Meet Zoe our People & Culture Manager

At the age of 44, after a successful career in HR which included stretches in both the public and private sectors, Zoe Evans recently relocated from Bristol to the Lake District, securing the role of People & Culture Manager at Grasmere Gingerbread®.

“As a regular customer over many years during holidays and long weekend breaks - as Grasmere Gingerbread® is so moreish - I never envisioned that one day I would be working for such an iconic business,” admitted Zoe.

“From my initial over-the-phone conversations after seeing the job advert, through to my first and second interviews, and, later, my ‘Breakfast with Zoe’ meetings to get to know the team, everyone has been incredibly welcoming, warm and approachable.”

Zoe is delighted that the traditional (if rather cold) term ‘Human Resources’ does not feature in her job title.

“I see my job as supporting people and helping to cultivate a world-class culture where everyone thrives and everyone is treated as an individual,” she said.

She cited “compassion, patience, understanding and curiosity” as essential attributes for such a role.

“A crystal ball and magic wand would also be incredibly useful,” she added.

Zoe is now able to combine work at Grasmere Gingerbread® with her twin passions of hiking and wild swimming in a national park famed for its fells and lakes.

Her move to Cumbria, with husband Neil and pet bulldog Albie - the couple’s son Lewis works as a fashion designer in London - was a holistic choice, something “good for the mind, body and soul”.

“At work I am constantly amazed by the many different strands that make up the Grasmere Gingerbread® business,” said Zoe.

“I am also surprised by the volume of mail order and just how far we ship to customers around the world.”

Out of the office, the Lake District enables her to feel “freedom” and “escape the mundane”.

“Life is short, you need to make the most of it and I am now living and working in a place that I love,”

- Zoe.