Strategic HR

“It was a privilege working alongside Simon during his time as a Head of HR UK at sa.global. From the outset, it was clear that Simon is a dedicated and knowledgeable HR expert with a passion for creating a positive and productive work environment, not just in the UK but globally as well. In his role, Simon was instrumental in implementing and transforming our global HR systems as well as working on employee relations and other HR initiatives across the organization. He consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of both the strategic and operational aspects of HR, always ensuring that employees' needs were met while aligning with the company’s broader goals. What stands out most about Simon is his exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, coupled with a great sense of humor. He has a unique ability to connect with people at all levels of the organization, whether it’s offering guidance to a new hire or providing thoughtful solutions to complex HR challenges. His approachability and empathy created a safe and supportive environment where employees felt comfortable seeking advice or assistance. I highly recommend Simon to any organization looking for an HR professional who is not only skilled and resourceful but also genuinely invested in the well-being and growth of their colleagues, and I’m confident he will continue to excel and make a significant impact to any organization.”

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Simon Drinkwater during his time as HR Lead at sa.global Germany, where he served as my trusted HR Business Partner. From day one, Simon was instrumental in establishing our German entity, operating much like a start-up within a global organization. His ability to navigate the complexities of building a new entity while aligning with the overarching goals of a worldwide business was extremely helpful. Simon thrived in our truly multicultural environment, fostering collaboration and understanding across diverse teams. His insights and strategic mindset made him an invaluable advisor. I could always count on Simon for honest, well-thought-out advice that balanced the needs of both the business and our people. One of Simon's standout achievements was his leadership in transforming our global HR systems. He took ownership of this initiative, skillfully driving change management across the entire organization. His ability to align people, processes, and technology ensured the success of this critical transformation, setting a strong foundation for the company’s future growth. I recommend Simon for any organization, whether a start-up looking to establish effective talent management practices or a mature company seeking to elevate its HR function to the next level. His strategic acumen, hands-on approach, and passion for driving meaningful change make him a great asset. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Simon, and I have no doubt he will continue to make a significant impact wherever he goes.”

“I am consistently impressed by Simon’s ability to balance strategic leadership with a genuine, people-first approach. He is a master at creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture, which has a profound impact on employee morale and engagement. One of Simon’s greatest strengths is his problem-solving capability. Whether it’s navigating complex employee relations issues or streamlining HR processes, Simon approaches each challenge with professionalism, creativity, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. Simon is a fantastic communicator and collaborator. He builds strong relationships at all levels of the organization and is always willing to listen, advise, and support. His dedication to employee development and well-being is truly inspiring. Simon’s work ethic, integrity, and passion for human resources makes him an invaluable asset to any team. It is a privilege to work with Simon, one of the few world-class HR professionals.”

"Simon has extensive and in depth knowledge across all aspects as HR. He's supported me in helping employee growth plans as well as planning organisational structures. He has nuggets of information that help the HR team stay relevant to all aspects of building and running an organisation. He is extremely professional in his approach and way of working.”