Leila Clift’s Progression Story
Where did my career begin?
In the words of Leila Clift- Before igus® I started my career as an apprentice in customer service, which back in the day when I completed this was known as a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) rather than apprenticeship. Upon completion, I went into retail management and managed ladies fashion brands for 20 years.
The start of the Leila Clift igus® journey
I took a year out of retail management to have a baby and after this I realised I could not commit to the hours and days I used to work in the past, so I started to look for office / administration part-time opportunities, which ultimately led me to find igus®.
I joined the igus® team nine years ago, taking a role in the telemarketing department. Within a year, my transferable skills from retail management were recognised and I was asked to take care of recruitment for the business. At this time, igus® did not have a HR function or anyone in particular responsible for recruitment, as managers would take care of this themselves. However, as igus® continued to grow it was identified that this was no longer sustainable.
The job responsibilities began to expand after a few years and I took on more personnel responsibilities, so igus® offered to sponsor me through CIPD Level 3 and Level 5.
Where is my igus® career now?
My role now is HR lead – nine years ago igus® did not have a HR function and now we do, known as i-People. This function looks after all igus® employees and managers within the business. In addition, I am CIPD qualified having completed my CIPD Level 3 and Level 5 four years ago. I have also completed a CMI Level 3 in coaching and mentoring, all with igus®.
What Leila likes about igus®?
My career journey so far has been amazing, and I love the opportunity igus® gives employees regardless of where they start in the business, in the factory, as an external sales engineer or in the office. There are no limits to where you can move if you show potential and work hard. Many employees at igus® are not in the same position as they were when they first joined the igus® team. igus® also encourage people to complete qualifications to get to where they want to be or where they are needed. I am living proof of this!
To view more progression stories of some other igus® employees please visit https://blog.igus.co.uk/?s=progression or to contact Leila Clift directly click here to go to our contact page.
