Behind the scenes, keeping people processes running seamlessly is where UGL's Celeste Baxter does her best work. In her role as people and culture coordination lead, she supports employees across various sites, making sure vital people processes are delivered smoothly and reliably.
“I lead the transactional support for all onboarding and offboarding activities,” Celeste says. “That includes preparing contracts of employment, onboarding new employees and supporting changes throughout an employee’s time with UGL.” It is work that requires accuracy, pace and constant communication, and it sits at the centre of how the business functions day to day.
Leading a small team of people and culture (P&C) coordinators, Celeste’s role is as much about people as it is about process. “Primarily, I support the coordinators to ensure we are meeting our weekly and monthly deadlines,” she explains. “A big part of my role is guiding the team through challenges and finding practical solutions together.”
The coordination function is highly transactional and fast moving, with close links to P&C business partners and leadership teams across the organisation. Celeste ensures her team stays focused, supported and confident in delivering work that underpins employee experiences across the business.
Her pathway into leadership was a natural one. Celeste started with UGL as a casual P&C coordinator in Mackay, Queensland, quickly building strong knowledge and confidence in the role. “I know the coordinator role inside and out,” she says. “When the opportunity to lead a team came up, I thought, 'I can do this.'”
Celeste stepped confidently into the lead role and has continued to grow alongside the team. She credits their strong connection and shared commitment as key to their success. “We are such a close team,” she says. “We all support each other and work through challenges together.”
Outside of work, Celeste values balance and connection just as much. She enjoys line dancing and travelling to social events across Queensland, as well as spending time with family on fishing trips around Mackay. It is that same sense of energy, teamwork and enjoyment that she brings into her role every day, keeping the details right so others can focus on what matters most.