Jennie Brown
Manager Operations at LIW - Leadership, not just leaders- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Jessica Gallop
In our first work together I was struck immediately by Jennie’s ability to get under the skin of the business, at a rapid pace, she just has this knack of asking the right questions of the right people. In doing so, Jen quickly established herself as a credible and highly valued leader of her function and with it developed a team of individuals - some new to the L&D arena - into well-respected and qualified trainers. The system implementation we worked on together was a first of that scale for the business and Jennie led the development of innovative training, she delivered an on-time and to-budget programme - the only workstream to have achieved this, and she was without doubt a critical cog in ensuring such a significant change was implemented with the least impact. Following this, Jennie and I worked together again on a business-wide change programme, seeking to improve efficiencies in how we operated. Jennie once again was the lead for the business on training and broader development and spearheaded much of this work for the operations division, providing solid analysis of the gap between our current operation and the vision we worked toward. Jennie led her team to develop training across a multitude of platforms; in service, systems, process and finance. Recognising that milestones were challenging Jennie geared her team up to cross train with the standards/process team to develop a ‘superteam’ to strengthen our capabilities and achieve the timings and budget. Her most significant achievement during this time was the launch of a Training Academy; the first not only for Unite but for the sector as a whole. Jennie developed a commercial proposal that would reduce in-house costs dramatically and provide a centre of excellence for the business and the way in which training was conducted. In any work we undertook thereafter, I always leaned on Jennie to provide a robust framework for training, for our Contact Centre, our operators on the ground and support services. She provided an excellent service as a trusted business partner to my function. Jennie is a logical and pragmatic in the way she both approaches and presents her work; but always balances the commercial needs of the business with the requirements of the end user, placing them at the heart of what she does. She had as much of a following as she did a team; people keen to work with her and for her and she was and remains the ‘go-to’ person for her colleagues who want a sound opinion, a well thought through argument and a fantastic solution that exceeds all expectations. Her qualifications and credentials demonstrate Jennie’s continued appetite for learning and to improve what she already excels at, she operates with class, integrity and a smile on her face and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to work with her again.
John Ford
If you have the opportunity to have Jennie work with or in your organisation, you should not hesitate. I initially worked alongside Jennie on a large project when we were both part of the Business Change Team. Jennie as Training Program Manager and myself Comms Manager. She is a truly inspirational person and was the main reason I decided to move over to pursue a career in learning and development. Jennie's positivity and determination is infectious, and I loved working for her. Jennie built and developed a really strong team around her and led us with Integrity and passion. So much so that when the opportunity arose to work for her again, some years later, I jumped at the chance. A truly inspirational leader that has the development of people at the heart of everything she does.
Jessica Gallop
In our first work together I was struck immediately by Jennie’s ability to get under the skin of the business, at a rapid pace, she just has this knack of asking the right questions of the right people. In doing so, Jen quickly established herself as a credible and highly valued leader of her function and with it developed a team of individuals - some new to the L&D arena - into well-respected and qualified trainers. The system implementation we worked on together was a first of that scale for the business and Jennie led the development of innovative training, she delivered an on-time and to-budget programme - the only workstream to have achieved this, and she was without doubt a critical cog in ensuring such a significant change was implemented with the least impact. Following this, Jennie and I worked together again on a business-wide change programme, seeking to improve efficiencies in how we operated. Jennie once again was the lead for the business on training and broader development and spearheaded much of this work for the operations division, providing solid analysis of the gap between our current operation and the vision we worked toward. Jennie led her team to develop training across a multitude of platforms; in service, systems, process and finance. Recognising that milestones were challenging Jennie geared her team up to cross train with the standards/process team to develop a ‘superteam’ to strengthen our capabilities and achieve the timings and budget. Her most significant achievement during this time was the launch of a Training Academy; the first not only for Unite but for the sector as a whole. Jennie developed a commercial proposal that would reduce in-house costs dramatically and provide a centre of excellence for the business and the way in which training was conducted. In any work we undertook thereafter, I always leaned on Jennie to provide a robust framework for training, for our Contact Centre, our operators on the ground and support services. She provided an excellent service as a trusted business partner to my function. Jennie is a logical and pragmatic in the way she both approaches and presents her work; but always balances the commercial needs of the business with the requirements of the end user, placing them at the heart of what she does. She had as much of a following as she did a team; people keen to work with her and for her and she was and remains the ‘go-to’ person for her colleagues who want a sound opinion, a well thought through argument and a fantastic solution that exceeds all expectations. Her qualifications and credentials demonstrate Jennie’s continued appetite for learning and to improve what she already excels at, she operates with class, integrity and a smile on her face and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to work with her again.
John Ford
If you have the opportunity to have Jennie work with or in your organisation, you should not hesitate. I initially worked alongside Jennie on a large project when we were both part of the Business Change Team. Jennie as Training Program Manager and myself Comms Manager. She is a truly inspirational person and was the main reason I decided to move over to pursue a career in learning and development. Jennie's positivity and determination is infectious, and I loved working for her. Jennie built and developed a really strong team around her and led us with Integrity and passion. So much so that when the opportunity arose to work for her again, some years later, I jumped at the chance. A truly inspirational leader that has the development of people at the heart of everything she does.
