What do you do at MRG?
Since joining MRG in 2008 I have specifically focussed on working with organisations with a social cause, be that education, healthcare, not-for-profit, social infrastructure or public services institutions, on the recruitment of leadership roles predominantly in the real estate space and on occasion other corporate services leadership roles. Alongside this I’m proud to have been a Board Member of MRG since 2014 during which time we have seen fantastic advancement and diversification of the business.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
It is hard to pinpoint an individual moment or achievement as I have been very fortunate to have worked on successful recruitment campaigns for some truly inspiring and renowned organisations that exist to benefit society. This has given me immense pride and satisfaction as has the responsibility of becoming a leader in the business at a relatively young age and career point.
How did you get into recruitment and why?
When considering career options, I didn’t have a clear vision for what I wanted to do (by this stage I’d realised that a career as an F1 driver or professional footballer has passed me by!) so I’d undertaken research into the industries that offered the highest degree of meritocracy. Recruitment appeared to be both very meritocratic and accessible, so I therefore embarked on an assessment process with a leading multinational recruitment business and was successful in being offered a role. I was chosen to work in the field of public sector, and I haven’t looked back since.
What energises you about working in this sector?
Various things, but I’ll state three if I may!
- The recruitment campaigns we support have a genuine impact on society whether that’s by leading a project to deliver a children’s cancer centre, building a university campus to support world-class research and learning or regenerating a town, city or region.
- The part that we can play in giving the confidence to an individual to put themselves forward and then supporting them to secure a career move that is genuinely life enhancing.
- Supporting colleagues at MRG to go on to have incredibly rewarding careers that have a hugely positive impact on their lives, and often the lives of those around them.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
I would probably say the digitalisation and automation that can facilitate recruitment activities. It is really important to embrace new technologies and we have seen these enhance the recruitment process, but it is also really important to retain the human touch that is so integral to a successful recruitment process.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a keen amateur kickboxer and regularly compete in competitions.
What’s the best advice anyone has every given you?
It’s not necessarily a piece of advice I’ve been given, but I really do believe in treating others how you wish to be treated.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Focused, Determined, Fair.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
This was really difficult! I’ll go for a British actor that I have really enjoyed watching in a variety of roles – Richard Armitage.
Get in touch with Ben for an informal chat about how he can help you and your recruitment needs.