Candidate Advice


Is Your Career ‘Match Fit’?
It can be tricky to know exactly when to start looking for a new role.
Do you stay on the baseline and wait until someone serves you a juicy opportunity? Or should you move into the net to make sure you’re well-placed to get the best return on your time spent searching?
With Wimbledon on our minds, we’ve put together some top tips to help ensure your next move will boost your career - game, set and match!
As one of the leading independent recruitment agencies in Basingstoke, we understand that working out the best time to move and boost your career can be difficult.
According to LinkedIn, only around 30% of people in employment are actively looking for a new role at any given time. The remaining 70% are either people who are 100% happy in their current role, or those who haven’t quite decided if now is the right time to move on.
If you’re in the ‘not quite decided’ camp, here are some useful questions to ask yourself to help decide whether staying with your current employer is the best move for your career in the long term, or if you should start the hunt for that ideal next role.
1) Have my goals changed post-pandemic?
Many of us have had the opportunity to re-think aspects of our lives over these past strange two years. Extended periods of working from home, or changes in working patterns, have given us a chance to experiment with new ways of doing our jobs and often, new types of work.
Have your career goals changed as a result? If so, it’s worth asking yourself if the job you have now is the right one to help you achieve them.
- Does your current role offer enough opportunities to grow, and advance in your career?
- Do you still want that high-flying job, or would you prefer something that gives you more time with your family?
- Do you want to add another string to your bow and learn new skills or gain qualifications?
If your career goals are different from those you had pre-COVID, it may be that there are other jobs out there that can meet your new needs.
To find out, it is worth having a no-obligation chat with your friendly local recruitment agency to discover what's available.
2) Do the values and ethics of my employer and colleagues fit with mine?
Employees and employers alike have had to adapt over the past couple of years. So it's worth asking yourself if you're still happy with the ethics of the company you work for, or whether it's time to look for a business where your values and those of your employer are more closely aligned.
For example, does your employer support family-friendly working?
Do they treat their customers honestly and openly?
Are they trying to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment?
If these are things that matter to you, you should be working somewhere that you know is striving to embed those values and principles into how they operate too.
It’s also important to spend your working day with people with whom you have common values. We spend an average of 33.7 hours a week at work - probably more waking time than you spend with your family! - so it’s very important to be among people who you feel an affinity with.
If you don’t enjoy the conversation with colleagues, or don’t feel comfortable with the approach of some of your work-mates, you may need to change your workplace, rather than hoping that your workplace will change.
3) Does my CV reflect who I really am now?
Look back over the past two years and consider everything you have done and achieved: new skills, new ways of working or new technology that you have learned to use.
Is this all reflected on your CV? You may not be sure whether you are ready to move yet, but it’s a good idea to keep your CV up to date just in case. This will save you from having to update it against the clock when your ideal job comes along.
If it’s been a while since you updated your CV, check out our article on the Dos and Don'ts of writing your CV for some top tips.
4) Does my current job suit my lifestyle?
It’s all too easy to stay in a job that doesn’t really suit your current lifestyle, but it can take its toll on your enjoyment of work, and in the long-term, your wellbeing.
For example, you may travel long distances to work, when there could be jobs that would suit you equally well nearer to home.
Or you may have a job that entails working evenings and weekends, but now have family commitments that mean this is less than ideal.
Perhaps you feel that your responsibilities have increased or your job has grown, but your salary hasn’t gone up to reflect this.
We have a selection of local jobs on offer with a range of competitive salaries and can give you all sorts of detailed information about any that you’re interested in to make sure they will meet your career needs.
5) What am I waiting for?!
Right now, it’s a candidates’ market, meaning that as a job-hunter with strong experience and skills, you should have a good choice of options available to you.
But this situation won’t last forever!
A recent survey by the independent job board, CV-Library, showed that a whopping 76.4% of UK professionals intend to look for a new role in 2022 with a further 57.6% planning to reskill or retrain.
As more and more people come onto the job market, and with overall employment levels expected to decrease into next year, it is worth having a conversation with your local independent recruitment agency to assess whether it's the right time to ace your career by moving to a new role.
For a no-obligation chat with one of our friendly, professional recruitment team, call us today on 01256 334575 or browse our list of current vacancies.
Change ends please!
Photo by Guilherme Maggieri on Unsplash
Life in the Recruitment Fast Lane
People often move into a career in recruitment from all sorts of different industries. We spoke to Luke Arnott, the Manager of our Industrial & Technical Division, to find out why he moved from carpets and car sales to leading a team at our recruitment agency in Basingstoke.
