Bristol, United Kingdom, October 2024 – Ruth Smith has been appointed as the new Head of People Experience at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), a part of the UK Ministry of Defence. In this role, Ruth will lead DE&S’s people-focused strategies, ensuring a positive employee experience across its diverse and global workforce. She will work closely with leadership to enhance employee engagement, well-being, and talent development as DE&S continues to support the UK’s defence operations.
Ruth brings over two years of experience at DE&S, having previously served as Head of HR Service Delivery. In this role, she was instrumental in managing HR operations and service delivery, ensuring efficient and effective HR processes across the organization. Her expertise in service delivery played a vital role in optimizing HR systems and supporting a highly skilled workforce.
Prior to this, Ruth held the role of SDA HR Projects Lead at the UK Ministry of Defence, where she led key HR projects to improve operational performance and drive strategic HR initiatives. Her leadership in project management and HR processes helped align HR strategies with organizational goals.
Earlier in her career at DE&S, Ruth held positions such as Policy, Employee Relations, and Exits Team Lead, where she managed complex employee relations cases, and as an HR Business Partner, providing strategic HR support to various teams. Her long tenure at DE&S has given her a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s needs and challenges.
Before joining DE&S, Ruth served as an HR Team Lead at Shared Services Connected Ltd and Ministry of Justice UK, where she further honed her skills in HR leadership, policy development, and employee relations.
About Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S):
DE&S is an integral part of the UK Ministry of Defence, responsible for equipping the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force with cutting-edge equipment and services. From fighter jets to protective clothing, DE&S delivers innovative solutions to the frontlines. With over 11,500 talented personnel across 150 global locations, DE&S manages over 80% of the UK’s largest and most complex defence projects, ensuring national security and prosperity.
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