OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD

COMPANY: Smithbridge Guam Inc. POSITION: HR Specialist

YEARS IN SERVICE: 15.5 YEARS

MELISSA FLORES

What is the most interesting thing about working here, and about the work you do?

The diversity of the work that I do makes every day different, and HR is constantly growing and changing. It’s never boring and always challenging.

What are the 3 benefits you’ve discovered about working here that you weren’t aware of when you started?

a. Company truly values people on a personal level b. Opportunity for progression and to take on more responsibility c. Learning and understanding construction processes from structures to materials

What are your thoughts about the company’s vision and direction, and role in helping us achieve them?

Smithbridge Guam was founded in 1992 and is part of a third-generation family business that has provided construction services throughout Australia and New Zealand since 1963. In order to ensure continued success of this family business, it can only be achieved by maintaining its family gravity and good governance. Smithbridge Guam is governed by the Smithbridge Group advisory board, as part of a long-term governance and succession strategy.

In most organizations financial goals are often considered top-level strategy, while, people and talent priorities are equally important. Therefore, my role is to help the leaders clearly identify and articulate the people components of the strategy and to keep employees engaged around the strategy and other changes ahead.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about applying for a job with us?

If you’re hard working and eager to learn, then it’s a great place for you to gain experience while learning, especially for early careers and apprenticeships. Plus, our high retention rate speaks volumes.

When you tell people about your job, what is one thing that surprises them, or gets them excited about the work you do?

What I find that surprises them most about my job is the challenge and responsibilities I must juggle to meet the demands in the HR function of the organization.