Our People

Suzette

HR Manager – Group International HR & Assignments

There were many things that drew me into MBDA and I was surprised at how nice everybody is. I had previously worked in professional services and investment banking, so culturally very different to MBDA. I liked the flexibility that the role could be based in London or Stevenage. In addition, having never worked in the defence sector before, it all sounded very interesting when I did some research before applying for the role. I was keen to find a role where I could continue to use my skill sets but just in a different industry/sector.

I’ve always had a purpose and known which direction to take my team. When I joined MBDA the International Assignments function was very transactional and reactive. I focused on ’professionalising‘ the function – especially within theUK. My aim was for the team to be seen as a “trusted” partner to the business. I promoted the importance of the inclusion of my team as early as possible in the assignment process to ensure the full understanding of the process, compliance aspects and potential challenges as early as possible.

Outside of my ’day job‘ I am also the Co-Chair of MBDA UK’s ED& I Networks. Mosaic was set up in 2020 to Champion Ethnic Diversity and Inclusivity within MBDA UK particularly, but in essence to support our colleagues across the whole business regardless of ethnicity.

There are definitely people that I look to and try to emulate their behaviours. However, there is always room for improvement and the creation of Mosaic (and other ED&I Networks within MBDA) is helping shine the light on important subjects and so I am positive that we are all heading in the right direction.

For me a good day at work is getting it right. It is an assignee and family who have had a smooth relocation from one country to another; it is a piece of advice that I have given to the business that has helped to shape our strategic decision in how we set up a premises in another country; it is a Line Manager reaching out to me for guidance and advice and knowing that I can be relied upon as the ’trusted adviser’.

One of the best things about MBDA is the access to professional training and personal development opportunities are also readily available. I believe it is very much in the hands of each individuals as to how much they want to do to further their career within MBDA.