Name: Rachel Baldwin
Job title: HR director, foods division
Company: Dairy Crest
Sales: £1.6bn
HQ: Claygate, Esher, Surrey
Number of employees: c.6,000


What's it like to work for your company? Exciting, fun and challenging.

Why is it a good employer? We encourage people to reach their potential and to take ownership of their role.

What's the best thing about working there? It is a big company, but small enough to make a difference.

Does the company offer any unusual benefits? We have offered all employees the opportunity to take a paid day off a year to volunteer for a local charity. We are also piloting 'self-development' days, where employees are encouraged to take two days per year to invest time in themselves over and above the normal learning and development opportunities offered.

How does the company differ from its rivals? Dairy Crest is a broad-based business, which operates through a number of divisions. This creates opportunities for employees to move within the business and operate in different environments.

Is there a definable company culture? We are proud of our culture of giving people personal responsibility for their actions, offering great career development opportunities and providing full training.

If the company were a car what would it be and why? A hybrid it offers what consumers want, it is fuel efficient, better for the environment and innovative.

What's the training like and what qualifications can I earn? We offer opportunities to all employees, from sponsorship of professional qualifications in finance and HR, to a foundation degree in dairy technology at Reaseheath College. A number of our manufacturing sites also support employees with achieving NVQs.

Has the company won any awards or been recognised in the past few years as an employer? We have been recognised in a variety of arenas, including the Business in the Community Index. In 2010 we won the dairy category at the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards, for the work done at our Nuneaton facility.

Are you looking for any people right now and, if so, where? There are a number of exciting roles available at the moment.

How does one go about applying for a job? Visit our web recruitment portal www.dclivingit.co.uk.

What tips would you offer jobseekers? Do your research, visit stores and understand our products. We are keen for people to show their enthusiasm and experience.

How do I find out more about the company? Visit www.dairycrest.co.uk.

Are you, or is the company, working on anything exciting right now that you can tell us about? In 2010, we set up a company diversity steering group, which looked at ways of providing employees with an inclusive environment. We have also signed up to the IGD Employability Pledge.