In this second edition of our ‘We Are Seetec’ series, we meet Hannah Parnell, our passionate and people-focused Regional Business Development Manager for the East of England, and someone who proudly describes her role as “the one I was born to play.”
With 17 years’ experience in employability and recruitment, Hannah’s journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping people thrive.
Her connection to Seetec goes way back, having first worked with us during the ‘Work Programme’ days in Cambridgeshire, and now – in her second stint – she’s more driven than ever.
From recruitment to purpose-driven work
Hannah’s early career in recruitment gave her a taste for supporting people into work, but something was missing.
“I was always more focused on the people than the commission,” she says. “If someone didn’t turn up for a shift, I wanted to know why, to make sure they were OK.”
That caring nature found its true home in employability. “I describe it as recruitment with heart. It just felt right. I absolutely adored it from the start.”
Why I do what I do
For Hannah, her work is rooted in personal values.
“I live in the areas we deliver in,” she tells us.
“I want to know that if my children or family ever needed support, Seetec would be there, and doing a brilliant job.”
That connection to the community fuels her drive.
I love what we do at Seetec. I’m proud of it. I get to shout about our impact and showcase the incredible work happening across our teams.
Hannah Parnell
A typical day
“No two days are ever the same,” Hannah says.
As a remote worker, her time is split between home-based collaboration and on-the-ground engagement.
“Some days I’m on back-to-back Teams calls, supporting bid writing, gathering local intelligence, and connecting with internal and external stakeholders.
“Other days I’m out at networking events, delivering presentations, or hosting partnership engagement sessions.
“I call them parties, they’re not, but if I can wear a nice dress, enjoy a buffet, and talk about Seetec, that’s a dream day!”
Challenges and rewards
Rewarding moments for Hannah come when her efforts lead to tangible opportunities: “I love identifying bids that fit our strengths, helping shape the submission, and seeing us go for, and win, something new.”
A recent example is Seetec’s bid for Skills Bootcamps in the East of England.
“Two years ago, we weren’t quite ready. But now? We’re stronger, with better relationships and a growing presence. Win or lose, it’s a sign of how far we’ve come.”
The challenges? Managing tight deadlines while maintaining quality and coordinating the right people internally and externally.
“Time management is key, but I also put pressure on myself when presenting or leading. I want to get it right, because it matters.”
Life outside of work
When she’s not making things happen for Seetec, Hannah finds joy in the small things in life: cross-stitch, puzzles, baking, walking her beloved dogs, and journaling.
But her favourite hobby is cooking for the homeless.
“I found it through Seetec’s volunteering days,” she says, enthusiastically.
“Every other week I cook for around 150 people with Feed Fenland.
“It’s surprisingly therapeutic, there’s nothing better than peeling 100 potatoes and knowing you’re helping someone eat that night.
“I love it!”
Work-life balance at Seetec
Hannah credits her managers with supporting a healthy balance. “I’m a workaholic, but I’ve always had flexibility to do school runs or attend family events.
“I know that’s not something everyone gets in other companies, so I feel incredibly lucky.”
What does employee ownership mean to you?
“For me, employee-ownership is about working towards a shared success.
“When one of us wins, we all benefit. Whether it’s landing a contract in London or launching something new in Norfolk, we’re all part of the same team, moving forward together.
“I just really love what we do, and I love shouting about it.”
