After it was announced that the Allumette Group of companies, including IKON Aluminium Systems and Vertik-Al has promoted three members of staff to key roles, Glass Times chats with newly promoted HR manager, Katarzyna (Kate) Sural.

“I am not afraid of a challenge,” says, Kate, “…and this is no exception. I believe my organisational skills and good time management will come in very handy!” Kate is now HR manager for both IKON Aluminium Systems and Vertik-Al which means leading human resource functions for almost 200 employees working both days and nights across multiple factories and buildings.

“It is essential that I am visible, and I try to spend plenty of time on the shopfloor. I also have an open-door policy; everyone is welcome to come and speak to me whenever he or she feels a need.”

This management style is borne from Kate’s own experiences as a Vertik-Al employee. “I joined Vertik-Al in 2019 straight after I graduated from Aston University, where I did a four-year course in Accounting for Management that also included a placement year. Firstly, I was employed as an office administrator, a role which helped me familiarise myself with the company’s customer base and daily processes.

“Then I was asked to join the HR department, supporting the HR efforts of both Vertik-Al and IKON on a part-time basis. It quickly developed into a full-time position. This enabled me to get to know every single person working for the company and to see how the company manages its workforce.

“I have always been keen to undertake different roles and widen my knowledge, and I am never one to shy away from a challenge! Having shopfloor and office-based experience gives me a good understanding of the needs of employees at all levels and across all our sites.”

In addition to providing HR support to both group businesses, Kate is a mental health first aider. She is also studying towards CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.

In her new role Kate is responsible for handling employment-related issues, including recruitment, reviewing, renewing and enforcing company policies and legal compliance, monitoring staff performance, disputes resolutions, grievances and employee welfare, timekeeping and attendance. “In short, working alongside my management colleagues, I ensure the smooth running of both businesses from a people perspective,” continues, Kate.

As HR manager, Kate understands more than most the importance of self-care and striking the right balance between work and home life. “On the weekends I enjoy baking and visiting new places with my husband. Currently, I dream about a trip to Asia where I could enjoy the food and explore different cultures.” Yet is her enthusiasm as a plantswoman which has the greatest impact. “I love plants! They have already taken over my house and have started to spread to the office,” she says.

Introducing nature and its associated benefits into the workplace is just one of many positives following Kate’s appointment into the HR department.