Tell us about your career path so far and how you found yourself in recruitment
“I should really have been a carpet fitter! I started out working in my family’s carpet-fitting business straight from school, working alongside my father, grandfather and cousin in Aldershot.
But all this changed when I tore my cruciate ligament playing football. After surgery on my knee, I could no longer use a carpet stretcher or kneel for long periods, so I knew I needed to find a different career path away from the family business.
"I decided to apply for a role in automotive sales as knew that what I was good at was helping people, and working with cars was doing just that! I went to the local Audi and Vauxhall showrooms in Basingstoke and handed in my CV. The Sales Manager at Vauxhall invited me straight in for a chat and offered me a job as a sales trainee.
"I very soon discovered that my people skills meant I was good at sales. My natural skill was nurtured through excellent training from my manager at Vauxhall, and I soon progressed to become Assistant Sales Manager.
"In 2019, My partner and I discovered we were expecting a baby.
"While I’d thoroughly enjoyed car sales, it entailed working every weekend, so I decided to seek a role where I could still use my people and sales skills, but where I could have weekends off to spend time with my new family."
How did you get your job working for an independent Recruitment Agency based in Basingstoke?
"I heard about a vacancy for a Recruitment Consultant at Priority Appointments and was invited in for an interview.
"As soon as I arrived, I knew I was in the right place.
"I really bought into all Priority’s values. I had always done well in car sales as my approach was to be a consultant and offer people advice, which is exactly what’s needed as a Recruitment Consultant.
"Priority realised that my personal values, coupled with my transferable skills, made me an ideal candidate to become a Recruitment Consultant.
"And since joining the company in August 2019, my obsession with helping clients and learning all about their businesses has meant I’ve progressed to being a Lead Consultant."
How did you start learning about the Recruitment Business?
"I’ve been mentored by Priority’s Business Director, Tracy Welch, who has spent over two decades as a recruiter. When I first joined, Tracy taught me the ropes and introduced me to clients.
"Working for a consultancy that specialises in recruitment for manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution has given me an absolute passion for the sector. I love seeing how our clients’ companies work and understanding how they build products from scratch.”
Looking back, is there anything you would change about your career path?
”I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason - I needed to mature before I moved into recruitment. I have no regrets about the work I did before I became a recruiter as it gave me the skills I use to help clients today.”
What do you think are the three best things about working in recruitment?
“Firstly, I love the buzz - I was a striker before I damaged my knee, and get the same feeling from finding great people for our clients as I did from scoring a goal! There’s so much team spirit when we succeed.
"Secondly, I really enjoy building relationships and meeting new people. In fact, I have clients who have now become friends.
"The final element is the potential to do so well financially. In car sales, I had a very low basic with a heavily commission-based package. In recruitment, I earn a good basic salary and have the chance to earn a healthy, uncapped commission on top, plus other incentives.
"My partner and I have another baby on the way, so I need to keep doing well for my family.”
As your team grows, what are you looking for in the new recruitment and talent consultants who join the Industrial & Technical team?
“An ideal candidate doesn’t necessarily need to have worked in sales, but the qualities I’m looking for include:
- Being hungry for success
- Having loads of positivity and energy - having a ‘cup half full’ type of outlook on life
- Determination and the resilience to take the ups and the downs
- Warmth and approachability
- Able to build strong relationships
- Going above and beyond - making sure everything you do is to help both clientes and candidates.”
Why do you believe working for an independent recruitment consultancy is a better career choice than joining a large, corporate agency?
“We have so much fun here and everyone in the business has a voice. In some of the big corporates, you’re just a cog in a machine.”
“Choosing an independent partner is better for clients too.
"We’re very flexible and can tailor our services to fit the client, not the other way round. We also take the time to get to know people so we only put forward those who are really likely to be a good fit.”
If you think you have what it takes to build a career in recruitment, give Luke Arnott a call on 01256 334575 to find out if you could join our growing team.
From Retail … to A Career in Recruitment
Tracy Welch FIRP explains what led her to switch from Retail Management to Recruitment - and why she’s never looked back!
“When I left school, I was clear that I wanted to work in retail and I quickly got a position through a youth training scheme with M&S in my home town of Cardiff.
At M&S, I was taught that the customer is king (or queen!) - and that’s something that is still 100% at the heart of how I work today.
After a happy decade with M&S, I did a short spell working for another retailer. They had a very different ethos and I realised that this was totally contrary to my values.
