Gem Atkinson

As a former photojournalism editor at Bloomberg News, I bring extensive experience operating in high-pressure environments within global corporate structures and excel in stakeholder management. An adaptable and collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-led approach, I now hope to use my recently gained CIPD Level 3 qualification to secure an engaging HR role where I can demonstrate my ability to assist in attracting and retaining top talent, fostering an inclusive workplace, and driving business success. 

Andy Matthews Studio Ltd (London), Studio Manager July 2024 – Present

• HR responsibility for a team of 5 architects.
• Coordinating recruitment – writing job descriptions, people specifications, creating initial application forms.
• Preparing employment contracts and document packages.
• Developed and documented a new onboarding and offboarding process.
• Managing staff records and documents using BreatheHR HRIS.
• Produced and published our ‘Studio Wiki’ handbook using Notion.
• Responsible for creating new and updating existing workplace policy.
• Crafted a programme of CPD for architects to undertake, aligning with their mandatory RIBA/ARB topics.
• Project managed the rollout of CMAP, a new project, finance & resourcing management software across the studio. 
• Responsible for invoicing and cashflow forecasting using Xero and Float.
• Streamlined business overheads resulting in a 10% monthly reduction in operating costs.
• Conducts staff 1-1’s and produces notes for actions. 
   

Bloomberg, Photo Assignments Editor January 2015 – March 2024

• Regional management of Bloomberg’s photojournalism coverage for Africa, Middle East, France, Russia, Iberia and Eastern Europe within a global newsroom.
• Recruiting, onboarding and managing approximately 40 freelance photographers across territories.
• Tracked coverage budgets ensuring adherence throughout the year.
• Negotiated site/event access with corporate and government officials.
• Increased gender diversity of photographers on regional roster and built a global pipeline of new talent.
• Ran large-scale photo assignments in the field for World Economic Forum, COP27&29, Geneva Motor Show, Mobile World Congress and FIFA World Cup 2022.
• Undertook extensive cross-platform collaboration with newsroom colleagues in Bloomberg Green, QuickTake, Data Viz and Podcast teams to produce media features.

Getty Images, Senior Photo Editor January 2009 – December 2014

• Managed a team of shift editors to process live sport and entertainment content. 
• Responsible for curation of customer-facing gettyimages.com homepages using CMS.
• Managed onsite external commercial partners at FIFA World Cup 2010 (McDonalds, Kia, FIFA) including client support meetings, content curation and upload to media management systems.
• On-site lead editor at several large-scale sporting events, including London 2012 Olympics, 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics 2011, Queens Tennis, Wimbledon, Premier League and Champions League, supervising teams of up to 8 photographers.
• Acted as UEFA point editor in recognition I had cultivated exceptionally strong client relationship.

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice 

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely 

University of Westminster, BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Practice (2:1)