As part of the MRINetwork organisation, Talent Partners are part of a network that has over 900 offices in 40+ countries with over 3000 consultants recruiting mid to senior management professionals for client companies across the globe. Here are the thoughts of some of our colleagues who are recruiting in the UK marketplace.

An Abundance of Caution Slows Economy

When riots broke out across England—first in the Tottenham section of London, then in other cities throughout the country—the blame was widespread. Some attributed the spark of the riots to government austerity measures including cuts to education; others noted the high youth unemployment—which has resulted in other civil disturbances in Europe and the Middle East over the last year. In a very literal sense, though, the riots started after Mark Duggan, an alleged drug dealer and gang member, was shot and killed during an attempted arrest.

“I think the riots and looting were opportunistic and little more than that,” says Sandra Hill, managing partner of The Hill Group, an MRINetwork affiliate in Manchester. “The economic situation throughout the UK is difficult, but the riots have given it a more desperate appearance than is actually justified.”

Current estimates show that the UK’s gross domestic product grew by 0.2 percent during the second quarter of 2011, down from 0.5 percent growth during the first quarter. Some have attributed the slowdown to an increase in the value added tax early in the year. Yet, as Hill notes, shopping centers are staying full and British residents are taking more vacations this year than in the last several.

While confidence may be returning for workers who currently hold positions, confidence has not returned to the labour market as a whole. “Candidates’ primary concern in changing roles today is job security,” says Hill. “Candidates are highly reluctant to explore opportunities—it often takes three or four requests before a passive candidate will even provide a CV. When recruiting today, our most important job is to sell the stability of the company. We have to highlight their financials, show that they are on solid ground, or that it is investing heavily in R&D.”

Considering that actively recruited candidates are dragging their feet, it’s no wonder that very few qualified candidates are applying for posted positions. Once a candidate is found, though, risk-averse companies are delaying the hiring process further.

“Employers are conducting more extensive background checks and vetting candidates to a greater degree than ever before.  More people want to be involved in the hiring process and companies’ attitudes are closely tied to short-term market factors,” says Hill. “The mid-August equity market turmoil caused many firms to reevaluate their hiring plans, some going as far as re-reviewing every open position.”

“Despite all the rightful concerns both businesses and employees have, we see green shoots,” says Hill. “The UK auto industry is supposed to be in horrible shape,  yet, one of the largest English auto companies is currently adding more than 1,200 positions to its UK operations this year. While the aerospace industry is also said to be in a slump, the Paris Air Show in June was one of the most successful ever for Airbus.”

“There is an abundance of caution in the market,” says Hill. “It is slowing things down, perhaps prolonging the downturn. However, in the end it is just caution. As business continues to be conducted, the necessary confidence will begin to return.”

If you are looking to strengthen your team in the UK or further afield then please contact Stephen Kennedy, MD of Talent Partners to discuss how we can work with you to recruit top talent internationally.

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Talent Partners are present looking to recruit a successful sales professional with a track record of success in the areas of account management and business development. Working with our client’s Sales and Engineering teams, you will be responsible for the development of sales of IT security solutions to Irish based customers. You will have responsibility for generating new business to new customers and for account management to some of our existing customer base. In addition, you will be required to be focused on the continued growth of our products and services in Ireland. Prior experience of solution sales in Networking or IT Security is required and preferably in Ireland or be able to demonstrate that you have successfully sold network products and you can learn a new product area quickly.

The role demands a highly experienced solution provider with solid experience of operating at senior levels.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate would be responsible for:

• Manage the growth and success of our client’s range of software security/networking/connectivity solutions in Ireland.
• Manage relationships with new and existing clients.
• Inform all relevant cross-functional team members of progress through regular meetings and link in with your colleagues.
• Be a primary driver and source of knowledge and information for the full range of products to your customers.
• By being a skilled negotiator, you will be required to build trust and understanding with clients
• Develop intimate knowledge of both your own and your clients’ business environments

Skills/Competencies

• Highly developed influencing, persuasion, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational abilities.
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to act professionally in all situations,
• Ability to “think outside the box” to solve customer problems
• 5 years in a similar sales role
• Knowledge of IT Security and ability to learn about new products and services on an ongoing basis
• Self motivated and hungry for success
• Enjoys a challenge

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Talent Partners are presently looking to recruit a successful business development manager for one of our client companies in the Irish ICT marketplace.

Reporting directly to the MD of the business this is a direct sales role selling the range of solutions (including telephony, recording, routing, self service applications) to the Irish marketplace. Our client has successfully built up a loyal customer base of local and multi national clients and the Business Development Manager will be expected to target and recruit new accounts to help the company achieve both short term and long term business objectives.

Key responsibilities in the role will include:

• Lead generation through a targeted new account strategy plan.
• Forecasting and managing business opportunities.
• Achieving commercial targets as per agreed business plan.
• Managing on going client relationships and maximising client value where possible.
• Working with internal and external vendor technical teams to build solution proposals and agree business terms.
• Manage, evaluate and review vendor relationships.

This role reports directly into the MD of the organisation and the Business Development Manager will be expected to possess excellent customer facing skill, strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to make the calls, get in front of clients and close deals. The successful candidate will be a hunter as opposed to a farmer!

This role provides an excellent OTE (with a strong base salary) with bnefits for the successful candidate.  Call Talent Partners today on 01 – 4428270 to discuss.

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