Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
If you love doing something but don't have the 'typical' experience for the role, try it anyway or find a company who will give you the opportunity to. At Phoenix and in my previous roles I have tried new things either side-of-desk or via trying a new job and I've learned a lot by doing that. I think ultimately trying different things has led me to be really happy in my current job as I've figured out my strengths and what I genuinely enjoy doing. I appreciate that you need the right environment for that and I've been fortunate enough to work for a couple of organisations who have focused on internal talent and development opportunities. This year I'm doing work in areas that I didn't know much about 12 months ago, and learning about more complex topics and processes which may not outwardly be directly associated with my day-to-day job but will help me when I'm considering what's next!
Career path
Employer Brand Manager
Phoenix Group
Started 01/2022 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
I'd say that everyone at Phoenix has the autonomy to decide how and when to do their work provided that customer and business needs are met. I find it much more focused on achievements and results than where or when you do the work. Phoenix is an interesting place as whilst it's huge (6,800 colleagues and billions of assets under administration - the UK's largest long term retirement savings business!), our business is still forming after activity such as acquiring the Standard Life and ReAssure businesses. That means in many ways we're still figuring things out and there's lots of opportunity to actually make a difference and shape how we do things. It can be really fast paced at times, and other times it can be a little slower. I find that it's the right balance as with any regulated organisation, it's important to consider risks and due diligence and ensure that what we're doing is always the right thing for our customers (and in my case, our candidates).
Greatest achievements
In 2022 I joined Phoenix knowing that in many ways, it was a blank canvas in recruitment and employer brand. Last year after taking some time to understand how things worked and planning what we were going to do first, we managed to end the year with some staggering results that demonstrated just how much of a difference we were making to our candidates and to our recruitment process. This includes achievements such as doubling our applicant numbers, increasing the effectiveness of our advertising by over 500% and outperforming every other client in our recent diversity and inclusivity audit. It has come with challenges but it has also been a lot of fun! The people here have made it an incredible experience so far too.
Simon I
Facilities Project Manager
Top Insider Advice
Always have a career plan, no matter how vague and set your self targets/goals that you want. Be flexible though, as sometimes you may need to take an indirect route to get to your next goal. Opportunities will come along that might not be an exact fit to the plan, sometimes you will use your head and other times your heart to choose whether to take up an opportunity but keep the plan in the back of your mind at all times. Its good to always consult your friends or colleagues, be prepared to be challenged, embrace this though, do not fight it. You should always listen and take account of both sides an argument, that way you can make and take informed decisions and actions. No such thing as failure and do not be afraid to make mistakes, no matter how careful you are, they will happen, so don't stress it, use that energy for getting things done. When mistakes do happen, own them, be accountable and learn from them. Your mistakes and those made by others are all part of what makes you. They are as important was your successes and make sure you add them to your building experience and knowledge. These lessons can be applied anywhere and will increase your personal resilience. You own your career, no one else, take those opportunities that fit.
Serena W
Regulatory Analysis & Support Team Manager
Top Insider Advice
Have go......what have you got to lose!
Josh R
Senior Accountant
Top Insider Advice
The key advice I have given to all applicants and new starters is that Phoenix is a company where your opportunities are significant and plentiful. The key to capitalising on this is to be proactive, take the time to understand and reflect on your goals and achievements and communicate openly and honestly with the team around you about how you want to progress/operate within the business. The business can be fast paced and although all the resources and help are made available, it is incredibly important to make yourself accountable and seek the information you need for yourself. People are always willing to support you here but have respect for those who have taken the time to consider their requirements carefully and actively seek support before it becomes a critical requirement.
