Meet Beth Hinkley, People Outcome Manager

At Sainsbury’s, our people are at the heart of everything we do – and we love sharing their stories. 

Meet Beth Hinkley, our People Outcome Manager, who’s been working for us for an incredible 28 years! From starting in stores as a Customer Service and HR Manager to shaping the way we support our colleagues today in our People team, Beth’s journey is a true example of growth, dedication, and making a real impact.

What area of the business do you work in?

People division.

How long have you worked here?

28 years.

Tell us briefly about your career journey so far.

I have worked at the company for 28 years, spending much of my career in stores as a Customer Service and HR manager. Since moving to the Store Support Centre in 2014, I have held various roles within the People division as both a generalist and specialist, with my most recent roles being a People Outcome Manager in the People division and a HR Change Specialist.

Can you share a highlight of your career?

A couple of highlights from my career have been transitioning from stores into the Store Support Centre and working on and implementing the My HR Recruit project which introduced a new recruitment system.

How have you owned your development throughout your career?

Throughout my career, I've taken ownership of my development by actively pursuing opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Recently, I completed both my Level 5 CIPD qualification and my APM project management qualification through company apprenticeship programmes. These experiences allowed me to learn new skills that I could directly apply to my day-to-day job. I've worked on numerous projects, and after completing my CIPD, I was eager to delve deeper into project management. Completing the APM qualification was a way for me to enhance my theoretical understanding while applying these concepts in practice on the projects I was involved in. This proactive approach has significantly contributed to my professional growth.

What are some of the challenges you've faced in owning your career development?

One of the main challenges I've faced in my personal development has been completing my qualifications while working full-time. Balancing these commitments was tough, but incredibly rewarding. The experience broadened my understanding of HR and project management, and equipped me with a diverse skill set that has positively impacted my career. Effective time management was crucial; I made sure to stay on top of my workload and maintain a balance between work, development, and home life.

How do you plan to continue owning your development?

To continue owning my development, I plan to build on the foundation of qualifications I've recently earned. Moving forward, I will actively engage in continuous learning by listening to industry-related podcasts and reading extensively. Additionally, I will network both internally within my organisation and externally with industry professionals to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in our business landscape. I am particularly keen on understanding new and evolving technologies, and I will seek out opportunities to learn and grow in this area. By staying curious and proactive, I aim to keep enhancing my skills and knowledge, ensuring that I remain adaptable and valuable in my career.

How have we empowered you to own your development and build a meaningful career?

Sainsbury's has empowered me to own my development and build a meaningful career by providing numerous opportunities to learn and grow across various roles. They have supported me through my recent apprenticeships, allowing me to gain valuable qualifications. Additionally, I've had the privilege of working with fantastic colleagues and line managers who have been instrumental in my learning and growth. Their support and encouragement have been key to my professional development.