John Alexander, Employee Relations Director, The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory
John Alexander, Employee Relations Director, The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory
What is your current role?
I am the employee relations director for the Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory. The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable organisations in the world. The Australia Eastern Territory comprises operations in NSW, Qld and the ACT. In this territory, we employ around 4,000 employees in a range of diversified activities ranging from aged care, financial counselling, manufacturing, retail outlets, rehabilitation centres and churches at more than 250 sites.
What qualifications do you hold?
My formal qualifications are a Graduate Diploma in Business, and a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessing. I am a Certified Professional member of AHRI. I have a mini MBA from the University of Michigan, the learnings from which I still often refer back to. I have also attended a number of other short-term courses, seminars and workshops which I believe have contributed significantly to my development and learning in HR.
Why did you get into HR?
The opportunity just presented itself to me and once there, I liked the type of work I was doing and the ability to influence the direction of an organisation. I decided to build my skills and capabilities in this area.
How did you get into HR?
I was young, not long finished schooling and struggling to know what I wanted to do. I had several jobs, none of which particularly interested me. Several of my friends had joined the public service and encouraged me to consider it. I sat a test, and within a few weeks was offered a choice of three positions. One was a filing clerk with the ATO, another was as a counter staff with the Department of Social Security, and the one I accepted was in the personnel office for the Department of Defence. From here my career in HR took off.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Many people strive to have what I already have – head of a function for a wonderful organisation. I have autonomy, the trust and respect of the organisation, and a great team. What more could I want?
What has been your biggest career high so far?
What a tough question – there have been many highs. Definitely registering the first Enterprise Agreement under the old IR Act in 1992 was one. Facilitating a group of Asian CEOs in developing business improvement strategies would be another. Walking the corridors of General Electric’s training college and learning from the likes of Dave Ulrich was another, and building a well-regarded HR function in my current organisation would all rate as being up there.
What do you think it takes to succeed in HR?
Making a difference and adding value. Looking for opportunities to implement new programs that will positively impact on the organisation and its people. Helping others understand the contribution HR makes. At times, it can be quite demanding walking a fine line between supporting the organisation whilst at the same time ensuring individuals are all dealt with fairly and equitably.
How do you manage relationships with senior executives?
I try to understand issues from their perspective: what keeps them awake, and how can I support them, and in doing so add value. Sometimes you need to be a sounding board or a coach, and they need to trust you and know they can rely on you to maintain their confidence. I deliver what I commit to and I keep them fully informed.
Who is your biggest professional inspiration?
There have been several, but at the moment, John Howard. I believe he is a good leader with a vision for a better Australia for everyone, and whether you agree with him or not, he is setting out to achieve his vision and what he believes he was elected for.
What advice would you give to graduates considering a career in HR?
HR has developed and changed a lot over the years. Organisations, boards and CEOs are realising that effective people management practices and strategies are critical to their organisation’s ongoing success. Develop your networks and keep in touch with them. Don’t just expect to get; you have to be part of it and give too. Stay connected and continually learn new things. Keep up to date with new developments, laws or processes in the field of HR. You have to understand your business as well as you do your profession, so spend time to continually learn about them and how to add value. And, probably just as important as any of that is to be a good ambassador for your organisation and your profession, and enjoy what you do.
Describe yourself in three words
Personable, energetic and innovative.
John Alexander’s CV
1999 to present
Employee Relations Director, The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory
1998-1999
Senior Consultant (Human Resources) Towers Perrin
1995-1998
Human Resources Manager, ANZ, GE Australia and GE Medical Systems Australia Pty Ltd
1994-1995
Employee Relations Manager, Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd
1994
Human Resources Manager, GE Medical Systems Australia Pty Ltd
1988-1994
Personnel/TCS Manager, Personnel Manager – Operations, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd
1976-1988
Australian Public Service, various Departments and Personnel Department roles
