I joined Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. in September 2009 as Human Resources Manager on the eve of the incumbent HR Director’s retirement. My work experience, prior to Honeywell Group, had spanned various general HR operations and specialist roles working across different multinational companies. So, I was initially reluctant when I was approached by the recruiters to take up a position in an indigenous organisation.     

However, my reservations were allayed when I met with the incumbent HR Director and select members of the management team. I understood that regardless of it being an indigenous organisation, it had a structure comparable to that of multinational companies. This I further confirmed upon resumption. I learnt that Honeywell Flour Mills, a member of the Honeywell Group, is an organisation which allows and encourages the use of creativity, initiative and there’s little or no owner’s interference in operations. Particularly interesting to note is that the owners are driven by excellence, this is one of the core values and guiding principles of the organisation. 

Life at Honeywell has been a great experience. It is an environment which provides the opportunity to grow, do new and different things on the job. The enabling environment recognises potential and provides an opportunity for self-expression, which is very important for any employee, especially for the younger generation. Beyond work, Honeywell is a home away from home. The people are warm and reliable; the relationships built and nurtured are for a lifetime. 

Honeywell Group provides a good platform for inter-company collaborative projects/assignments. The opportunities generally broaden staff horizon and exposure to a wide range of businesses in various sectors of the economy and their peculiarities. Honeywell Group also provides a structured mentorship scheme for young and upcoming professionals to be mentored by senior colleagues. This, I believe, is an applause worthy cause that I have seen go beyond the limits of the organisation. It offers positive value for both the mentor and the protégée. I have been a mentor, structured and un-structured, mentoring junior colleagues in the organisation. The mentorship relationship is one which has endured through the years, even with protégées who have left the organisation. Seeing people grow and develop through and with you is one of the sustaining motivations in my career. 

As the Head of Human Resource (HR) management at Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., I have managed a few projects from conception to execution. I developed a new HR organogram, restructured the department and introduced the Human Resource Business Partnering (HRBP) model at HFMP –and this has been largely successful till date. The HR structure under my leadership had constantly been revised and updated to suit the business needs. The HR team under my leadership was consistently recognised for her professionalism and contribution to business success both internally and by third party assessors such as “Great Place to Work” and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). In fact, HFMP won the esteemed HR BEST PRACTICE AWARD of the CIPM twice – first, in 2012 as Best in the Manufacturing sector and as overall best in 2015. 

In 2017 when I was identified for the role of Head of Operations for the new ultra-modern foods and agro-allied factory complex in Sagamu I took on the challenge, albeit with mixed feeling. Having had over 25 years career in HR, I didn’t anticipate a change, least of all at this point. But it has been a whole new experience with relatively broader spectrum, to which I have brought my experience and knowledge and I am gladly facing the challenges head-on. To my delight, I have had no regrets as I enjoy support and encouragement across the entire strata of the Honeywell Group. 

Considering my ten years’ work experience in Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., I have enjoyed every moment of the experience, although it has been quite challenging and interesting. My advice to prospective employees is: Honeywell Group and its operating companies provides a great opportunity for the individual to thrive, career and otherwise, and I strongly recommend it.