International Women's Day is a global celebration that takes place every year on March 8th. It is a day to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. The theme for each year's celebration varies, but the overarching goal is to promote women's empowerment and raise awareness about the ongoing struggles that women face in their daily lives. International Women's Day has been observed for over a century and continues to inspire and motivate people all over the world to work towards a better society for women.
As part of International Women's Day this year, we are celebrating the careers and achievements of women at Opus. We spoke to some of our female leaders about their career journey so far, and the advice they would give to women trying to establish theirs.
Selena Ayling, Associate Director - MSP
Tell us a bit about you?
"I’m a mum of 2, I juggle a busy job with a very busy home life, being a PA to two little monkeys. I’ve been at Opus for nearly 2 years as Associate Director for Managed Service Provision."
Talk us through your career journey so far?
"I started off in recruitment 20+ years ago supporting an inhouse recruitment team. Following some time travelling, I returned to the industry in a Managed Service Provider for local council. I progressed quite quickly from Consultant, to Managing Consultant, Account Manager then Director level. I was very lucky to learn so much about public sector in my roles at a large global provider who I’d always keep close to my heart as I almost grew up in my recruitment journey here. I’ve been able to bring with me to Opus this experience and knowledge. Opus is about making a real difference and we challenge the norm which is what I love about this model and hence my move to Opus."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"As we’re all fully aware, most of us want to feel like we’re adding value back or doing something meaningful to our clients. I truly believe that what we do, helps build a sustainable future. So whilst I love my job, Opus allow me to spread my wings and to really make a difference and work on initiatives that helps the services that our clients are providing. They have huge obstacles to overcome and if you can work in public sector recruitment, it builds real resilience."
How are you supported by the Group? What opportunities are there for you to continue your learning and development at Vertas Group?
"I’m empowered every day to be the best me and have the autonomy to work and run with my client and team to deliver an amazing service. We don’t just talk about it, we really do work in partnership and we’re starting to see the rewards of this with accolades and success stories."
Why is Opus, part of the Vertas Group a great place for women to work?
"Opus and Vertas Group is about empowerment and working to people’s strengths. Even though it’s International Women’s Day, I feel it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. I have a management team who are 90% females – 50% of them are working mums and I feel extremely privileged and lucky to have such a talented team."
What is your proudest achievement while working at Opus?
"Building the team around me who are tenacious and driven to working towards Opus' and the Vertas Group's goals and values and being acknowledged and receiving accolades for some of the brilliant work we’ve done with our clients."
What's the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers?
"Support people to be the best they can be – always work to people’s strengths. Trust your intuition and work hard, it will always be rewarded in the end. Believe in yourself as it does get noticed."
Shona, Operations Manager.
Tell us a bit about you?
"I have been with Opus in one role or another for 7 years. During this time I have seen the company grow from 6 people on a bank of desks to the strength and size it is today! As Operations Manager, my primary aim is to be a key contact for some of our local authority clients. I work closely with the local authority to ensure Opus can help them with their workforce planning."
Talk us through your career journey so far?
"I started at Opus as a temporary administrator after working in a couple of temporary assignments for Vertas and Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, whilst I was at university. Throughout the years, I have been promoted and I am now an Operations Manager for the Managed Service Provider arm of Opus."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"I enjoy the fast paced nature of the role. Paired with the knowledge that we are helping both candidates and local authorities reach their aims of helping their communities."
How are you supported by the Group? What opportunities are there for you to continue your learning and development at Vertas Group?
"Whilst working at Opus, they supported me during my Batchelors and Masters degree. Their approach to flexible working allowed me to further my education. In turn the skills and knowledge I gained at university were transferred to my career. So much so, that I decided to stay with Opus after gaining the qualifications.
Why is Opus, part of the Vertas Group, a great place for women to work?
"After returning from Maternity leave, Opus have been completely understanding of the challenges I have faced returning to work. They have provided flexible working hours which has been invaluable to me."
What is your proudest achievement while working at Opus?
