Christian Strand

Chair of Institute of Directors City Young Executives and

HR Manager at Rocket Internet UK

Phone: +44 (0) 747 99 111 77

Address: London, United Kingdom
Email: christian@strand.cc

Christian is a pragmatic and experienced HR manager with specialization in launching new HR

functions and managing the transition to online tools to reduce HR admin and costs. With a wideranging experience covering FCA regulated companies to start-ups, Christian combines an engaging,
humorous approach to motivation and engagement activities with a professional and firm approach for
the more direct and challenging aspects of HR management. Both practical and skilled in the day to day
activities such as CV processing, he also offers significant capabilities in the setup and management of
highly efficient and cost effective HR functions with upwards of 500k/annum fees budget.

Experience

Rocket Internet SE

March 2015 to Present

HR Manager
Standalone HR Manager (shared-services model) for more than 10 different
start-up ventures.
Implemented recruitment platform to significantly improve access to
candidates for the ventures. Processed over 4,500 incoming CVs in 7
months.
Streamlined the onboarding process by more than 75%.
Managed H&S for all 10 companies, setting policies and implementing
reactive and proactive actions.
Point of contact for all HR queries of both strategic and operational
significance, directly advising the MDs on areas of subject matter expertise.
Deal with Sponsorship requests, making decisions and undertaking
implementation.
Support to Operations Manager with payroll for circa 200 staff.
Sourcing and implementing employee benefits including auto-enrolment.
China Construction Bank

December 2014 to
February 2015

HR Officer (fixed-term contract)

Responsible for the generalist HR work in the following departments:
Compliance, Risk, Strategy Development, Business Development, Finance,
Operations, IT, Facilities and Treasury.
Implementation of cloud based HR system saving 25K and significantly
improving efficiency.
Undertook PSL negotiations to reduce costs associated with recruitment,
saving 10% in fees per hire.
NOW: Pensions

August 2012 to
November 2014

HR Business Partner
Set up the HR department along with the Director of Corporate Services and
was given a generalist role.
Negotiated majority of the recruitment fees - budget close to 350K and
successfully recruited over 100 people during tenure.
Launched company intranet to improve company culture and

communication with exceptionally positive feedback from staff.

Singularly responsible for specifying; recommending and negotiating a
100K+ staff benefits contract.
Successfully launched an online ATS to reduce recruitment cost and time to
hire significantly.
Chnology

May 2015 to Present

Managing Director
HR consultancy offering commercially focused HR advice to SMEs.
August 2015 to Present
Institute of Directors, City - Young
Executives Group
Chairman
A new group aiming to connect young entrepreneurs to more experienced
professionals to exchange best practice and facilitate networking.

Education

University of Bath

September 2008 to July

2012

BSc Hons Business Administration

Awarded 2:1

Skills

Employee Relations, Project Management, HR software, Recruitment,

Generalist, Benefits, Startups, FCA

Languages

Norwegian (Native or bilingual proficiency) English (Full professional

proficiency)

Certifications

CIPD Diploma in HR Practice

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

2013