Unlike M&S, I discovered that working somewhere where I wasn’t able to provide customers with the high level of service I'd been used to really compromised my personal standards and made me deeply unhappy.
I was young and idealistic and thought I could change the world - but soon realised that if I stayed there, I would have no freedom and no scope to use my creativity.
So I decided I was done with that way of working - and a 16 hour shift one Christmas Eve was the final straw!
Discovering Recruitment
At that stage, working in recruitment wasn’t even on my radar. Then a friend of mine was headhunted from an estate agency to work for a recruitment company and suggested I take a look at the opportunities on offer.
I already know that I wanted to work in a role that involved people - which always was and still is my passion - and I wanted to use my skills to help others.
On a more practical level, I was pretty keen to get my weekends and bank holidays back, and to have the opportunity to get paid more the harder I worked.
When I looked into working in recruitment, it was as if everything in the universe aligned! I found a sector that was all about helping people, and which offered a good starting salary and attractive commission.
Making the Move to Recruitment
I went for three interviews with recruitment companies - and got offers from all three! That was a massive boost to my confidence and made me realise that I had transferrable skills and all the right personal qualities to work in recruitment.
So I joined what was then Select Appointments (we became Priority Appointments in 2014), and Barbara Law, the owner and MD, suggested I spend half a day shadowing the team.
I found that I absolutely loved the work and the company and knew it was the place for me!
Building on Strong Foundations
When I joined, Barbara became my mentor. She told me she wanted someone to take on a senior role managing the business and I threw myself into learning all I could.
I did every job - running the temps desk, permanent recruitment and business development as I wanted to learn every aspect of the business from practical experience.
Barbara and I shared the same passion for helping people, the same set of ethics and the same values of integrity and service.
I was excited and inspired to be part of the success story of a profitable business.
What’s Great About Working in Recruitment
It’s now over 22 years since I joined the company as I am as passionate about the job now as I was back then!
One of the very best things about working in recruitment is that no two days are the same.
Finding a job for someone that will make a difference to their life is hugely satisfying, as is helping a manager or business owner to find that ideal person who will make a difference to their business.
One of my favourite elements of my job is meeting clients face to face (we’ve all missed that SO much over the past couple of years!). We’ve specialised in finding people for the manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution industries for years, but I never get tired of visiting new sites and seeing what makes different companies tick.
I also love it every time we successfully place great people in great positions and add to our collection of amazing five star testimonials from happy clients and candidates!
Plus, we all have a good laugh and plenty of banter in the office, as everyone works as a team. We may do different jobs, but we all have the same common goal of providing the best service to our clients and candidates.
As with any career path, there are challenging aspects to working in recruitment of course. Sometimes you can work really hard on a vacancy but it doesn’t always work out. At the end of the day, we’re dealing with people, and people are unpredictable.
But I tell my team that in this job, you need to be a bouncy ball and come back quickly from the setbacks!
Could You Be a Recruiter?
Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need experience of the recruitment market to become a recruiter.
What you do need is an inner passion to do the right thing and help people get jobs that are right for them.
This role demands impeccable ethics, strong values, integrity and - perhaps most important of all - really great listening skills. When I’m training new consultants I always tell them that a client meeting or candidate interview should consist of the other person talking for 80% of the time while you listen…really carefully!
We invest in training and support our team to add to their qualifications, working with our professional body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.
One of the best things about working for an independent recruitment agency is that we genuinely care for our clients and candidates. It’s so great to know that when we find the right people for a company we are playing a key role in helping to transform their business.
As we’ve worked in Basingstoke for so many years, our long-standing clients rely on us for local intelligence about the manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution markets. We always look to add value, so we can provide information such as salary benchmarking so they can be sure they’re offering the right package to attract the best candidates - even in the current challenging market.
Opportunities in Recruitment
If you want to find out whether a career in recruitment could be right for you, I’d love to talk to you with no obligation.
Give me a ring on 01256 334575 or email me direct at t.welch@priorityappointments.co.uk to arrange a chat.
7 Things You Didn't Know About Being a Talent Consultant
As a Talent Consultant, finding talented people for fantastic job vacancies is probably one of the most rewarding aspects of working for a recruitment agency.
You get to be responsible for matching candidates to vacancies, winning gratitude from candidates who have secured the job they wanted and appreciation from clients who need the right people to help their business grow.
Filling jobs sounds simple - but there’s actually a lot more to it than most people realise.
Top Talent Consultants are part sleuth, part matchmaker, part analyst and part salesperson - with a healthy dose of friendly advisor thrown into the mix, as one of our Talent Team, Liam Deabill (pictured) will confirm!