"During the beginning of the lockdown myself and the team worked tirelessly to set up Covid testing sites around the county. At the same time, we worked with Brentwood Borough Council to ensure workers at the local leisure centre were kept in employment. It was a tough few months, but I feel proud knowing we made a real impact in peoples lives."
What's the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers?
"There can be a tendency to want to minimise the kind and thoughtful part of yourself to appear serious about your career. I personally think this thoughtfulness is what can set people apart. Your career, almost regardless of profession, is based on your ability to work with those around you and how you choose to interact with them. Don’t minimise the stereotypical ‘feminine’ parts of yourself, they may be what differentiates you from the rest."
Michele, Delivery Manager.
Tell us a bit about you?
"I’ve been with Opus since July 2022 and my role as Delivery Manager is a busy one! I’m responsible for the Recruitment Team and directly manage the Team Leaders. I have two children, Lyla and Joshua (9 and 13), 2 Cavapoochon Dogs, Milo and Mitsy and been married to Simon for 16 years!"
Talk us through your career journey so far?
"I’ve only been at Opus for just over 7 months, but I’ve worked within the Managed Service field of recruitment for around 15 years. I started off as a Support Consultant and quickly moved to Industrial Consultant looking after Catering, Domestic, Driving, and Trades – super fast paced and demanding. Following maternity leave and a few changes in the role, I was promoted to Delivery Manager. The majority of my recruitment career has been working with Public Sector clients but more recently, as the Talent Engagement Manager, I also looked after a number of large engagement teams (onboarding/vetting) with a mix of public and private sector clients with over 2,000 temps out across the accounts. Now at Opus, I’m back in the sector I’ve always enjoyed most, supporting the Public Sector."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"No day is the same! I love a challenge and I am quite creative and so far, my role is ticking all of those boxes."
How are you supported by the Group? What opportunities are there for you to continue your learning and development at Vertas Group?
"I joined Opus just after the transition to Vertas but I can only see the positives this will offer. Opus is still relatively early on it’s journey and is expanding all the time, so I’m excited to be part of this."
Why is Opus, part of the Vertas Group a great place for women to work?
"I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive manager in Selena and work with a dream team of female Operations Managers. We understand, and utilise, each other’s strengths and totally epitomise what is a true team ethos. The MSP team is 100% female and the combination of flexible working and hybrid/remote working supports so many of us in the business. I’m a huge advocate for supporting women and flexibility for family/work blend is so important. I’m able to bring my authentic self to work every day and having that safe space to do so is invaluable."
What's the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers?
"Bring your authentic self to work! Don’t ever be afraid to ask ‘why’ and challenge the status quo – your input and opinion is as valid as anyone else’s so have belief in yourself. For other managers/leaders I’d say that it’s so important to support talented women and keep the focus on the output of your talent, regardless of where they sit (home/office etc.)."
Ruksana, Operations Manager
Tell us a bit about you?
"I have been an Operations Manager at Opus since July 2022 so I have been here for about 7 months now! I am a regular gym user, Cardio is my thing especially running - if there is a marathon, sign me up!"
Talk us through your career journey so far?
"I have worked in recruitment for over 7 years, which began with my first role as a Recruitment Consultant. After that, I became Senior Account Manager for NHS Frameworks, Senior Business Partner for an RPO, Talent Manager for a Managed Service Provider, and now Operations Manager here at Opus."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"Wanting to make a difference, building and developing working relationships, and providing a personalised level of service to clients and candidates alike."
How are you supported by the Group? What opportunities are there for you to continue your learning and development at Vertas Group?
"I am a part of a very supportive team and help is always at hand with the guidance and lead of an inspirational Associate Director, Selena."
What is your proudest achievement while working at Opus?
"My proudest achievement so far at Opus is supporting 110 new recruits for the LABC project Trainee Building Control Surveyors, the future of a UK skillset shortage!"
What's the most valuable piece of advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers?
"Knowledge is power, everyday is a learning day so learn as much as you can."
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