Meet the Qovery Team: Marie, People Manager

#Please introduce yourself and briefly describe your professional background.

Originally trained as a psychologist, I stumbled into the huge world of Human Resources somewhat unexpectedly!

I initially joined Murex, a major fin-tech software company, for a one-month contract, which eventually became almost eight years of permanent employment. During my time here, I gained foundational knowledge in HR. I discovered my affinity for the tech ecosystem, and I specialized in technical profile hiring, school relations, communication, and KPI tracking. I also participated in several projects for HR R&D and HRIS in a highly international environment. Last but not least, I met wonderful friends and mentors there. It was a very comprehensive role that laid the groundwork for the professional I am today. 

In 2017, I seized the opportunity to join Criteo, specifically the Talent Acquisition R&D team, focusing on Site Reliability Engineering. I had the privilege of doing a “Voyager” within the HRIS team and contributed to implementing QlickSense and producing HR dashboards for the R&D leadership team. I feel lucky to have experienced such a dynamic organization, working with impressive people in a fast-paced, international environment. 

2 years later, I left Criteo and Paris to be closer to my family and the beautiful French Alps in Grenoble. I joined a BPM software company in a Talent Acquisition & HR support role: excellent memories that have been an adventure, especially with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In 2021, Pierre, CTO and co-founder of Qovery, contacted me. We met and worked together at Criteo. He co-founded Qovery in 2019 with Romaric and Morgan, and they were looking for their first people guy to create the HR function. I eagerly accepted this opportunity after meeting them and being immediately drawn to this exciting project.

#What is your role at Qovery, and what do you do?

I am the “Cheffe du Personnel” 🤣 - I am the HR manager. Upon arrival, I restructured everything, particularly ensuring legal compliance. Essentially, my role involves creating and managing the HR function: designing/customizing processes (recruitment, performance management, …), establishing various policies, striving to build HR components that implement a company’s vision, and ensuring that we have the required tools for that.

Of course, there are also the classical HR day-to-day tasks of addressing the needs of all team members and ensuring they have an unforgettable experience during their time here. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn!

#What do you like the most about working at Qovery?

First, I am proud to work for such a game-changer product. I feel surrounded by brilliant people. 
I am delighted to work for a company that truly embodies its values in everyday practices. I feel trusted to manage my responsibilities from A to Z, enjoying autonomy and confidence. I greatly appreciate the work-life balance. Before joining Qovery, I had hesitations - my baby daughter was only six months old, and my eldest was 5. I feared choosing between being a good mother and seizing professional opportunities.
However, I am experiencing every day at Qovery that it is possible to have both. My life as a woman and a mother seamlessly integrates with my professional identity. I’ve never had to justify or request anything to prioritize my family duties, such as leaving at 5 p.m. to pick up my children from school. This mutual understanding creates a virtuous cycle; I am more motivated to excel in my work, knowing I have the support to balance my personal life. As a result, I feel that I am a good mum and got promoted a couple of months ago. Yes, ladies! You can have both!

Lastly, I appreciate the transparency in feedback, whether it is about the company’s performance or individual contributions. There is no unnecessary stress or anxiety during time off. This trust and clarity are invaluable.

#What does your typical day look like?

• I am an early riser (around 6 a.m.)! I take the time to enjoy a good coffee alone before the rush begins 🙈I get my kids ready and take them to school.
• Upon returning home; I drink another cup of coffee (I am a caffeine addict) and go through my emails and Linkedin while waiting for my stand-up meeting with Pierre (yes, HR, but also Agile!)
• Depending on the day, my tasks vary greatly, from conducting recruitment interviews and having one-on-one meetings with team members to writing posts or articles, being given tool demos, or working on specific policies.
• Lunchtime is sacred 🥗: I always take a break. Living in Grenoble has its perks: in the summer, it is quick and easy to have a picnic surrounded by nature. 
• The afternoon mirrors the morning routine, with another coffee, and I try to stick to what I’ve planned during my morning stand-up. This ensures I feel product and efficient by the end of the day.
• By 5.30 p.m., it is time to leave and pick up the kids!

#How do you like to spend your free time when you are not working?

Of course, I enjoy spending time with my kids. 

We live in a beautiful region, and I love taking advantage of nature, hiking in the mountains during the summer and skiing in the winter. 

I also enjoy reading; my tastes are quite eclectic - I enjoy novels as much as books on education or the world of work.

#Do you have final advice for someone wanting to join Qovery?

Be yourself! We have a very authentic culture, which is probably why it works so well. 

Also, be prepared to work fully remotely. It is not for everyone, and it is important to be aware of that when applying.