Jessica Gallop
In our first work together I was struck immediately by Jennie’s ability to get under the skin of the business, at a rapid pace, she just has this knack of asking the right questions of the right people. In doing so, Jen quickly established herself as a credible and highly valued leader of her function and with it developed a team of individuals - some new to the L&D arena - into well-respected and qualified trainers. The system implementation we worked on together was a first of that scale for the business and Jennie led the development of innovative training, she delivered an on-time and to-budget programme - the only workstream to have achieved this, and she was without doubt a critical cog in ensuring such a significant change was implemented with the least impact. Following this, Jennie and I worked together again on a business-wide change programme, seeking to improve efficiencies in how we operated. Jennie once again was the lead for the business on training and broader development and spearheaded much of this work for the operations division, providing solid analysis of the gap between our current operation and the vision we worked toward. Jennie led her team to develop training across a multitude of platforms; in service, systems, process and finance. Recognising that milestones were challenging Jennie geared her team up to cross train with the standards/process team to develop a ‘superteam’ to strengthen our capabilities and achieve the timings and budget. Her most significant achievement during this time was the launch of a Training Academy; the first not only for Unite but for the sector as a whole. Jennie developed a commercial proposal that would reduce in-house costs dramatically and provide a centre of excellence for the business and the way in which training was conducted. In any work we undertook thereafter, I always leaned on Jennie to provide a robust framework for training, for our Contact Centre, our operators on the ground and support services. She provided an excellent service as a trusted business partner to my function. Jennie is a logical and pragmatic in the way she both approaches and presents her work; but always balances the commercial needs of the business with the requirements of the end user, placing them at the heart of what she does. She had as much of a following as she did a team; people keen to work with her and for her and she was and remains the ‘go-to’ person for her colleagues who want a sound opinion, a well thought through argument and a fantastic solution that exceeds all expectations. Her qualifications and credentials demonstrate Jennie’s continued appetite for learning and to improve what she already excels at, she operates with class, integrity and a smile on her face and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to work with her again.
John Ford
If you have the opportunity to have Jennie work with or in your organisation, you should not hesitate. I initially worked alongside Jennie on a large project when we were both part of the Business Change Team. Jennie as Training Program Manager and myself Comms Manager. She is a truly inspirational person and was the main reason I decided to move over to pursue a career in learning and development. Jennie's positivity and determination is infectious, and I loved working for her. Jennie built and developed a really strong team around her and led us with Integrity and passion. So much so that when the opportunity arose to work for her again, some years later, I jumped at the chance. A truly inspirational leader that has the development of people at the heart of everything she does.
Jessica Gallop
In our first work together I was struck immediately by Jennie’s ability to get under the skin of the business, at a rapid pace, she just has this knack of asking the right questions of the right people. In doing so, Jen quickly established herself as a credible and highly valued leader of her function and with it developed a team of individuals - some new to the L&D arena - into well-respected and qualified trainers. The system implementation we worked on together was a first of that scale for the business and Jennie led the development of innovative training, she delivered an on-time and to-budget programme - the only workstream to have achieved this, and she was without doubt a critical cog in ensuring such a significant change was implemented with the least impact. Following this, Jennie and I worked together again on a business-wide change programme, seeking to improve efficiencies in how we operated. Jennie once again was the lead for the business on training and broader development and spearheaded much of this work for the operations division, providing solid analysis of the gap between our current operation and the vision we worked toward. Jennie led her team to develop training across a multitude of platforms; in service, systems, process and finance. Recognising that milestones were challenging Jennie geared her team up to cross train with the standards/process team to develop a ‘superteam’ to strengthen our capabilities and achieve the timings and budget. Her most significant achievement during this time was the launch of a Training Academy; the first not only for Unite but for the sector as a whole. Jennie developed a commercial proposal that would reduce in-house costs dramatically and provide a centre of excellence for the business and the way in which training was conducted. In any work we undertook thereafter, I always leaned on Jennie to provide a robust framework for training, for our Contact Centre, our operators on the ground and support services. She provided an excellent service as a trusted business partner to my function. Jennie is a logical and pragmatic in the way she both approaches and presents her work; but always balances the commercial needs of the business with the requirements of the end user, placing them at the heart of what she does. She had as much of a following as she did a team; people keen to work with her and for her and she was and remains the ‘go-to’ person for her colleagues who want a sound opinion, a well thought through argument and a fantastic solution that exceeds all expectations. Her qualifications and credentials demonstrate Jennie’s continued appetite for learning and to improve what she already excels at, she operates with class, integrity and a smile on her face and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to work with her again.
John Ford
If you have the opportunity to have Jennie work with or in your organisation, you should not hesitate. I initially worked alongside Jennie on a large project when we were both part of the Business Change Team. Jennie as Training Program Manager and myself Comms Manager. She is a truly inspirational person and was the main reason I decided to move over to pursue a career in learning and development. Jennie's positivity and determination is infectious, and I loved working for her. Jennie built and developed a really strong team around her and led us with Integrity and passion. So much so that when the opportunity arose to work for her again, some years later, I jumped at the chance. A truly inspirational leader that has the development of people at the heart of everything she does.
