Meet Jess: SBT’s HR Manager Supporting People and Growth
In this Faces of SBT we’re shining a spotlight on Jess (Jessica Ryder), our HR Manager, who has a practical and relationship-focused approach which helps keep the team connected and is one of out main sources of information.
For those who have worked with her during onboarding or with the questions we have day-to-day Jess is always there to give a helping hand. For those who are a current team member or just curious about life at SBT, this is a great chance to learn a bit more about Jess, here’s Jess in her own words.
Jess: Building Trust Across the Business
Jess leads the HR function across the business as the HR Manager at Security Blue Team. As she explains, she is responsible for “managing the HR function in its entirety. From recruitment and on boarding, to employee relations and leavers, working closely with department heads and managers.”
Jess's approach is relationship-building which she has as the heart of everything she does. She explains that “in HR, managers and employees are my clients,” and her role is to balance employee needs with broader business objectives.
She emphasises how important building strong relationships is by being “a trusted point of contact, someone people can turn to for support and guidance,” this doesn't only apply to work-related matters, but sometimes personal ones too. She says, this is key to an effective HR function and something she values personally.
A Day in HR at SBT
As you can imagine no two days look the same in Jess’s role.
Her work can range from onboarding new starters in the London office or virtually to supporting managers as they navigate conversations with different teams or managers. As she puts it, “It really varies from day to day. With such a broad remit, no two days are the same in terms of tasks or pace.”
However a quick call with Jess is never “a quick call”. As Jess notes, “a ‘five-minute’ call is almost never just five minutes.” This is because Jess is just easy to talk to so there might be a bit of side tracking, but it is also because she is always willing to help or get you any information you need that other things popup in the conversation.
Why SBT?
What drew Jess to Security Blue Team was the opportunity to work in a growing organization where HR could be more hands-on and impactful.
She explains, “What appealed to me was that it’s a smaller, growing organisation compared to my previous roles, something that really influences how HR is delivered.” That creates an environment which allows for “the opportunity for closer, more direct relationships with employees,” as well as a more varied day-to-day workload.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been “having the freedom to shape the HR function into what I want it to be.”
What She Enjoys Most
For Jess, the most rewarding moments are the ones where impact is clear.
She highlights that “Those moments when you can clearly see the positive impact you’ve had, on a project, areas of the business or a person, are incredibly rewarding. It’s a great feeling.”
Her Journey into HR
Jess brings experience across several sectors.
“I’ve been working in HR for almost six years,” she explains, starting out in government payroll before transitioning into HR. Since then, she has gained experience across the government, legal, and IT sectors, building a well-rounded understanding of how people functions operate in different environments.
Looking Ahead
Looking at the future Jess is focused on growth, not just for herself but both for herself and the HR function at SBT to give a smoother experience for everyone at SBT.
She shares that her ambition is “to continue growing and making a meaningful impact by building an effective, trusted function. Personally, I’m keen to further develop my strategic skills and grow in my role with the company!”
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Jess enjoys a quieter pace.
She describes herself as “a big reader, or at least I try to be.” On weekends, she spends time with friends, exploring new activities or trying out good food spots. She also has two cats that she “absolutely adore.”
And her childhood ambition?
Simple and relatable answer: “A vet.”
Jess’s Role Within SBT
Jess leads SBT’s HR function, where she works closely with managers and employees across the business to handle. whether it is handling recruitment, onboarding, updating all of us about any company changes and everything in between.
She always makes sure to create a supportive environment which allows everyone to focus on delivering at our best.
She is always approachable and practical which reflects the culture SBT is building, where people feel heard, supported, where everyone is able to grow and improve their skills.
Want to Learn More About the People Behind Security Blue Team?
Explore our other Faces of SBT posts to meet more of the team shaping our culture and supporting our learners worldwide.
If you’re interested in joining us in the future, keep an eye on our careers page and we will have a new spotlight next month, until then you can also check out our previous Faces of SBT.
