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[Interview] Amy Davies, People Director at Superdrug
As Superdrug celebrates its 60th Birthday we sat down with Amy Davies who is the People Director for Superdrug and Savers, part of the AS Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer.
With over 20 years of experience in HR, Amy has been a part of Superdrug for nearly 16 years, where she oversees inclusion, reward and recognition, employee relations, employment law, learning and development, and more. We sat down with Amy to discuss her journey, what it’s like working in the world of retail HR, and the advice she has for aspiring leaders.
Where are you based?
Today, I’m working from Barnes, Southwest London, but typically, you’ll find me at our Superdrug Head Office in Croydon. I also oversee Savers, whose head office is in Dunstable, but I’m mostly at the Croydon office or out visiting our stores.
You’ve been with Superdrug for a long time. How did your journey with the company begin?
Yes, almost 16 years now! I joined Superdrug back in October 2008 as the Employee Relations Manager. In that role, I looked after all things employment law, policies, and Tribunals, supporting both Superdrug and Savers. Coming from a hospitality and car manufacturing background, retail was a new world for me. But I quickly realised this was the place for me. The friendly, welcoming environment and the variety of work were what hooked me. You’re trusted to deliver from the get-go, and I felt I could genuinely make a difference.
It sounds like you’ve had an opportunity to grow and evolve during your time at Superdrug. How did your role develop over the years?
Absolutely! After starting as an ER, I then moved on to become an HR Manager for our Head Office, managing the HR team and partnering with department heads to develop their people. From there, I became the Head of People, and then eventually, I transitioned into the People Director role in 2022, after returning from maternity leave. The company has always been great at recognising potential and allowing you to take on more as you develop. I feel fortunate to have been given opportunities to grow.
What’s it like being the People Director? Could you walk us through a typical day in your life?
There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day, but that’s what makes it so exciting! My work can range from developing our inclusion strategy to overseeing employee engagement initiatives. Recently, I’ve been working closely with Stonewall to focus on our inclusion strategy, ensuring we’re building a diverse and welcoming culture. I also make time to visit stores regularly, whether it’s a Superdrug Stores and Pharmacy or a Savers store, to connect with our teams and get feedback. For example, we’ve recently launched a financial wellbeing app called Wagestream, and I’ve been visiting stores to see how well it’s landed and being received by our staff.
You clearly have a lot on your plate! How do you balance the strategic aspects of your role with the more hands-on, day-to-day tasks?
It’s all about having a clear people strategy. We set a vision for the year, and I’m lucky to have an amazing team who help keep everything on track. We regularly review our progress to ensure we’re aligned with our goals. But, of course, the nature of retail means things change, and we often must adapt quickly – that’s part of the excitement.
It’s impressive how you manage everything. You mentioned the inclusion strategy; could you tell us more about how you’re driving inclusion at Superdrug?
Inclusion is a huge focus for us. We’ve implemented a strategy based around our ‘Where You Can Be You’ philosophy, ensuring everyone feels they can bring their true selves to work. We have six key networks that we work with, and we’ve been rolling out training to support our managers in having conversations about mental health and wellbeing. I firmly believe that when people feel comfortable, valued, and supported, they thrive – and that’s what we aim to create across the business.
And you’ve recently been awarded a Bronze in Stonewall’s UK Workplace Equality Index – congratulations!
Thank you! Yes, we’re incredibly proud to have received this award, which recognises our ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. This award is particularly significant for us, as 11% of our staff identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and we aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. It’s not just about making statements; it’s about taking tangible actions. For example, we recently launched the “Unlearn” initiative as part of our “Everyone Matters” DEI strategy, which encourages our team to challenge and unlearn negative biases and stereotypes. We’re excited to continue working with Stonewall to further develop our strategies in the coming months.
It sounds like you’re deeply committed to your teams. What role do you believe HR plays in building this culture?
HR plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of any organisation. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and included. One initiative I’m proud of is our ‘Wall of Stars’ in the canteen, where we recognise our monthly winners and long-serving staff. It’s simple, but recognition can have a massive impact on people, and it helps spread a positive culture across the company.
That’s wonderful. And what about the career progression opportunities at Superdrug? How do you support growth and development?
We have a range of development programmes, from retail management trainee programmes that help team leaders become assistant managers, to apprenticeships that offer a pathway for those just starting their careers. We’ve had over 4,500 apprentices qualify since 2007, and many have progressed into managerial roles. I love hearing stories of individuals who started on the shop floor and have worked their way up. It shows there’s a genuine opportunity for growth in retail.
That’s so inspiring! What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a leader in retail or HR?
Firstly, find a company whose values align with yours – it makes a world of difference when you’re genuinely passionate about your work. Secondly, be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Growth often happens when you challenge yourself – take on new opportunities and learn from those experiences! Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of building relationships. People are at the heart of any business, and the connections you make can be incredibly valuable throughout your career.
That’s fantastic advice. Finally, what do you love most about your role?
I love the variety and the people I work with. Every day is different, and I get to engage with so many talented and passionate individuals. Whether it’s seeing someone thrive through our training programmes or hearing positive feedback from our store teams, it’s incredibly rewarding. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day – and that’s a great feeling.
