fundamental to my development in my HR Manager role. It has allowed me to observe inspirational HR leaders, whom I would consider role models, in action. The events have given me an insight into the innovative and proactive approaches by HR leaders, as well as practical ideas to implement within my workplace. Finally, it’s highlighted potential directions that my career could take.

What are your career ambitions? 

I am passionate about continuing my current HR leadership trajectory. I’m passionate about showing my young son and other women, that women can achieve huge professional success whilst maintaining a fulfilling personal life – the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I’d love to contribute to making that an option for other women.

 What is the best piece of career advice you have received? 

Don’t be confined by your ‘HR hat’. Get to know the other areas of your business as closely as you can, you won’t succeed in HR unless you have a really broad understanding of, and working relationships with, the rest of the business.

Find out more

To find out more about our programme, please click here.

If you would like to nominate anyone from your HR team to join The Academy or find out how you can support the programme by speaking at future events, please get in touch using the details below:
Leanne Boddy
07506 755 660
lboddy@mdhr.co.uk