Charlene Rhule

Results-driven HR Manager with a career defined by scaling HR functions and leading high-performing teams (10+ reports) across complex, multi-site organisation. Expert in aligning people's operations with commercial goals, currently advancing to CIPD Level 7 Strategic Diploma. Proven ability to deliver significant cost savings, including a 20% reduction in agency spend and a 30% decrease in ER-related risk through the implementation of robust governance frameworks.

A hands-on leader who excels at professionalizing HR departments, navigating large-scale organisational change, and coaching management to drive peak performance. Known for maintaining 100% audit compliance while fostering a culture of engagement and operational excellence.

HR Business Manager - Bedford College Group - Bedfordshire

(2025-01)

Strategic Lead for HR & Payroll operations across 10+ sites, directing a team of 10 and overseeing the Group's people strategy for 1500 employees.

• Direct leadership of a high-performing HR and Payroll team of 10. Transformed service delivery by implementing a new KPI and accountability framework, resulting in a 20% increase in departmental efficiency and improved stakeholder satisfaction.
• Spearheaded the redesign of the Group's Employee Relations framework across 10+ sites; reduced formal ER case volume by 30% through the introduction of early intervention strategies and management coaching, significantly mitigating legal and tribunal risk.
• Played a lead role in the HR execution of large-scale restructuring and mergers/acquisitions. Navigated complex TUPE and change management processes with minimal disruption to operations, ensuring cultural alignment and staff retention.
• Full oversight of multi-site payroll and HR budgets. Successfully optimised the recruitment strategy and agency PSL, delivering a 20% reduction in external hiring costs while maintaining 100% accuracy in payroll delivery.
• Acted as the lead for internal and external audits (including GDPR and Make UK updates), maintaining a 100% compliance record and strengthening the organisation's governance posture in a highly regulated sector.
• Designed and delivered management training toolkits to upskill senior college leaders in performance management and conflict resolution, fostering a high-performance culture across the group.

Senior HR Manager - Chalkline Solutions - London

(2024-06 - 2024-12)

Strategic HR Lead responsible for aligning people operations with business growth and financial efficiency.

• Reduced agency spend by 20% through PSL renegotiation and the implementation of a high-performance direct-sourcing model via a new ATS.
• Partnered with the Board to lead complex company restructures and salary benchmarking, ensuring a competitive and sustainable compensation framework.
• Engineered a robust annual and quarterly appraisal framework, linking individual KPIs to overarching business objectives to drive accountability.
• Authored comprehensive HR policies and knowledge-based frameworks to scale operations and ensure 100% Health & Safety and legal compliance.
• Analyzed engagement survey data to launch targeted well-being and flexible working initiatives, measurably improving employee NPS and retention rates.

HR & Talent Acquisition Manager - Medik8 - London

(2023-06 - 2024-03)

Led HR and talent strategy for a high-growth scale-up environment.

• Designed and embedded end-to-end HR and recruitment workflows to support rapid headcount growth while maintaining culture.
• Developed an "HR Manager's Toolkit" and led culture workshops to upskill line managers in handling ER cases, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Established global university partnerships and enhanced employer branding to attract top-tier talent in a competitive market.
• Oversaw full-cycle payroll administration and compliance, ensuring seamless integration between HR and Finance functions.

Recruitment Manager - Bestway - London

(2023-01 - 2023-06)

Strategic lead for talent acquisition across Head Office and Distribution hubs.

• Defined and executed a multi-channel recruitment strategy, optimizing job board ROI and social media presence.
• Directed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring initiatives and modernized the selection process through high-volume assessment centers.

Employment Specialist & Trainer - Ingeus - London

(2022-01 - 2023-01)

Delivered high-impact training and career coaching for a diverse caseload.

• Managed a caseload of 90+ participants, utilizing IPS (Individual Placement and Support) plans to drive sustainable employment outcomes.
• Negotiated with external agencies and employers to create exclusive talent pipelines.

Team Leader / Care Manager - Langdon - London

(2019-06 - 2022-01)

Management of staff performance and regulatory compliance in a high-stakes environment.

• Led rigorous internal audits and safeguarding protocols to ensure 100% regulatory compliance.
• Mentored care staff and facilitated well-being workshops to reduce burnout and improve service standards.

HR & Recruitment Manager - Bright Stars Nursery - London

(2014-01 - 2019-06)

Complete oversight of the HR function for a multi-site/complex operation.

• Created a bespoke training and development framework to elevate staff pedagogical skills and retention.
• Implemented industry-leading "Safer Recruitment" practices, ensuring total compliance with stringent educational standards.

Early years educator, Key stage 1 educator, Store Manager, Accounts Assistant - Various

Earlier roles: Early years educator and Key stage 1 (Preston Primary) Store Manager (Coral, Bardo, Iceland) Accounts Assistant (Garvey Accountants)

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management - Strategic People Management - ICS Learn

BA (Hons) - Business Administration - University of West London

Train the Trainer (Certified) - Training - The Knowledge Academy (2026-10)

Inclusion, Diversity & Strategic Discrimination Law - HR/Law (2024)

Advanced Human Resource Management Diploma - Human Resource Management (2023)

Executive Leadership & Organizational Culture - Leadership (2022)

First Aid for Mental Health (Certified) - Mental Health (2022)

EYFS Teaching Diploma - Early Years (2019)

NVQ Level 2 - Counseling Skills

NVQ Level 2 - Health & Social Care

NVQ Level 2 - Business & Accounting