Our colleagues

“I lead the implementation of the Microsoft Azure platform within our Core Programme. I oversee the Platform & DevOps squad, which supports the Application squads in building their applications. My responsibilities include managing the team's product roadmap, addressing risks, issues, and dependencies, and collaborating closely with stakeholders across the Society to ensure successful delivery of the Core delivery plan.

What is the tech stack at LBS and how are we transforming this?

The Core Programme focuses on retiring our longstanding Libra core system and migrating to a set of modern solutions fit for the future. Libra, in place for over 20 years, has become cumbersome and challenging to maintain, limiting our ability to innovate. To achieve our goal of enabling homeownership for future generations, we are transitioning to more flexible and resilient technology. Key technology decisions include selecting Mambu as our new Core platform, leveraging Microsoft Azure for cloud computing, adopting Microsoft Power Platform to replace existing assisted channels, and implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 for customer relationship management. These technologies represent a significant shift in our current tech landscape, opening up opportunities we previously lacked.

How does your team contribute to Core transformation? What could someone expect to get involved in if they joined your team?

The Platform & DevOps squad is integral to the Core transformation, responsible for building, provisioning, and maintaining Azure infrastructure and resources, enabling development squads to build applications within the new Core ecosystem. The team defines Azure platform architecture, automates deployments, manages core services, and ensures security standards are met. Our squad promotes engineering best practices, technical excellence, and collaboration through a strong cultural foundation. New team members can expect to work with the latest technologies, dive into automation and scripting, manage infrastructure as code, collaborate with diverse teams, and engage in continuous learning and improvement. We value respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, fostering a collaborative environment.

What has been the greatest opportunity for you and your team?

The greatest opportunity for us has been the ability to drive substantial technological transformation within the Society. By implementing advanced solutions such as Microsoft Azure, Mambu, and Microsoft Power Platform, we modernise our infrastructure, improve efficiency, and enable innovation. This transformation enhances our technical capabilities and allows us to contribute significantly to the Society's Purpose.

Leeds Building Society stands out due to its strong commitment to its members and the community, driven by a purpose-led strategy. It offers a supportive and inclusive culture, encouraging continuous development, collaboration, and innovation. Colleagues are empowered to make a meaningful impact, contributing to the Society's mission of putting homeownership within reach for more people, generation after generation.

Leeds Building Society stands out due to its strong commitment to its members and the community, driven by a purpose-led strategy. It offers a supportive and inclusive culture, encouraging continuous development, collaboration, and innovation. Employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact, contributing to the Society's mission of putting homeownership within reach for more people, generation after generation.”

“As Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, I lead a dynamic team focused on our Corporate Plan, business partnering, and stress testing.

What I love most about my role is the enterprise-wide perspective it offers. I thrive on the opportunity to engage with various functions and gain insights into how our organisation operates as a whole. Additionally, nurturing talent within my team is a passion of mine, as I believe in fostering an environment where everyone can grow and excel.

Here, people are the true differentiators. Our clear purpose and vision drive us to collaborate effectively and innovate continuously. Each team member plays a vital role in this mission, and their unique contributions make a significant impact on our success and gives them a feeling of belonging. After all, it’s better to belong!

I believe that regular feedback and open communication, where brave and courageous conversations are had, are key in ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their potential.

I prioritise developing and supporting my team by providing opportunities for learning and growth, while also championing high performance that aligns with our goals.

We celebrate individual and team successes through various initiatives, from shout-outs in team meetings to formal recognition programs such as our Excellence in Action awards, that I’m proud to be on the committee for.

We make sure that everyone’s hard work and dedication is acknowledged and appreciated - it’s part of our culture.”

“I started my career here in 2008 in the Direct Mortgages team for around 18 months. I then moved to the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager and within a year, I was promoted to Branch Manager.

During the seven years I’ve been at the Whitley Bay branch, I’ve been lucky to cover other branches at various points. A particular highlight was covering the Gibraltar branch which I’ve had the opportunity to do four times!

In November 2019, I moved to the Glasgow branch on a long-term secondment for maternity leave and then moved to secondment at the Edinburgh branch. This was a great experience - new branch, new team and new city – how many jobs could offer you that?

