Most of our clients and candidates interact with Emerald Group through one of our recruitment consultants. Behind the scenes however, a team of people are making sure that everything runs smoothly. We spent the day with Rosie White, Operations Manager, to find out more.
There is no such thing as a typical day for Rosie White. In her role as Operations Manager for Emerald Group, she never quite knows what’s going to come her way. She starts each morning by getting organised for the day ahead. With international colleagues working in different time zones, there’s always a stack of emails to go through, often with urgent requests to support candidates starting new roles that day, or other tasks that have to be sorted quickly.
Time Zones and To Do Lists
With her action list in place, Rosie checks in with her colleagues in the operations team. They cover essential tasks that keep Emerald Group’s day-to-day operations moving for clients and candidates. From sharing CVs and job specs to co-ordinating contracts and interview schedules, consultants rely on the team to support their work, making sure people and paperwork are in the right place at the right time.
Having worked for Emerald Group for five years, Rosie has a deep understanding of how the business works and is used to prioritising. Often top of her action list will be liaising with clients on PSL or tender requirements. Every client has specific documentation needs, so Rosie will provide information on policies, procedures and some of the operational aspects of Emerald Group’s work, including DEI. Another important area is environmental considerations. Rosie explains, “Sustainability practices are a huge part of the supply chain discussion now. Clients want to know what we’re doing to support the journey towards net zero and I’m able to share the steps Emerald Group are taking to become more sustainable.”
So far so good.
Expecting the Unexpected
Despite her organisation skills and efficiency in planning her day, Rosie can rely on one thing. At some point in the day, something will come up that means everything else gets put on hold. At any one time, Emerald Group is delivering on a huge range of client placements, all at different stages, with staff based in offices in the UK, internationally or hybrid working and candidates all over the world. With so much activity happening at the same time, anything can happen. It might be urgent paperwork, an IT glitch or an issue with an important tender. Problem solving is a huge part of Rosie’s role. She explains, “Because I know the operations of Emerald Group inside out, I’m the person everyone comes to when something isn’t going to plan. I have our amazing IT support team on speed dial and I think logically to find solutions. I’m also always looking for potential issues – fixing things before they go wrong is definitely the way forward!”
So, with today’s problem solved, it’s back to that action list.
It’s All About People…
Rosie looks after the HR needs of Emerald Group employees, and there are always admin tasks to be done: supporting new staff, confirming holidays or organising payroll. After a few more ticks on the to-do list, it’s time for lunch. Emerald Group staff take their lunchbreaks pretty seriously and everyone is encouraged to have a break away from desks and screens. While her colleagues head towards the staff room table tennis table, Rosie prefers to get some fresh air, “There’s a reason why I’m not a recruiter and it’s the same reason I don’t play table tennis. My colleagues can be very competitive! I prefer a little headspace so I’m happy to go for a walk and leave the table tennis league table to them!”
Understanding people and what drives them helps Rosie every day. “Everyone has their own set of priorities, and it’s important that I give people realistic expectations of how tasks are progressing, while working smartly to get things done. I’m constantly re-prioritising as new things come in, so reassuring colleagues that their tasks will be completed on time helps keep everyone happy. Understanding the pressures that colleagues are facing or knowing about upcoming deadlines with clients really helps me to help the rest of the team, so communication is really important too.”
…and let’s not forget the data
Every business needs data, and Rosie has a key role in extracting the information that helps Emerald Group directors understand how the company is doing. Afternoons are often spent preparing reports for the following day’s internal meetings. “I have spreadsheets for everything, from staff records to placement tracking and financial data. These reports help directors, team leaders and individual consultants track progress. I find it fascinating to see how we’re doing as a business. I may not be at the front end of our business with clients and candidates, but I’m very much part of the team and it’s great to see individuals and teams making progress towards their goals.”
Sometimes it’s the Small Stuff
With such a range of responsibilities, Rosie also keeps the team going with a few other vital tasks. “I’m responsible for office and facilities management, so I co-ordinate the teams that keep our working environment in good shape. I also make sure the fridge is full of milk and that there are always drinks on hand for weekly team socials. I can guarantee that people will panic if we’re low on milk…it’s a small thing but a fully stocked fridge is essential to keep everyone in the office fuelled with tea and coffee!”
With such a varied but important role, it’s clear that Rosie keeps the wheels turning for the Emerald Group. Her day ends with a quick check of that all-important action list, and some planning for the next day. “No two days are the same, but we always end each Friday with some downtime together, talking through the highlights of the week and winding down before the weekend begins. It’s a great moment to think about how we’re all working together to support our clients and candidates and to achieve our business goals.”
If you’re looking for a new job, a new team member or even a career in recruitment, Emerald Group can help. For the best recruitment solutions in the actuarial and financial services sectors, call us on +44 (0)207 283 2520.
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