Karen Longstaff
About Karen Longstaff
Karen Longstaff is a Regional Training Manager at Mind, where she has worked since 2015. She has a background in retail management and training, having previously held positions at Starbucks and CPM UK.
Current Role at Mind
Karen Longstaff serves as the Regional Training Manager at Mind, a position she has held since 2015. In this role, she focuses on developing and implementing training packages that address the operational needs of 80 retail shops. Her responsibilities include collaborating with Heads of Operations and HR Business Partners to enhance staff development and training effectiveness. Karen leads projects that involve traineeships, apprenticeships, and the creation of internal management and induction programs, contributing to the overall growth and efficiency of the organization.
Previous Experience at Starbucks
Prior to her current role, Karen Longstaff worked at Starbucks from 2008 to 2014. During her six years there, she held the positions of Store Manager and Classroom Learning Coach in Leeds, West Yorkshire. In these roles, she gained valuable experience in team management and training, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors in staff development and training management.
Experience at CPM UK
Karen Longstaff was employed at CPM UK as a Talent Management Advisor from 2014 to 2015. In this one-year role, she focused on talent management strategies that supported organizational goals. Her experience at CPM UK further enhanced her skills in training and development, preparing her for her subsequent position at Mind.
Education and Expertise
Karen Longstaff studied at The University of Huddersfield, where she earned a BSc in Geography from 2001 to 2004. Her educational background contributes to her analytical skills and understanding of operational dynamics in the retail sector. She specializes in designing and facilitating learning cycles that align with business strategies, emphasizing creativity, communication, and negotiation in her approach to learning and development initiatives.