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PEOPLE IN ENERGY: Karoline Chandler, Global Agility Manager, Energy Resourcing

PEOPLE IN ENERGY: Karoline Chandler, Global Agility Manager, Energy Resourcing

 

Karoline has worked for Energy Resourcing for the past 7 years. Initially working for the Australian business as the Contractor Services Manager leading the contractor management function across Australia. Earlier this year Karoline moved into a Global Agility role working with Energy Resourcing offices around the world, creating key partner relationships to be able to provide clients with compliant contracting and employment solutions across the globe.

How did you get into the Energy sector and how long have you been working in it?

I have been working in the sector for over 14 years.  My career started as an immigration specialist in London, at the time I was representing several energy and engineering clients. My role involved managing their global assignees to the UK and developing HR practices to support international migration. 

In 2003 I decided to emigrate to Perth, Western Australia. I have worked in Account Management for recruitment specialists supporting stakeholders in the delivery of contingent labour solutions and contractor management to date.

What does your job involve on an average day?

Working with the Energy Resourcing teams around the world, I help to facilitate compliant global employment solutions through our international offices and trusted partner network.

The role requires a lot of problem solving, researching and stakeholder engagement to ensure that finance, tax, legal and payroll legislation and requirements have been considered.  It’s a great challenge and no two days are the same, for example I could be looking at compliant employment options to engage a Freelancer in France, to researching and providing solutions to support contingent labour for a new project in West Africa.

What are main barriers to international growth for ambitious companies and what advice do you have for them?

Sourcing and engaging contingent labour in a new country can be complex, especially navigating legislation and risks from a company and individual perspective.  The last few years has been difficult to move talent globally, with international boarder closures and Covid-19 restrictions in place. Increased virtual working provided an opportunity for some people (who would normally work on contract overseas) to remain in their home country and to work virtually on assignments for international projects. This arrangement can work well, but for businesses without an entity in the person’s home country it can create difficulties.

To engage international labour the assignment contract may need to look different to that of a traditional expat engagement.  My advice would be, be open to exploring flexible or new assignment offerings, especially when engaging labour in a new country. Using an Employer of Record (EoR) or Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) could be a good solution to explore.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have personally really enjoyed mentoring and training. I have managed teams over the years, and it’s been very rewarding to watch those teams and my colleagues develop. I was working with a couple of graduates who were with the organisation for a few years, their professional and personal growth over that time was incredible to see. I still have the thank you cards, and positive feedback received on their leaving. Making a positive impact on the start of their career was personally very satisfying.

What ambitions have you still got to fulfil professionally in your career?

I am currently working to complete a post graduate HR qualification which I hope to finalise by early 2023. My last assignment is a Capstone project and ties in perfectly with my Global Agility role at Energy Resourcing.  I am developing an internal framework, increasing competence through training, and working to continuously improve organisational capability within Global Agility.  It is exciting to be working in this new dedicated role, helping support the group and our clients with solutions to fulfil their international project requirements.

Who has been the most influential person in your life professionally?

I was mentored by a senior colleague early on in my career.  She had exceptional people skills, which helped form a genuine connection on a professional and personal level. Using her extensive experience, working both client side and as a senior consultant in a professional services company, she was able to provide insight and valuable suggestions when problem solving.  She would always encourage opportunities to learn and develop skills and had a genuine talent in mentoring people.  I learned so much from working with her.

Over the next 10 years, what changes would you like to see in the energy sector with respect to D&I?

The sector has come a long way to improving D&I but does require ongoing attention. There needs to be continued investment in the future workforce, providing opportunities for school aged children, to see and experience in the industry and the work that they do. Creating opportunities to explore the sector through work experience programs, internships, and scholarships, helping to remove barriers of entry, supporting STEM related subjects, and fostering inclusion and opportunities from an early age. Providing interesting programmes to showcase the industry and career opportunities with a real focus on diverse groups does make a difference. I have seen the positive impact that this has had with clients who have invested in good school-based programmes and internships.

Given the experience you have now, what advice would you give a graduate just starting his career in the Energy sector?

If you are interested and given an opportunity to gain experience and try something new, take it.  Learning across various aspects of the industry provides you with a greater breath of understanding and knowledge. 

Keep up to date with developments in the sector, a great way to do this is through networking amongst industry peers. It will help to build a professional network around you, plus give insight to what is happening in the market to stay up to date.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE

Published: 09-11-2022

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