Gillian Dunbar – HR Administrator
Gillian joined Star Refrigeration in 2020, transitioning into HR after completing a CIPD Level 3 qualification to pursue her passion for working with people and fostering a positive workplace environment. As an HR Administrator, she takes on a wide range of responsibilities, from recruitment and training coordination to wellbeing initiatives and community engagement. Star has supported her career growth by offering opportunities to expand her skills, and she is currently pursuing her Level 5 CIPD qualification. For Gillian, the standout aspects of working at Star are the people, the collaborative culture, and the ability to make meaningful contributions both within the company and the wider community.
What is your current role at Star Refrigeration? HR Administrator
What drew you to pursue a career in HR? After studying Marketing at university, I found myself in a diverse role a few years after graduation. Reflecting on the aspects I enjoyed most—working with people, managing internal communications, and coordinating staff events—I realised that a career in HR would be the perfect fit for me. Motivated to make the shift, I decided to pursue an evening course and completed my CIPD Level 3. I then began applying for HR positions and was fortunate to land a role at Star. Since then, I’ve been able to apply my studies in practice while continually learning and growing in the field
What are some of the main responsibilities you handle as an HR Administrator? My role is dynamic and ever-evolving. I support with recruitment, mainly CV screening and initial interviews. I also coordinate training initiatives, both in-house and with external providers, to ensure our teams continue to grow and develop. In addition, I manage the creation and distribution of our employee newsletter, Startel, along with other internal communications to keep everyone informed and engaged. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with local schools, delivering presentations and organising visits to our Thornliebank office and factory, helping to build connections with the community. I’m actively involved in our wellbeing initiatives and am trained as a Mental Health First Aider, a role I’m particularly passionate about.
How has Star Refrigeration supported your career growth? Since joining Star Refrigeration in 2020 I have had ample opportunity to contribute to various aspects of HR operations, allowing me to progressively take on more responsibility within the team. The company has been highly supportive of my professional development, and I am currently pursuing my Level 5 CIPD qualification, further enhancing my skills and knowledge in HR.
What skills do you think are most important for success in HR? Success in HR requires a diverse set of skills, but I would say the most important are: communication skills and being able to actively listen, emotional intelligence and being a ‘people person’ in general.
What do you enjoy most about working at Star? What I enjoy most about working at Star is the people and the culture. The entire team, across all departments, is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and collaborative. The culture here is unique—it’s unlike anywhere I’ve worked before. Our values truly resonate with everyone, and that sense of shared purpose and commitment is evident in everything we do.
How does the HR function at Star contribute to the overall culture and success of the company? HR plays a crucial role in shaping the overall culture and driving the success of the company. From talent selection during the recruitment process to reviewing our employee benefits package, and focusing on training and development, every aspect of HR is centred around fostering a positive and engaging culture. Gathering employee feedback is also a key part of this approach. I believe this commitment to culture is clearly reflected in our IIP Platinum reaccreditation, which underscores the strength of our HR practices.
What has been the most rewarding experience so far during your journey with Star? It’s hard to choose as there have been so many rewarding moments. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is seeing employees I’ve placed thrive and progress in their roles. Additionally, the company’s strong focus on community involvement has provided me with the opportunity to participate in charity gardening days and Christmas gift appeals, which has been personally rewarding in a completely different way. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to both the company’s culture and the wider community.