Experience
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Manager Operations
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Feb 2016 - Present
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Squadify
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Australia
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Manager Operations
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Jun 2019 - Present
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International Learning & Development Director
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Jul 2014 - Jan 2016
Reporting to the VP HR and responsible for input into and execution of the Learning & Development strategy for the business across the world. I support business change through managing functional learning programmes in the areas of product management, project management and agile development across the world. I am accountable for employee engagement initiatives, the Performance Development Process and Graduate learning programme for the UK and China. I develop strong relationships with external partners and am responsible for the implementation and management of leadership programmes for Directors and Senior Managers. Show less
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International Learning & Development Manager
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Jun 2013 - Jul 2014
Reporting to the VP HR and responsible for input into and execution of the Learning & Development strategy for the business across the world. Direct accountability for oversight of employee and Management training, managing vendors and the design, implementation, and evaluation of all learning programmes.During 2013, I focused on the design and implementation of a Performance Development Framework across 25 countries, the design and management of a 2-year Graduate learning programme and the management of an international employee engagement initiative. Show less
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Learning & Development Consultant
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Mar 2012 - Jun 2013
As a freelance Learning & Development Consultant I completed an 11 month interim contract at Ovo energy and worked on training and coaching programmes with some not-for-profit organisations. My expertise is in managing a range of training projects, implementing learning & development strategy, course design & delivery, and trainer development. Subjects include: -Performance management -Graduate Development Programmes -Management and leadership for first level line managers/ team leaders/ middle managers -Coaching and mentoring -Software and technical training -Operational processes and procedures -Blended learning Inductions -Customer Service -Essential sales conversations -Train the Trainer/ presentation skills/ facilitation Show less
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Ovo Energy
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United Kingdom
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Retail
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1 - 100 Employee
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Interim Head of Learning & Development
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May 2012 - Mar 2013
Responsible for establishing the L&D function to implement talent development initiatives that support the rapid growth of the organisation. Reporting into the HR Director on an interim basis, I designed and implemented 2 Graduate development schemes from conception through to implementation in a 4 month period, designed content of an 11 month programme of Leadership and Management development for first level Line Managers and implemented a programme of coaching and mentoring to develop talent. I delivered Ovo’s Performance Management Process through line manager training and coaching and employee workshops. I developed and delivered a Corporate Induction process for all employees including an induction course, consistent tools processes & documentation. I ran engagement workshops and developed a learning policy for the organisation which reflected its strong values and commitment to developing its people and culture. Show less
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UNITE Group plc
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Real Estate
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1 - 100 Employee
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Training Programme Manager
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Jun 2006 - Feb 2012
Unite Group Plc is the leading provider of student accommodation in the UK with a portfolio of 45,000 student bedrooms across 136 properties, 1,500 employees and an annual turnover in excess of GBP100 million. I managed a programme of business as usual and project related training and lead a team of 4 Learning and Development professionals, working with stakeholders to identify business needs and formulate apprioriate Learning and Development interventions. I opened and managed the first purpose-built UNITE Training Academy, and implemented a UK wide framework of role-specific Learning and Development including blended learning inductions, operational, technical, and behavioural training. I led the training work stream for a major organisational change programme that delivered an £11 million cost saving. The programme included the redesign of job content and restructure for all City Operations teams and the launch of a suite of Core Operating Processes to drive efficiency and consistency across the business. Show less
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Training Manager IGNITE Software Project
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Jun 2006 - Nov 2007
Leading the training workstream to deliver, on time and below budget, all training needs associated with a bespoke £6 Million customer booking and financial management system. My role involved developing the training strategy, assembling a team, and leading them to translate detailed system requirements into creative training content which communicated changes in business process and system functionality, I Managed the schedule of training delivery to circa 650 operational employees and a variety of support teams and provided on-going evaluation of training to ensure quality. Evaluation data was used to provide appropriate follow up activity to embed new knowledge & skill. Show less
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Direct Line
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Insurance
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Operational Training
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2002 - 2006
Directline are the UK's leading direct insurer. Opening in 1985 the business now has more than 10,000 employees, 10 million customers and sells a policy evey 10 seconds across the UK and in Europe. Working as part of the Operational Training Team within the Sales and Customer Service Contact Centre, I was responsible for identifing training needs, recommending appropriate interventions, design and delivery of training programmes that supported high levels of sales, customer service, legal and FSA compliance. Experience included: -Design an ongoing content ownership for Directlines national induction programme for car insurance; an 8 week programme of training and coaching. -Facilitating RBS "workout" events- a group-wide employee engagement and continuous improvement initiative -A 3-month secondment at Churchill insurance to support the systems integration with RBS -Design and delivery for Advisor, Senior Advisor and Team Leader development programmes -Design and delivery of Train the Trainer programmes and ongoing trainer development. Show less
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Education
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1997 - 2000
The University of Birmingham
Sociology, Psychology and Cultural Studies -
1990 - 1994
Whitefield Fishponds Community School
Community
