At KBS, we’re proud to celebrate the people who make our organisation what it is. We are celebrating the journeys, achievements, and personal milestones of colleagues marking their KBS anniversaries. This month, hear from Nikki Cherry, who is celebrating two years at KBS working in the People Team.
Nikki Cherry, HR Business Partner, is celebrating two years with KBS, where she has become a trusted member of the People Team. Known for her people-focused approach, strong relationship-building skills and commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, Nikki plays a key role in supporting both employees and managers across the business.
Nikki was drawn to KBS by its reputation for valuing its people and recognising the importance of a positive and inclusive working environment. The opportunity to balance day-to-day HR support with involvement in longer-term strategic initiatives particularly appealed to her, offering the chance to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to develop professionally. Since joining the company, she has broadened her expertise across a range of HR disciplines, including employee relations, organisational development and mediation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nikki’s role is helping people to succeed and reach their full potential. Supporting managers and employees through challenges, building strong working relationships and contributing to a positive culture are all areas she finds particularly fulfilling. Knowing that her work can have a positive impact on both individuals and the wider organisation is what motivates her most.
The variety of the role is another aspect that Nikki enjoys. No two days are ever the same, with responsibilities ranging from supporting employee relations cases and advising managers on people matters, to contributing to recruitment and talent initiatives, reviewing policies and analysing people data. She also plays an important role in supporting organisational change and ensuring managers have the tools and confidence needed to lead their teams effectively.
Since joining KBS, Nikki’s role has evolved significantly. While employee relations, absence management and day-to-day HR support remain central to her responsibilities, she has increasingly become a strategic partner to the business. Over the past two years, she has been involved in shaping people initiatives, developing management capability, improving policies and supporting wider organisational goals.
She has also had the opportunity to lead and contribute to a number of projects focused on performance management, expected behaviours, talent development, succession planning and employee wellbeing. As her understanding of the business has grown, so too has her ability to influence decisions, build strong relationships with leaders and help drive positive outcomes for both employees and the organisation.
Outside of work, Nikki spends much of her time with her three-year-old daughter, who keeps her busy and active. When she does find some spare time, she enjoys socialising with friends and family, running, going to the gym, reading and taking her dog for long walks. Staying active and spending time outdoors helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance, while reading provides an opportunity to relax and recharge.
One item firmly on Nikki’s bucket list is taking her daughter to Disneyland. While there is plenty of time before that adventure becomes reality, she is looking forward to sharing the experience together as a family and creating lasting memories.
Interestingly, Nikki’s original career aspirations looked very different from where she has ended up today. She studied Animal Care at college and achieved a National Diploma, with every intention of becoming a veterinary nurse. However, after discovering an allergy to cats, she was forced to rethink her plans and ultimately found her way into HR, a career path that has allowed her to make a meaningful difference in a different way.
As Nikki celebrates her two-year milestone with KBS, her dedication to supporting others, driving positive change and championing a people-first culture continues to make a valuable contribution to the business.
Want to hear from more of our colleagues? Read more here
