Meet Jenny - our Director of Corporate Services

Can you provide a brief overview of your journey within Thor, starting from your role in recruitment and leading up to your current position?

I started at Thor as only the 12th employee and was originally based in Gothenburg where I was tasked with the expansion of our Infrastructure and Construction brand in Sweden. After successfully growing that market with a colleague, I then moved to Stockholm to further develop our TEK and TLS brands. My role transitioned into a more Business Development role as I led the department's expansion, growing the Stockholm office to seven team members. After two years, I relocated to London's headquarters to oversee global business development, managing teams across Stockholm, Copenhagen, and London. During my maternity leave, I entrusted the department's management to Vilde, who continued its growth. When I returned, I transitioned to managing our VALAD department, which includes Operations, Systems, Legal & Compliance, Marketing, and later HR and L&D. This shift marked a significant career change, as I moved from managing within a field where I was a specialist (sales), to leading diverse specialist functions as a generalist manager.
 

What initially motivated you to join, and how has that motivation evolved as you've progressed in your career here? 

I was initially motivated to join Thor by the prospect of contributing to the company's growth and making a tangible impact. The opportunity to be part of building a company from its early stages excited me, as did the chance to join a team of high achievers. Coming from Sweden, I appreciated Thor's emphasis on winning and friendly competition, traits that I found not as common in many Swedish companies. As I've progressed in my career at Thor, this motivation has evolved as I've seen the direct results of our collective efforts and the positive outcomes of our competitive spirit. Being part of a company that values ambition and achievement has continued to inspire me to strive for excellence and push boundaries in my role. 

Can you share some key milestones or pivotal moments in your career progression, from your early days in recruitment to your current position?

Reflecting on my career journey at Thor, several key milestones stand out, marking pivotal moments in my progression. To begin, in my third month of employment, I sold 2 retainers and made 1 placement, following that I realised my skill in selling retainers and sold 18 retainers in my first year at Thor. Securing my first placement will always hold a special place in my memory, highlighting the beginning of my success in recruitment. As I transitioned into a leadership role, overseeing the growth of the Stockholm office to a team of seven was a defining moment, solidifying our presence in the market. Moving to London as part of an 18-month plan marked a significant shift, propelling me into a global business development role. I was also proud to be handpicked by Directors for key projects which showed recognition of my contributions and potential within the company, despite following a non-traditional career path. Ultimately, achieving promotion to director was a monumental milestone, reflecting the culmination of hard work and dedication from both myself and the organisation.

I have helped to bring on and secure commitments from clients through retained work. In my first three and a half years I sold 54 retainers, including framework agreements.

How have your skills and expertise evolved as you've transitioned to your current position? What new skills have you developed along the way?

Throughout my journey at Thor, my skills and expertise have developed, adapting to the demands of each role, and paving the way for my current position. I have now a diverse range of skills and competencies, driven by ambition, hunger, and a relentless motivation to excel. Thor has provided me with a platform to immerse myself fully and develop core competencies such as business acumen, commercial knowledge, and negotiating skills. Additionally, my ability to connect with people and exercise leadership has been honed, enabling me to contribute to the growth and success of the company. A deep understanding of the market has also been cultivated, allowing me to make informed decisions and navigate complex business landscapes effectively.

Can you discuss some of the challenges you've faced during your career progression. How did you overcome these challenges?

Embracing challenges has been an essential part of my career at Thor, each obstacle presenting an opportunity for growth. Setting up offices, particularly in a new country like Sweden, posed significant challenges as I became the face of Thor in that market, but overcoming these hurdles and successfully growing a team was immensely rewarding. The distance from decision-making while in another country required creative solutions to ensure I remained closely connected and influential. The onset of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges, from maintaining staff motivation to navigating rapidly changing market conditions, requiring nearly two years to stabilise. Additionally, transitioning from an expert in recruitment to a generalist manager brought its own set of challenges, requiring adaptation and learning new management approaches to lead diverse teams effectively.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations considering the trajectory of your career so far?

My primary objective is to continue making Thor the best place to work, fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all employees. As we strive to become a solid global provider with exemplary company traits, I aim to contribute significantly to this journey. Solidifying our position as the best company in our industry remains a main goal, driving me to pursue excellence in every aspect of our operations. I still aspire to maintain a global role, with a particular focus on further collaboration with our offices in the States, allowing me to remain close to key decisions and continue contributing to Thor's success on a global scale.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your career journey, any lessons learned, or experiences that have shaped your professional growth?

Reflecting on my career journey, transparent and direct communication has been pivotal to its success, fostering an environment where I feel comfortable expressing my opinions, even if they differ from others. I've learned the importance of daring to make an impact and driving my opinions and decisions forward, knowing that my managers value and listen to my input. Additionally, being part of Thor has allowed me to push boundaries and be confident in bringing new perspectives to the table, which has been instrumental in my professional growth. My time in Sweden has been particularly influential, shaping my journey in unexpected ways and propelling me further than I could have imagined. Being in a company that encourages and celebrates excellence has empowered me to take those extra steps and be unapologetically ambitious. Ultimately, my passion for building relationships and helping others succeed has been the driving force behind my career, reminding me of the value of human connections and collaboration in achieving collective success.

Join us in shaping the future of Thor!