Hello, my name is Simone Roback and my career started as an Admin Assistant and within a short period I’d advanced to a full PA position at Lancomes’ central London offices. I went on to hold several further high-level PA and Office Manager posts. I also worked within the third sector as a PA and Trusts officer, running my own projects including the building and furnishing of a halfway house to assist spinal injury patients return to their everyday lives.
In 2001 I started work with Durbin PLC as an HR Manager and Training Officer. I was there for 17 years, during which time I doubled as the Facilities Manager for 5 years and was also the company Health and Safety Officer.
Whilst at Durbin I put in place the majority of the documentation that now forms the foundation of the HR Department and HR Management System. I managed the department and staff; recruitment needs; training; the pay roll for over 100 employees and oversaw appraisals. I further dealt with disciplinary, grievance and redundancy matter’s and recommended and advised the Senior Management Team on necessary policy changes. As Health and Safety Officer I ensured that regular risk assessments were carried out and that health and safety regulations were adhered to.
As Facilities Manager I coordinated four sites across Greater London. The responsibility included negotiating and maintaining contracts; managing installations and upgrades; liaising with the company solicitors and ensuring facilities across all sites were adequate and legally compliant. Specific major projects included the preparation and installation of a new warehouse and office space, and the movement of one site to a new location ensuring all refurbishments and dilapidation needs of the original site were completed.
On a part time basis, I also run the family property business, preparing accounts, liaising with managing agents & solicitors, refurbishing properties and generally ensuring properties are of a good standard.
With the wealth of skills and competencies I’ve gained, I decided in 2017 that it was time to start my own PA / VA Assistant service and founded Smooth Runnings to help individuals and small businesses reach their full potential by providing essential support services.