Heather Angus explains the special HR blend that is required to drive the people focus forward within the highly entrepreneurial and creative business that is 3663, a leading foodservice company delivering ingredients, finished products and equipment to the catering industry.

1. How strategic is your current role and what does it involve?
I am currently Director of HR so my role is very strategic. As a team we have developed a “People Strategy” in line with the company strategy and we have set ourselves clear goals, which we aim to achieve over the next five years. Our vision is to become “First for People”.

2. How is the HR function perceived within your organisation?
I am working to ensure that the team is perceived as very commercial and very professional. We should be seen as the team that sets the standards for our people within the business.

3. How does your business use HR practices to get ahead?
One of the elements of our mission statement within 3663 is “to value and develop our people.” Our people are the reason that we are successful as a business. It is through listening to our people that we develop innovative HR practices to ensure that all our employees are engaged, understand the business direction, understand the business values and are committed to them.

4. Why is your company such a great place to work?
We operate in line with the values of our organisation, which ensure that our people are empowered and involved. 3663 is also a very entrepreneurial business, which allows our employees to be creative and innovative in developing solutions. We also have great people that work for us and we have lots of fun.

5. How does HR win hearts and minds in your business?
By understanding the business, listening to our people, delivering on our promises and commercial and creative solutions for the business regardless of whether we are dealing with an operational or strategic issue.

6. Will HR survive outsourcing and changes to service delivery?
Yes – as long as we are prepared to be flexible in delivery and the development of new skills. In addition, the department needs to continue to add value to the business and demonstrate this.

7. What’s the new skill set of HR?
Within our business it is being very creative in developing solutions to meet the business need.

8. What’s the worst thing about working in HR and the best?
The worst thing is breaking bad or difficult news to employees. The best thing is being able to deliver really great initiatives that make a difference to an employees’ working life.

9. What are the key issues preventing HR professionals from getting a seat on the board?
A lack of understanding about the value that HR can add and the perception that they do not understand the “real” business need or have a commercial understanding – this is obviously not right!

10. If you have a mantra/motto what is it?
“Just do it”.
11. What are you currently reading?
Paula Radcliffe’s autobiography.

12. What would be your desert island disc?
Green Day “Tell me your life”.

13.If you could have lunch with three famous people, dead or alive who would they be and why?
Roger Black and/or Paula Radcliffe, Elizabeth 1st or Nelson Mandela.

14. If you’d like to be remembered for one thing what is it?
For being fair minded and making a difference.

Previous career profiles can be seen on the How Did I Get Here? page.