10 Aug Meet the team – Melanie Potter
With a wealth of experience in the human resources and recruitment space (both in New Zealand and overseas), Mel knows that working in a great environment can make all the difference for team members. That’s why she works hard in her role as People and Culture Manager to ensure that Datum is a place for everyone to thrive and do their very best work.
What’s your role and what does that entail?
I’m the People and Culture manager at Datum Projects. I’m in a sole charge role so it encompasses all areas of HR. At a high level, my role is about partnering with the business and leadership team to develop and deliver initiatives and strategies to attract, engage and support our people. Then there is the operational day-to-day aspect of the role and meeting the needs of our people.
For me it is important that the first contact a person has with our business through to the last, is always a great experience. If our people are engaged and feel supported by the company, then they are more likely to go the extra mile for us, and our clients. It’s my job to make sure we are doing everything we can to support our people to be successful.
How long have you worked with Datum and what was your career path to getting there?
I’ve been with Datum for 10 months. I always knew I wanted to work in a role where I supported people and business. After completing an HR degree, I moved to the UK from South Africa and started my career at McKinsey and Company. From there, I moved to NZ and continued in HR, working in Professional Services, Consulting and Retail before moving to where I am now.
What was your first paying job?
Working as a professional lifeguard on weekends and holidays and a pharmacy assistant in the evenings.
What would you like to achieve at Datum?
As we grow, it is important that we keep our culture and family feel, and that we continue to live our values. My first goal is to create a good foundation, with systems and processes in place to support our people and Datum’s strategic objectives. Ultimately, I would love for us to win Employer of the Year.
What does the company – and you – do well?
Apart from being a leader in our industry, we have a great culture, and we are very supportive of our people. That is evident in the low staff turnover and the genuine ‘family feel’ you get working here. It is difficult in the construction/manufacturing industry to provide the flexibility of working from home, which has become a given in lots of other industries. I feel we do a great job at offering flexibility in other ways, based on the individual needs of our people.
I recently took on raising a guide dog puppy as I wanted to do something to help others and give back. Datum welcomed my request to bring the puppy to work. Without this flexibility, it would have been a lot more stressful and difficult for me to commit to taking on a guide dog puppy, and the responsibility that comes with it.
Mel and her puppy Sonny
What gets you up in the morning?
My dog snoring next to my head (not the puppy!) Seriously though, I actually love getting up and making the most of the day. I normally start with some form of exercise where I often find myself thinking about work and problem solving!
What makes coming to work enjoyable for you?
A great culture is very important to me at work, as is work that is challenging and rewarding. I like to feel that I am making a difference to our people and the company.
If you could have a career in anything else, what would it be?
Probably something in property or management consultancy. I love strategising, problem solving and finding better ways to do things.
Off-duty – what do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I’m kept busy with my family, being on the school PTA and all the fun that comes with living on a lifestyle section. When I get time to relax, I love catching up with friends over a drink or a nice meal, going running and mountain biking or being out on the water.
