Meet the Team
Together we provide our clients with all of the HR skills and knowledge you’d expect to find in a large inhouse HR department
Partnering with small businesses, from startups to more established companies, we get to know your business so we can craft HR solutions tailored to your unique needs and culture.
You won’t find any confusing legal jargon here, and we won’t push unnecessary HR processes on you. Instead, we focus on what truly matters—collaborating with your team to empower your people and strengthen your business.
A Bit About Us
Sarah Ropek
Founder
I spent the first 10+ years of my HR career mainly working in larger businesses, where I learnt how people processes should work together to drive the success of any business. However, I also learnt that in bigger companies’ change can be slow and the value of HR can be lost in amongst all of the internal politics, red tape and bureaucracy.
In 2015 I founded People Management Partners to work with small businesses and startups developing HR processes and initiatives in a way that makes a tangible difference to their culture and bottom line.
PMP keeps me pretty busy, but when I am not at work you’ll find me spending time with my husband and 2 small kids (ideally at the seaside) or working on the never-ending renovation of our house.
If you are interested in our services, but not ready for a discovery call yet, it would still be great to stay in touch. You can do that by connecting with me over on LinkedIn or by subscribing to the monthly HR Insider.
Katy Riordan
Head of Client Delivery
I’m a senior HR professional with over 15 years of experience across both the public and private sectors. I have particular expertise in working in private healthcare and extensive experience in partnering with lots of other types of businesses – from membership organisations to distribution businesses and PR firms.
I am passionate about providing excellent - but realistic - HR support to business owners and leaders. I have extensive experience in employment law and get a lot of enjoyment from finding ways to balance legislation, case law and HR best practice with creating people practices which ensure the workplace, employee offering and experience is the best it can be for each unique business need.
In my spare time, I am often renovating a property and enjoy being outdoors picnicking or in my garden pottering.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Emily Marsh
HR Administration Manager
I started my HR journey in 2017, transitioning from administrator to manager. Over the course of my career, I have gained invaluable experience within the Manufacturing and the Education sectors.
I am always looking for ways to continuously develop and enhance all processes to be effective and successful. I enjoy supporting the wider team and building professional relationships.
At PMP, my role is to oversee and lead the Support Team with their tasks and support the People Partners.
Outside of work I am part of a family of four, with two delightful young children. My time is mostly devoted to my children, their activities and attempting to maintain an aspect of tidiness at home. If I was ever to get time for myself I would love to get back into fitness.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Kate Mellor
Business Support Manager
I have over 20 years' experience in providing high level administration and business support across many industries. I am obsessively organised and logical and bring a wealth of experience in managing processes and implementing systems to improve the running of any business.
For the last 5 years I have run my own successful VA business and am now very excited to join the PMP team as their Business Support Manager.
In my role I am responsible for developing and managing the processes and systems which support both the client facing and back-office functions. I also maintain our accounting software, providing financial reporting where required and look after our internal HR requirements.
Outside of work I am kept busy by my two sporting mad children and when I have time I enjoy time at the gym, cooking for my friends and looking after my small herd of Guinea Pigs!
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Louisa Gartrell
People Partner
I have more than 10 years’ experience working in Human Resources. During that time have worked with with small charities and membership orgnisations, as well as global communications agency.
My strengths lie in developing productive stakeholder relationships, adapting to a constantly changing environment, and mentoring people managers.
Originally a music graduate, I still enjoy singing with my choir as well as attending an eclectic range of live music events. Weekends are spent with family and friends over food and drink - curries and cocktails are a favourite.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Rachel Field
People Partner
I have been in HR since 2009, working my way up from an HR Administrator. I have experience with SMEs, mid-size and large corporate businesses across a range of sectors including charities, care, veterinary, automotive and logistics to name a few.
I pride myself in offering a practical and down to earth approach to all aspects of my work. I also enjoy building strong, successful relationships with everyone, from employee to CEO.
Outside of work, I love going to live music and comedy events, and weekends and holidays these days are usually spent going on little adventures with my two young children..
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Sammie Williams
People Partner
I have worked in HR for the past 7 and a half years, with a slight detour through Employment Law as a Paralegal. Most recently I have worked as an ER Consultant for a multinational corporation.
I love to fit the pieces of an HR puzzle together to solve the problem, and thrive in situations where I can put together a spreadsheet or create a new process for efficiency (I love to lean into my nerdiness!).
In my spare time I enjoy playing board games with my friends, or a long walk in the sunshine with my partner and my dog.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Emma Sullivan
HR Coordinator
I am an organised and dedicated HR generalist with more than 10 years of HR administrative experience, across different sectors.
I pride myself in my friendly and professional manner; and enjoy working with different clients to provide an efficient service.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active by attending fitness classes, going on long walks and reading lots of books.
Ruby Jeal
HR Coordinator
I started my career in HR when I joined People Management Partners as part of the kick-start scheme. During my time here I have had the opportunity to support businesses across all sectors with their HR and recruitment administration.
With a friendly and logical approach, I enjoy engaging with the businesses we work with to provide a high-quality and responsive service
Outside of work, you’re likely to find me spending time with my friends and family or out walking my sausage dog.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Sarah McNeil
People Partner
I have worked in HR for 10 years, with most of my time spent in the health and/or charity sector. I have a lot of experience in employee relations as that was a big part of my most recent role. I have also worked on a number of projects involving health and wellbeing initiatives, performance management system reviews and organisational change.
I have two young children and aside from being a mum I try to keep fit by attending adult ballet classes as well as taking some home based fitness classes. I love to travel as well as cooking and hosting friends and family.
You can find out more about me and my professional experience on LinkedIn
Edited and emailed monthly by Sarah, Business Owner and Founder of People Management Partners