Basic details
Name: Jane Bilcock
Job: Executive vice president & chief HR officer
Current employer: Pinstripe & Ochre House
CV in brief:
- Europe & worldwide network HR director, Dun & Bradstreet, 2009 – 2013
- Global organisation design & reward director, TNS (Wpp Group), 2007 – 2008
- Group HR director, Entertainment UK, 2004 – 2006
- Principal, Strategem Consulting Limited, 1999 – 2004
A day in your life
Tell us about your job and organisation.
Pinstripe & Ochre House is a global RPO and talent management provider. My job is to optimize our talent and our organisation to deliver outstanding performance to our customers, and leverage our growth as a global business.
Who do you report into?
I report into the CEO, Sue Marks.
Tell us about your team.
I’m a member of the global executive team, and I also lead an international HR team.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my job is finding innovative ways to optimize growth via our talented team of people.
What is the most challenging part of the role?
The most challenging part of my role is growing fast as a global business without losing our essential entrepreneurial spirit.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There isn’t one –that’s the joy of it.
Why did you choose your current organisation to work for?
It’s a great – and fun – company. It has fast growth and it’s a global business.
Perks and downsides of your role?
Perks: seeing the business grow with a great team.
Downside: we are always on!
What skills are essential for the role you’re in?
For this role, you need a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on pragmatism, ability to focus and deliver, considerable energy, and a constant passion to add value for our customers.
Career path
What were your best subjects in school? What and where did you study?
My best subjects in school were always languages (French, German, and Russian), though I majored in English at Bristol University.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
I’ve always chosen to join companies with complex, tough new challenges. That’s how I’ve grown professionally.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I haven’t gotten there yet.
What advice would you offer to others who are looking to get to where you are now?
Do something you feel passionate about. Life’s too short to do something that doesn’t excite you.
What advice would you give to your 22-year-old self?
Start the facials early.
Either/or
- Coffee or tea? Coffee.
- Jam or marmalade? Jam.
- The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Stones.
- Mac or PC? Neither.
- The Guardian or The Times? Times.
- BBC or ITV? BBC.
- M&S or Waitrose? Whichever is closer.
- Morning or night? Depends on the day.
- Rain on snow? Rain
- Sweet or savoury? Sweet.
Favourites
- App: Next Tube
- TV show: 24
- Band: Green Day
- Song: Case of You by Joni Mitchell
- Book: Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
- Sports team: British showjumping team
- Thing to do on a Friday night: Curry – what else?
- Place to eat: Outside somewhere warm
- Holiday spot: Botswana
- Piece of advice you’ve been given: When you’re in your 20s and 30s, you’re more about learning. After that, you’re more about giving, so work somewhere that is fertile ground for what you have to offer and who you are