People are absolutely vital to our success

posted by Caroline Grant
11 August 2014

Group Portfolio is a small team that sits within the Group Strategy Function. It’s our job, on behalf of the Corporate Programme Board (CPB), to be the custodians of a Portfolio of change programmes and projects that the business needs if it is to achieve its strategy and thrive.

For example, we’ve worked with the Group Director of Strategy to develop and implement a rolling Portfolio planning process which aligns with our annual strategy and budgeting processes. Our objective was to help senior programme leaders and managers to establish an integrated way of working through data gathering, assessment, analysis and presenting recommended options to the CPB for approval.

We’ve also hosted several formal community events, bringing together over 60 change leaders and managers within the business with the focus on building and enhancing capability by getting people to participate in an informative, interactive event where they can learn, share and network with like-minded colleagues around the business.

People are absolutely vital to our success. The Group Portfolio team lead, facilitate and drive projects, but inevitably we’re dependent on others being responsible for making it happen by being prepared to share, learn, challenge and most importantly be open to change! In our team, we have a great vision of what “good” looks like, so we’re very clear on what our priorities are. Needless to say, the remainder of 2014 is certainly going to be very busy!

To be perfectly honest, what first attracted me to Clarks was quite simply shoes and handbags! I had an immediate connection with the product, so when a project management role became available, I jumped at the chance. The position ticked a lot of boxes in terms of my skills and experience, but it also provided a lot of new challenges within a global organisation. Also, I’d be working in a role that played to my strengths, offered great rewards, and enabled me to make friends and having some fun along the way. But the real hook was the chance to travel worldwide, which I love. That was over six and a half years ago and I haven’t looked back since!

I particularly enjoy working with our project management community. I know first-hand what works for our business as the challenges we face in delivering our projects successfully. It’s satisfying to make a direct contribution to the improvement of our tools and processes. If I had to choose my ideal job for this point in my career, I’m confident this is it. What’s not to enjoy about that! Also, if we can be this great an organisation now, once we implement our Portfolio of change over the next few years, the potential of what Clarks will become is truly enormous. It’s a very exciting time for all of us.

Clarks is a great place to work, we have an abundance of people here who are experts in their field and the great thing is that we are always happy to help each other and share our knowledge. Employee Engagement is a term that’s often over used and under delivered in large organisations, but at Clarks it’s very important and we’re clear on what makes it happen. Every person contributes significantly to the success story of Clarks and plays a part in continuing to make history. As we approach our 200th anniversary and continue on our journey to becoming the “leading everyday global footwear brand”, the contribution of our people is stronger than ever. In Clarks, you learn something new every day. Despite our rich heritage, there’s always something you didn’t know - be that something about shoe design or creation, one of the exotic locations where we have a Clarks store (Margarita Island for example) or a part of the head office building you’ve not been too before – as it was a former factory, it’s quite a tardis!

Clarks is a rapidly growing organisation and it’s encouraging to see all the promotions, department transfers and new opportunities that are created as a result and, if there isn’t a vacancy on the jobs board that fits you, our ‘personal development review’ allows you to explore and discuss your development so that you’re ready when the right job does come along or you want to discover your potential!

I’ve had so many highlights since joining Clarks that I couldn’t possibly just choose one! A few have been working with the Tokyo office to develop their ways of working and understanding our franchise operating model. They are a fantastic team to work with and Japan is an awesome country. My most recent highlight has to be leading the development and launch of our global project management framework - quite a milestone and an achievement I’m very proud of.

Outside work I still find plenty of time for my gorgeous two year old son, my husband, my family and friends – all of them are so important to me. I often find myself “project planning” my social life to ensure we make the most of every spare minute, enjoying happy moments and creating special memories. I also love interior design magazines and can often be found flicking through the pages, with a glass of wine in hand, collecting inspiration and grand ideas!

Laura - Group Portfolio Capability Manager - Street, Somerset, UK

Categories: UK | Strategy | Project |