Deanna Zulauf

Why this persona fits the audience

Supports hiring at a 60-person SaaS company in Manchester with 8 contractors in Spain, Germany, and India; she owns onboarding checklists, contract routing, and payment coordination, and the company currently uses Oyster for one EOR hire.

• Age: 29
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Occupation: HR Generalist
• Income: £38,000
• Education: CIPD Level 5, BA in Sociology
• Company size: 60-person SaaS scaleup
• Years in role: 3

“It's all about building a solid foundation; if the onboarding isn't right, everything else becomes so much harder down the line.”

Deanna Zulauf's journey into HR began with a BA in Sociology from the University of Manchester, where she developed a keen interest in social structures and human behaviour. This academic background, coupled with a naturally organised and conscientious personality, led her to pursue a CIPD Level 5 qualification, solidifying her path in human resources. She joined her current company, a fast-growing SaaS scaleup, three years ago as an HR Administrator and has since progressed to HR Generalist, taking on increasing responsibility for operational HR functions. Her current role is defined by the challenge of supporting the company's global expansion through the effective management of its contractor workforce. She is directly responsible for the onboarding experience of 8 contractors spread across Spain, Germany, and India, a task that requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of international employment nuances. Deanna has been instrumental in developing and refining the onboarding checklists and contract routing procedures, ensuring a consistent experience for new hires. She also manages the payment coordination for these contractors, a critical function that demands accuracy and timely execution. The recent introduction of Oyster for a single EOR hire has added a new dimension to her responsibilities, pushing her to learn about more formal international employment solutions. Deanna is driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a desire for efficiency, constantly seeking ways to improve processes. She views her role not just as administrative but as crucial to the company's ability to attract and retain top global talent. Her financial habits are prudent; she lives within her means, prioritises saving for a house deposit, and enjoys modest leisure activities. She sees her career as a progression towards greater expertise in international HR, aiming to contribute strategically to the company's growth while developing her own professional capabilities. Her relationship with time is one of careful management, always aware of deadlines and the need to balance immediate tasks with long-term strategic goals.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Deanna’s typical weekday starts around 7:30 AM with a quick check of emails and Slack messages, particularly for urgent queries from contractors in different time zones. After a strong coffee, she’ll dive into her main tasks: reviewing and approving new contractor agreements, updating onboarding progress trackers, and coordinating with the finance team on upcoming payments. Mid-morning often involves a virtual meeting with a hiring manager to discuss contractor needs or a quick sync with her manager. Lunch is usually a quick affair at her desk, often while reading an HR article. The afternoon might be spent researching compliance nuances for a specific country, refining an onboarding checklist, or troubleshooting a minor payment issue. She aims to log off by 5:30 PM, but late-breaking issues can sometimes extend her day.

Lifestyle

Deanna lives in a modern, two-bedroom flat in Chorlton, Manchester, which she shares with a rescue cat named Jasper. Her income allows for comfortable living but requires careful budgeting for discretionary spending. She enjoys exploring local independent coffee shops on weekends, trying out new vegetarian recipes, and occasional yoga classes to de-stress. She’s saving for a deposit on a small house but finds the current market challenging. Her social life revolves around a close-knit group of friends from university and work, with regular pub nights and occasional weekend trips to the Peak District.

Work life

As an HR Generalist at a rapidly growing SaaS scaleup, Deanna is constantly juggling multiple priorities. Her primary focus is streamlining the onboarding process for their expanding global contractor base, which currently includes 8 individuals across Spain, Germany, and India. She meticulously manages onboarding checklists, ensures smooth contract routing, and coordinates payments, often working across different time zones. The company’s recent adoption of Oyster for a single EOR hire means she’s also learning the ropes of a more formal international employment solution, adding another layer to her workload. The pressure is on to ensure compliance and a positive experience for every new hire, regardless of location.

Relationships

Deanna maintains strong relationships with her parents, who live in the North East and whom she calls weekly. Her closest friends are a mix of university mates and colleagues, with whom she shares a supportive, informal dynamic. Her line manager, the Head of People, is a key professional influence, providing guidance on strategic HR initiatives and encouraging her development.

How they decide

Deanna is a methodical and research-driven decision-maker. She values input from trusted colleagues and professional networks, preferring to gather information from multiple sources before committing. She is not impulsive and tends to weigh pros and cons carefully, especially when it involves new processes or tools that could impact employee experience or compliance.

How they sound

Deanna speaks with a clear, measured tone, typical of someone from the North West of England, but without strong regional slang. Her language is professional and articulate, leaning towards precise HR terminology when discussing work. She avoids overly casual language or jargon when speaking to external parties, preferring a polite and informative approach. She might use phrases like 'ensure compliance,' 'streamline the process,' or 'positive employee experience.'