Profile
"West Oak’s success has come from always putting our clients’ best interests first and always finding ways to improve and add more value to them"
Andrew mcquiston,
west oak family office, wellington-altus private wealth
A career in human resources is not only hugely rewarding, but also diverse in terms of the challenges one deals with every day. For Richard Parker, chief HR officer at The Warehouse Group, the sheer scope of the role is what he enjoys best.
Having spent the first 11 years of his career as a corporate lawyer, Richard was introduced to the world of HR by a colleague who presented some of the unique opportunities in this field. With his interest piqued, Richard spent several years in various HR roles at Spark (formerly Telecom) before moving into HR leadership, and has now spent over 15 years in HR leadership roles at Spark, TVNZ and The Warehouse Group.
When it comes to the issues he faces on a daily basis, he says that his remit is hugely diverse, and the most rewarding part is seeing his work translate into higher job satisfaction, career growth, and personal development for staff.
“In any given week, I am likely to be having discussions on issues ranging from agile ways of working, our talent strategy for critical roles, data science, collective bargaining negotiations, our new paid parental leave policy, our proposed COVID-19 vaccination policy to ensure the health and safety of our team members, our new Agile Learning Academies and applications for The Warehouse Group scholarships, our long-term incentive structure for senior executives, and changes to our diversity and inclusion policy,” he says. “No one day ever feels the same, and that’s what I love.”
He explains that the most rewarding part of the role is giving people the opportunity to grow, develop and realise their career ambitions. Helping others succeed – whether by promoting people internally to the executive leadership team or a store manager role, awarding a team member a scholarship to continue their studies, or recognising someone’s valuable contribution to the company – is most satisfying to him.
Like every HR leader, Richard has faced significant challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on the retail sector has been particularly high.
He says that managing the operational impact and the effects on staff wellbeing throughout the lockdowns has been an enormous undertaking, and the pandemic has created new critical roles in the digital space which have been difficult to fill.
“The biggest challenge over the past 12 months has been managing the impact of COVID-19 and the multiple lockdowns with 12,000 team members, over 250 stores, and multiple distribution centres and fulfilment centres affected,” he says.
The closed borders have meant a significant increase in demand for e-commerce, digital and data skills. As the market shifts to online and mobile shopping, Richard has observed a scarcity of talent for critical roles in this area, which is driving the remuneration costs to attract and retain talent.
“Ultimately, everything the HR team does should be in pursuit of helping the business deliver on its objectives. In the retail sector, we see the future being driven by rapidly changing technology and consumer shopping behaviour. At The Warehouse Group, our business strategy is all about developing a retail ecosystem that provides an exceptional customer experience, and our HR strategy has been designed to support the achievement of this ecosystem.”
26 The Warehouse Way, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand
021 582 653
richard.parker@thewarehouse.co.nz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-parker-b08357a
https://thewarehousegroup.co.nz
Richard Parker
Chief Human Resources Officer
The Warehouse Group
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Bio
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Profile
A career in human resources is not only hugely rewarding, but also diverse in terms of the challenges one deals with every day. For Richard Parker, chief HR officer at The Warehouse Group, the sheer scope of the role is what he enjoys best.
Having spent the first 11 years of his career as a corporate lawyer, Richard was introduced to the world of HR by a colleague who presented some of the unique opportunities in this field. With his interest piqued, Richard spent several years in various HR roles at Spark (formerly Telecom) before moving into HR leadership, and has now spent over 15 years in HR leadership roles at Spark, TVNZ and The Warehouse Group.
When it comes to the issues he faces on a daily basis, he says that his remit is hugely diverse, and the most rewarding part is seeing his work translate into higher job satisfaction, career growth, and personal development for staff.
“In any given week, I am likely to be having discussions on issues ranging from agile ways of working, our talent strategy for critical roles, data science, collective bargaining negotiations, our new paid parental leave policy, our proposed COVID-19 vaccination policy to ensure the health and safety of our team members, our new Agile Learning Academies and applications for The Warehouse Group scholarships, our long-term incentive structure for senior executives, and changes to our diversity and inclusion policy,” he says. “No one day ever feels the same, and that’s what I love.”
He explains that the most rewarding part of the role is giving people the opportunity to grow, develop and realise their career ambitions. Helping others succeed – whether by promoting people internally to the executive leadership team or a store manager role, awarding a team member a scholarship to continue their studies, or recognising someone’s valuable contribution to the company – is most satisfying to him.
Like every HR leader, Richard has faced significant challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on the retail sector has been particularly high.
He says that managing the operational impact and the effects on staff wellbeing throughout the lockdowns has been an enormous undertaking, and the pandemic has created new critical roles in the digital space which have been difficult to fill.
“The biggest challenge over the past 12 months has been managing the impact of COVID-19 and the multiple lockdowns with 12,000 team members, over 250 stores, and multiple distribution centres and fulfilment centres affected,” he says.
The closed borders have meant a significant increase in demand for e-commerce, digital and data skills. As the market shifts to online and mobile shopping, Richard has observed a scarcity of talent for critical roles in this area, which is driving the remuneration costs to attract and retain talent.
