What’s the best way to build a quality team? Appointing an HR Manager who’s grown with your business is a good place to start.

When Lily Chant joined John Wainwright & Co Ltd as a Business Administration Apprentice in 2018, she hoped it would set her on course for a fulfilling career. Now, in what feels to her like the blink of an eye, she’s helping the whole workforce to thrive, in her new role as Human Resources Manager. “I can’t believe it is seven and a half years since I started my apprenticeship,” Lily reflects. “I’ve gained such a lot from my time with Wainwright, working in several different parts of the business before becoming HR Officer in March 2025. I’m so pleased to be leading the HR function, because it means I can help others get the most from their time with the company, too.”

A broad remit

Lily acknowledges that talent development is just one part of the HR Manager’s role. She also oversees payroll, performance development reviews, hiring, and day-to-day HR operations. It’s a big job, but she believes she has the knowledge and experience to pull it off. “We’ve just appointed an HR Administrator to work alongside me, and I’m really excited to bring someone new into Wainwright,” Lily says. “I worked in that role before becoming HR Officer, so I know what a great springboard it can be. And, because we’re both based in the office at Moons Hill, we’re able to foster strong connections with the whole workforce.” To deepen these connections, Lily is eager to get out and about and visit colleagues across the company. “I always look forward to the ‘payday pasty’ run,” she laughs. “This is when I take the Land Rover out into the quarry and over to Moons Hill asphalt plant to deliver hot snacks. It’s a great chance to catch up with people in a more informal way and find out what’s happening in their area of the business.” By the same token, Lily is a regular visitor to Avonmouth Asphalt and intends to spend a good portion of time at Marchwood when it becomes operational. “It’s really important to me that everyone who works for the company has a sense of belonging,” Lily says. “Wainwright has a special culture and I’m keen to share that as widely as possible.

Culture and values

Talking of Wainwright’s culture, Lily believes she has gained an enormous amount from the company’s commitment to its people. “During my apprenticeship, I worked in several departments, including operational areas, accounts, and Safety, Health and Environment,” she reports. “I gained a deep insight into the wider business during these years and formed some great relationships with my colleagues. That depth and breadth of experience has really helped as I’ve grown into my HR role.”

Also of aid is the formal training that Lily’s continued, even after passing her apprenticeship with flying colours in 2021. She is now an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), having completed a Level 5 qualification in HR alongside her full-time role at Wainwright. “The company paid for me to qualify, as part of its investment in my career,” she says. “The knowledge I’ve gained has already proved invaluable. I hope to progress to the next stage – a Level 7 postgraduate qualification and full membership of the CIPD – once I’m fully settled into the HR Manager’s job.” This speaks of the long-term commitment Lily has to both her career and her employer. “I feel like I’ve grown as a professional during my time with Wainwright,” she opines. “But I know there’s still plenty of room for further development. Like everyone who works here, I see it as a place where I’ll have every opportunity to thrive.

In the saddle

Like many HR specialists, Lily understands the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance and seeks to lead by example. She rides her horse most days and enjoys an active social life with her partner, who works on a local farm. “Even when I was slogging through the seven essays needed for my CIPD qualification, I made time for my hobbies,” she says. “It is important to have everything in balance, or you’re not able to give your best in any context.” It is fair to say Wainwright has gained from Lily’s commitment to giving her best. She’s grown with the company and feels as if the years since 2018 have been leading to this point. “With each tweak to my job, I’ve garnered new experiences and knowledge that I’m now drawing on as I take on the HR Manager’s role,” she explains. “Although I’ve been working in or with the HR department since 2021, it’s a new challenge to be the person trusted with running it. I’m excited to keep on building our culture, deepening our values, and helping create a fantastic working environment for the whole team.”