Talent Management in High-Growth Businesses: Insights from Ed Jenner, Group People and Talent Director at The GelBottle Inc
Published 26 November 2024
In our latest Signet Recruitment and Retention Podcast episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Edd Jenner, Group People and Talent Director at The GelBottle Inc., a fast-growing, dynamic cosmetics brand. With an extensive background in recruitment across various industries, Edd shares his unique insights on adapting talent management strategies in a high-growth environment. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation with Edd, where he dives into his career journey, the challenges of shifting from corporate life to a rapidly growing business, and the importance of fostering a flexible and communicative company culture.
From Corporate Recruitment to Agile Leadership
Edd’s career journey has been anything but traditional. Starting out in the health and fitness sector, he moved into recruitment with Michael Page, where he handled roles in marketing, Public Sector, and professional services. Over the years, he gained valuable experience in various recruitment roles, including in-house recruitment at Yellow Pages and leading resourcing functions at Taylor Wimpey, an FTSE 100 construction company. This diverse background allowed Edd to bring a well-rounded perspective to his current role at The Gel Bottle.
Transitioning from the corporate, FTSE-listed world to a high-growth, founder-led business like The Gel Bottle was a significant change. Edd explains that, unlike structured, process-driven environments, a business like The Gel Bottle requires a fast-paced, agile approach to decision-making. This setting enables him to work hands-on with the business, influencing both its culture and growth trajectory in ways he couldn’t in his previous roles. According to Edd, it’s about adapting quickly and being ready to make decisions without the layers of bureaucracy typically found in larger corporations.
Building a Culture of Communication and Transparency
In a high-growth business, keeping employees engaged and informed is crucial. Edd emphasised the importance of open communication, sharing how The Gel Bottle has implemented regular employee surveys and monthly business huddles. These initiatives help keep the team aligned with the company’s goals, creating a culture of transparency and inclusivity where everyone feels connected to the bigger picture.
“Keeping the communication lines open is essential,” says Edd. “It’s about ensuring employees understand how their roles contribute to the company’s objectives and feel their voices are heard.”
This focus on communication goes hand-in-hand with understanding the unique needs of different teams. For example, Edd discusses how benefits such as flexible work schedules and product discounts can be tailored to suit the diverse responsibilities of both retail and corporate staff. By customising benefits to address the needs of different roles, The Gel Bottle fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation across its workforce.
Adapting HR Strategies for a High-Growth Environment
For Edd, adapting HR strategies to meet the demands of a fast-growing business is an ongoing process. His approach combines the strategic with the hands-on, bridging the gap between high-level planning and day-to-day execution. Whether it’s managing rapid hiring to support growth or tailoring onboarding processes to align with company culture, Edd’s experience highlights the importance of flexibility and a proactive mindset in HR.
In the episode, Edd talks about how agility in HR processes is essential for maintaining a resilient workforce. He discusses the significance of empowering teams to adapt to change, ensuring the company can pivot quickly in response to market demands while maintaining employee morale and engagement.
Looking to discuss these issues further? Get in touch with Marcus today.
Marcus Johnson
Managing Director
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