“Ultimately, everything the HR team does should be in pursuit of helping the business deliver on its objectives. In the retail sector, we see the future being driven by rapidly changing technology and consumer shopping behaviour. At The Warehouse Group, our business strategy is all about developing a retail ecosystem that provides an exceptional customer experience, and our HR strategy has been designed to support the achievement of this ecosystem.”
Milestones
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Receive an excellence award
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
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2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
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2020-2021
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Lexology Client Choice Award (Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
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2014-2022
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
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2014-2022
2020-2021
2018
2019
2020
Richard Parker
Chief Human Resources Officer
The Warehouse Group
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
A career in human resources is not only hugely rewarding, but also diverse in terms of the challenges one deals with every day. For Richard Parker, chief HR officer at The Warehouse Group, the sheer scope of the role is what he enjoys best.
Having spent the first 11 years of his career as a corporate lawyer, Richard was introduced to the world of HR by a colleague who presented some of the unique opportunities in this field. With his interest piqued, Richard spent several years in various HR roles at Spark (formerly Telecom) before moving into HR leadership, and has now spent over 15 years in HR leadership roles at Spark, TVNZ and The Warehouse Group.
When it comes to the issues he faces on a daily basis, he says that his remit is hugely diverse, and the most rewarding part is seeing his work translate into higher job satisfaction, career growth, and personal development for staff.
“In any given week, I am likely to be having discussions on issues ranging from agile ways of working, our talent strategy for critical roles, data science, collective bargaining negotiations, our new paid parental leave policy, our proposed COVID-19 vaccination policy to ensure the health and safety of our team members, our new Agile Learning Academies and applications for The Warehouse Group scholarships, our long-term incentive structure for senior executives, and changes to our diversity and inclusion policy,” he says. “No one day ever feels the same, and that’s what I love.”
He explains that the most rewarding part of the role is giving people the opportunity to grow, develop and realise their career ambitions. Helping others succeed – whether by promoting people internally to the executive leadership team or a store manager role, awarding a team member a scholarship to continue their studies, or recognising someone’s valuable contribution to the company – is most satisfying to him.
Like every HR leader, Richard has faced significant challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on the retail sector has been particularly high.
He says that managing the operational impact and the effects on staff wellbeing throughout the lockdowns has been an enormous undertaking, and the pandemic has created new critical roles in the digital space which have been difficult to fill.
“The biggest challenge over the past 12 months has been managing the impact of COVID-19 and the multiple lockdowns with 12,000 team members, over 250 stores, and multiple distribution centres and fulfilment centres affected,” he says.
The closed borders have meant a significant increase in demand for e-commerce, digital and data skills. As the market shifts to online and mobile shopping, Richard has observed a scarcity of talent for critical roles in this area, which is driving the remuneration costs to attract and retain talent.
“Ultimately, everything the HR team does should be in pursuit of helping the business deliver on its objectives. In the retail sector, we see the future being driven by rapidly changing technology and consumer shopping behaviour. At The Warehouse Group, our business strategy is all about developing a retail ecosystem that provides an exceptional customer experience, and our HR strategy has been designed to support the achievement of this ecosystem.”
Milestones
2019-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
The Warehouse Group, CHRO
2019-2022
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2012-2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
General Manager, People and Talent
at TVNZ
2012-2019
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2005-2012
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
General Manager, Corporate HR and
ER at Spark New Zealand
2005-2012
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1997-2005
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Corporate Legal Counsel at Fletcher Challenge
1997-2005
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1995-1997
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Solicitor at Chapman Tripp
1995-1997
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1995-1997
1997-2005
2005-2012
2012-2019
2019-2022
Richard Parker
Chief Human Resources Officer
The Warehouse Group
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2020
2019
2018
2020-2021
2014-2022
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2020-2021
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Received Lexology Client Choice Award (Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2014-2022
human resources | key media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Milestones
Career Accolades
2019-2022
2012-2019
2005-2012
1997-2005
1995-1997
2019-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
The Warehouse Group, CHRO
2019-2022
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2009-2017
Human Resources Magazine | key media
General Manager, People and Talent at TVNZ
2012-2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2005-2012
Human Resources Magazine | key media
General Manager, Corporate HR and ER at Spark New Zealand
2005-2012
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1997-2005
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Corporate Legal Counsel at Fletcher Challenge
1997-2005
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1995-1997
human resources | key media
Solicitor at Chapman Tripp
1995-1997
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Career Highlights
2019-2022
2012-2019
2005-2012
1997-2005
1995-1997
2019-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
The Warehouse Group, CHRO
2019-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2012-2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
General Manager, People and Talent at TVNZ
2012-2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2005-2012
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
General Manager, Corporate HR and ER
at Spark New Zealand
2005-2012
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1997-2005
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Corporate Legal Counsel at Fletcher Challenge
1997-2005
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1995-1997
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Solicitor at Chapman Tripp
1995-1997
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Career Accolades
2020
2019
2018
2020-2021
2014-2022
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Receive an excellence award
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2020-2021
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Lexology
Client Choice Award
(Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2014-2022
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Best Lawyer in
Canada Award
(Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Career Accolades
Milestones
Milestones
Milestones