Angela Gretton

HR Leader with significant experience operating at senior leadership level, known for a calm, resilient and pragmatic approach that balances organisational needs with fair, people practices. Trusted adviser on complex employee relations, organisational risk, and people governance, with a practical, measured approach grounded in UK employment law and best practice. Proven experience in leading organisational change, managing TUPE transfers, and supporting leaders through performance, conduct, and change.

Experienced across a range of HR and payroll systems (including SAP, Workday, iTrent and HiBob), with a strong track record in workforce planning, management coaching, and maintaining visible, credible HR presence across multi-site and regional environments.

Independent HR Advisory Consultant & CPD at Independent (2025-11 – Present)

• Independent Workplace Investigations (Whistleblowing, Grievance & Conduct)
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) & Mediation
• Neutral Third-Party Consulting & Conflict Resolution

HR Operations Manager (Interim) at Atlantic Projects Ltd (2025-07 – 2025-11)

Led the strategic redesign and implementation of a company-wide HR and payroll framework across UK, Ireland and international sites within a high-growth engineering business.

• Led end-to-end HRIS and payroll system selection, implementation and integration across multiple jurisdictions
• Conducted a full review of existing HR processes, identifying compliance risks, data inconsistencies and governance gaps
• Standardised HR documentation, employment records and reporting structures across operations
• Advised leadership on organisational structure, workforce capability and compliance exposure
• Aligned HR governance frameworks with ISO-accredited audit requirements
• Developed workforce data reporting dashboards to support executive decision-making
• Led change communication strategy across multi-site operational teams
• Embedded consistent HR operational processes to support future scalability

Group HR Manager at SureScreen Group (2024-11 – 2025-07)

Senior HR lead delivering comprehensive operational management and workforce planning for high-volume manufacturing and scientific operations in a safety critical sector.

• Managed complex employee relations casework including investigations, grievances, disciplinaries and formal hearings
• Advised on capability processes, absence management and structured performance improvement plans
• Supported workforce planning decisions aligned to production requirements and regulatory constraints
• Ensured HR practice aligned with health & safety and regulatory obligations
• Reviewed and strengthen policy interpretation and ensured consistent application across operational teams
• Led employee engagement initiatives, contributing to an 18% uplift in Q1 engagement scores
• Supported managers in building confidence and competence in handling ER matters directly
• Maintaining visible HR presence across operational areas to ensure accessibility and credibility

HR & Payroll Manager (Interim) at Ashmere Healthcare (2024-05 – 2024-09)

Provided day-to-day HR advisory operations, complex employee relations casework management, and payroll compliance auditing across seven regional multi-site care locations. Planned personal and professional development break between fixed-term contracts.

• Provided day-to-day HR advisory support to Home Managers across seven locations
• Managed complex ER casework including conduct, safeguarding-related matters, absence
• Recruitment and Onboarding
• Advised on regulatory compliance linked to care standards and workforce conduct
• Supported managers through disciplinary investigations and formal hearings
• Ensured compliance with Working Time Regulations and rota governance
• Worked closely with Finance to oversee payroll processes and resolve discrepancies
• Reviewed payroll controls and implementing changes, reducing processing errors by 30%
• Standardised disciplinary documentation and performance review processes across all homes
• Introduced wellbeing and recognition initiatives to support retention in high-turnover unit

HR Business Partner at AMAZON (2024-02 – 2024-04)

Fixed-term contract

• Partnered with the leadership team to drive people strategies across East Midlands Fulfilment Distribution Centre
• Supported the implementation of an employee engagement agenda, resulting in a 12% improvement in employee satisfaction and reduced turnover
• Provided support and training in managers, resolving employee relations issues in a 24/7 high volume FMCG environment

TUPE Project Lead at Rolls-Royce (2023-10 – 2024-01)

Led the statutory TUPE transfer of 530 employees within a unionised manufacturing environment. Transfer completed with zero grievances, tribunal claims or legal escalations.

• Directed the full statutory consultation process with recognised trade unions and affected employees
• Worked in partnership with Legal, HR and operational leaders to ensure compliance with TUPE regulations
• Prepared formal consultation documentation, communication packs and FAQs
• Delivered employee briefings and consultation meetings
• Managed risk mitigation and dispute resolution strategies
• Advised senior stakeholders on potential legal and industrial relations exposure
• Coordinated post-transfer integration, policy alignment and process harmonisation across three business units
• Maintained detailed documentation to ensure defensibility and legal compliance

Lead People Partner at Bulkhead Technology (2022-05 – 2023-06)

Built and embedded the HR function during rapid organisational growth and acquisition by a global games design publisher. Transitioned HR from informal processes to structured and scalable governance.

• Delivered full-spectrum HR support including recruitment, onboarding, performance and employee relations
• Designed and implemented structured job descriptions and grading frameworks
• Introduced appraisal systems and performance documentation standards
• Supported succession planning and workforce development strategy
• Coached managers through performance management and conduct processes
• Implemented improved absence tracking and structured return-to-work processes, reducing short-term absence by 12%
• Updated policies to align with evolving employment legislation
• Strengthened documentation standards to improve consistency and reduce risk
• Led integration of HR processes post-acquisition

HR Business Partner at Superdrug Distribution & Logistics (2021-10 – 2022-02)

Project-based role

• Led a £1.5m operational transition within a unionised distribution environment
• Managed high-volume ER casework including formal hearings and conduct investigations
• Partnered with trade union representatives during workforce restructuring
• Supported redeployment and organisational change initiatives
• Advised on consistent policy interpretation across shifts and departments
• Conducted return-to-work reviews and absence management processes

HR Business Partner at St Andrews Healthcare (2021-03 – 2021-09)

• Provided full HR advisory support across multiple residential care sites, managing a headcount of 700+
• Developed local manager capability by coaching on disciplinaries and absence reviews
• Led on complex employee relations investigations
• Reduced case resolution time by 30% by standardising documentation and improving escalation processes
• Partnered with the Learning & Development team to deliver compliance-based training and induction refreshers
• Led safeguarding-related investigations and ensured compliance with safer recruitment procedures throughout onboarding process

Head of HR at Strictly Education (2019-05 – 2021-02)

High-Volume, PE Backed, High Growth organisation

• Reported directly to the Board on people strategy, governance and workforce risk
• Held full accountability for HR strategy and operational delivery
• Led multiple TUPE consultations during service contract transitions
• Managed complex employee relations cases - grievance, restructuring and gross misconduct
• Advised operational leaders on workforce planning and contract mobilisation
• Oversaw policy development and governance frameworks
• Introduced employee engagement and recognition strategies, improving satisfaction year-on-year
• Supported organisational change and structural realignment
• Ensured safeguarding compliance within education-sector environments

Regional HR Operations Manager at White Rhino HR Consultancy (2009-08 – 2019-04)

• Led HR delivery across seven business units (UK, Shanghai, Australia)
• Advised regional leaders on recruitment, mobility, performance and compliance
• Ensured alignment with local employment legislation across jurisdictions
• Introduced consistent HR policies and procedures across sites
• Supported international mobility and visa processes
• Reported workforce metrics to regional leadership teams
• Advised on legislative and policy differences between markets