I am responsible for providing executive search and selection services at management and director level, working across a number of sectors including housing and local government.
- What experience and expertise do you bring to your job?
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I have over 30 years’ recruitment experience and have successfully grown a number of recruitment organisations, including a start-up recruitment process outsourcing company that I led to a turnover of £20 million and my own management recruitment agency. This has given me an excellent understanding of what is needed to operate effectively at a senior level, enabling me to identify candidates with not only the right technical and leadership skills but also the drive, determination and attitude to succeed.
Over the last six years, I have focused on the recruitment of senior managers and directors. I also have experience of running assessment centres and delivering management training and coaching, ensuring that I can identify leaders who not only have the skills and competencies needed but who have the leadership style needed.
- What do you love most about your job?
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I have a very inquisitive mind and enjoy getting to understand how organisations work, the sectors they operate in, and the challenges and opportunities they face. I also find it satisfying placing a motivated and enthusiastic candidate in a role where they will be able to make a real difference in helping my clients achieve their strategic and operational aims.
- How are you helping people to achieve their full potential?
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I believe strongly in looking beyond the job description to really understand the key skills and experience that our clients are looking for, enabling me to engage with candidates with the underlying core skills, approach and capability to succeed. This means that I can help candidates secure the role that is right for them, including moving across sectors and functional areas. I work closely with my candidates to ensure that they represent themselves in the best possible light, including putting together a high quality CV and LinkedIn profile and being fully prepared for interviews and other methods of assessment.
- What are your thoughts on the future of your sector?
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The housing sector seems to be in a constant state of change, which makes it fascinating to work in. The need for social housing will continue to grow, and I believe that the voice of the tenant will be increasingly important, which will shape strategy and focus. Building safety will, rightly so, continue to be at the top of the agenda, and we are also seeing environmental and sustainability issues come more to the forefront. One of the most interesting aspects from my perspective is the need for organisations to become more commercial in the way they operate whilst still providing a high-quality service and looking after some of the most vulnerable members of society. This means we are increasingly likely to see more leaders with commercial backgrounds move over to the sector, which in itself can create cultural challenges.
- How do you prefer to start your day?
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An early morning walk with our crazy chocolate borador in the local Macclesfield Forest followed by a strong coffee.
- What was your first job?
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The first job I ever had was on a milk delivery round when I was 16. It meant early morning starts in all weathers every day during the week and on Saturday mornings, but it was great fun riding on the back tailgate and jumping on and off with milk bottles in hand! I’m pretty sure health & safety wouldn’t allow that now!
- What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies?
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- SCUBA diving. I am a qualified SCUBA diver lucky enough to have dived in the Red Sea and off the coast of Mexico.
- Taking our crazy chocolate labrador for long walks in nearby Macclesfield Forest.
- Following Chester FC as they endeavour (unsuccessfully to date) to reach the heady heights of Football League status.