What I enjoyed the most was meeting new colleagues, sharing my knowledge, and seeing them thrive and develop in their roles.

I’ve been given so many great opportunities to progress my career here. All this hard work has been recognised too; I won the award for ‘Most Inspirational Person’ at our Excellence in Action awards and was a runner-up for the Everyday Hero award in 2023. I feel like I’ve been able to reach my potential here.”

“Working at the Yeadon branch is special to me because the branch feels so involved within the community. All the other banks and building societies have closed in Yeadon, so people are very grateful that we're still here. Most of the time, our members come into branch with big smiles on their faces and are eager to have a chat with us.

The personal touch of getting to know them is widely appreciated - they always give the branch glowing Trustpilot reviews on the friendliness of colleagues and how they trust our support.

It feels great to work for a company that makes such a positive impact to members lives and how we help the local community thrive. It’s amazing to hear stories of how we’ve helped members feel safe and secure within their finances - it feels amazing to know that I'm part of that.

Working here, you know you’re making a difference when our members recognise and value the support you provide them.

Being in a branch is the perfect job for anyone who loves interacting with others and loves seeing customers walk out of the door with a smile on their face.”

“On 26 August 2022, I experienced very bad vertigo whilst at work and when it got worse, I decided to go see my doctor. I was referred to hospital and following three days of multiple scans, the doctor confirmed I had a meningioma brain tumour. I had surgery six months later to remove the tumour and needed another eight months for recovery.

This came as a huge shock but what made it less stressful was the support I got from my managers and colleagues. It was difficult to prepare for what would happen after the surgery, as there was a lot of unknowns, but my manager was always there to support me. Following my surgery, a phased return was agreed to as I was getting tired quickly, which was only natural after everything I'd been through.

My managers were there to tell me to slow down when needed and I know I could talk to them when I felt that I’d come back to work too soon. With a change in hours and constant support over the last two years, I’m finally back to a new normal.

What stood out to me during this difficult time was the care and support from my team and the business, and sense of belonging I felt throughout.”

“It's a privilege to work in technology here. It’s genuinely a great place to work, with an inclusive, forward looking, fun and customer-focused culture. I'd recommend it to anyone.

In my role as Head of Technology, I help build teams and develop colleagues to be high performing, diverse, highly collaborative, and most importantly, energised by our purpose. If you add to this the huge investment we’re making in the transformation of our technology and colleagues, you end up with something pretty special.

Our colleagues get to work on really exciting and modern technology, they’re trusted and empowered to be the best they can be. In return, they help to deliver some fantastic digital solutions for our members to help them to save or buy their next home.

So if you want to make a difference, be part of a huge digital transformation, be invested in and have fun, come and join us - you won’t be disappointed!”

“My career at Leeds Building Society started as a Customer Service Representative within Mortgage Lending. I spent 2 years in that role, developing my understanding of mortgages and supporting our members and became an Underwriter in 2020. Over 3 years I progressed through the career pathway and became a Level 2 (Senior) Underwriter. Alongside my role, I was an active member of the LGBTQ+ Forum that gave me the opportunity to bring my personal passion of inclusion to work and network with people from across the business.

Being in the forum supported me to secure a secondment in September 2023 as Inclusion & Diversity Senior Consultant. This was a significant shift in what I was doing and required me to utilise a completely different set of skills such as project management, strategic thinking and having the right conversation. During the 12 months of my secondment, I had the opportunity to lead on our Empowering Allyship programme, support the Society to achieve Bloody Good Employer Accreditation and support the Forums to deliver a programme of successful events. The support I’ve received from my new line manager from regular feedback and challenge has enabled me to stretch myself and I’m delighted that I was successfully offered a permanent position as Inclusion and Diversity Senior Consultant in September 2024.

To support my future career ambitions, I’ve recently completed the LBS Ignite Leadership Development programme, building on the fundamentals of inclusive leadership and effective management. The programme has accelerated my confidence to be an effective leader in the organisation, managing and influencing my relationships in an effective manner, fine-tuning my time management and achieve great results to support our I&D agenda. ”