Member Spotlight: Grace Nolan, Operations Director, Embryo

1. Introduce yourself
My name is Grace and I’m the Operations Director at Embryo. I started out in the industry nearly 14 years ago as an apprentice and have really enjoyed all the roles I’ve been lucky enough to have in my career so far. My background is project management so any opportunity to organise and plan, count me in!

I’ve been at Embryo nearly 5 years and had the opportunity to work across several areas of the business before settling into my current role earlier this year.

As Operations Director, I’m responsible for our service function, supporting our Heads of Service grow and develop their departments whilst ensuring, as a business, we’re working as efficiently and effectively as possible.

2. Career highlight
Being promoted to Operations Director at Embryo. It was a big step up and a huge role to take on but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have a great team around me and I love finding solutions to problems and implementing efficiencies within the business. I get to work with all departments and no day is the same.

3. Name three words that describe your personality
Organised, driven, supportive

4. What’s the best thing about pro-manchester
The variety of the events that they host. I love that I can go from an event about how AI is changing the face of our industry to an event that focuses on how to empower your team.

5. What are your priorities for 2025
I’ll be starting a family this year so I want to leave my team in the best possible place. I’m currently prioritising rolling out new processes to support with team development and growth, including role progression, learning and development plans and our ways of working between all departments.

6. What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?
It’s great to see the ongoing development within the city. It shows the investment going in but it’s also nice to see a focus on green spaces taking a priority.

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester
The Alan – I use it for co-working quite regularly. It’s nice and quiet, the food is amazing and they have a great variety of free drinks. I always find that I have a really productive day when I work there and look forward to returning.

8. Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?
I’d love to meet anyone working in an operational role, no matter the industry. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve and speaking to like-minded people really helps me to learn how other companies are set-up from an operational perspective and if there’s anything I can implement within my role or team.

Phone: 0161 327 2635
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-nolan-41671155/