Leaving No Stone Unturned to Find Talent
Right now, there is a global candidate shortage, which has made the role of Talent Consultants and Talent Finders more important than ever to local businesses in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas, and to the UK economy as a whole.
According to Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director of the CBI, “People and skills shortage is one of the biggest issues facing the C-suite in all sectors and is putting the brakes on growth. It’s not a short-term issue that’ll resolve itself. Businesses must leave no stone unturned to attract and retain talent.”
That is where skilled Talent Consultants come in.
Here are 7 facts about being a Talent Consultant that you might find surprising:
1. You Don’t Need Recruitment Experience
Personal Trainer, Healthcare Assistant, Customer Relations Officer, these are just some of the past roles of people who have gone on to become highly successful recruitment Talent Consultants!
Although there is a lot to learn when you first start working at a recruitment agency, having the right people-focused attitude and plenty of common sense are far more important attributes than already knowing about the industry.
In fact, people who have knowledge of our clients’ key sectors of manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution are likely to have better insight than someone who’s already worked in recruitment.
2. You Can Earn Uncapped Commission!
Some people seem to think that only Recruitment Consultants earn commission as they are the ones who sell services to clients. Filling the roles that our clients ask for help with is a key part of the puzzle, so Talent Consultants also earn commission.
On a starting salary of £21,000 - £23,000, you could expect to earn up to £30,000 including commission.
3. You Work With Candidates and Clients
As a Talent Consultant, your main focus is always going to be on finding candidates and assessing if they are as good a fit in real life as they are on paper. But that doesn’t mean you don’t speak to clients too.
When we’re putting together long lists or shortlists for clients, they need to be kept up to date and given all the information they need about applicants. And once an interview has been booked it could be up to you to keep the key contacts at the client informed about interviewees.
4. You Need to Be a Good Researcher
A key part of being a Talent Consultant is knowing where to look for the best people. You need to have a systematic mind and be able to work through large amounts of information in an organised way. So while being logical is hugely important, you need to use your intuition too.
It’s the job of the Talent Consultant to ensure that the right people are approached with details of each vacancy we’re asked to fill. Sometimes we already know candidates who would be a good fit, but often it’s a case of using tried and tested resources to find the people who would fit in well.
The more experienced you become, the more you can trust your instincts when it comes to matching candidates to vacancies, but nothing replaces thorough research in the first instance.
5. There’s No ‘I’ in Team
Our industrial and office & commercial Talent Consultants work alongside our sector-specific Recruitment Consultants as part of the same team.
Although the roles of the Recruitment Consultant and Talent Consultant are different, success only comes by both working together.
6. You Need to be Confident on Camera
Lights, Camera, Action! One of the key ways we attract the best candidates is by talking about the great roles we have on offer. And the quickest way to tell lots of people about something is via videos posted online.
We use a specialist recruitment video platform called Odro to help bring jobs to life.
7. The Sky’s the Limit!
Working as a Talent Consultant opens the doors to other roles if you want to progress your career. If the sales aspect of the job is your forté, then you could become a Recruitment Consultant with additional training.
To find out more about the opportunities that being a Talent Consultant offer, get in touch with one of our friendly team at office@priorityappointments.co.uk or have a look at our current vacancies by entering the word ‘talent’ into the search bar on our Job Search page.
How To Choose the Best Recruitment Agency for You
Looking for a new job is exciting - but trying to find the best recruitment agency to help you find the right role can be overwhelming and exhausting!
There are dozens of Basingstoke recruitment agencies, so it can be hard to choose which ones to register with and invest your time in.
We understand.
We’ve been helping great people find great jobs in and around Basingstoke for over two decades, so we know we can help you too!
By choosing the right, independent Basingstoke recruitment agency, you’ll make the best use of your time and maximise your chances of finding just the right role for you.
1. Go for Local Basingstoke Knowledge
When you sign up with a recruitment agency, it’s worth choosing one where the team has good knowledge of the local area and the local job market.
At Priority Appointments, we’ve been working with some of our clients for decades, so we understand what sort of skills they’re looking for and don’t waste your time or theirs by only putting forward people who we know will be a mutually good fit.
We’ve visited the premises of our clients, so can tell you all about the working environment, as well as what the job you’re applying for entails.
2. Pick a Recruitment Agency with Sector Expertise
If you’ve built up expertise and contacts within the manufacturing, engineering or distribution sectors, you need a recruitment team that ‘gets’ the industry as well as you do.
As we talk to employers every day, we often hear about new roles earlier than generalist agencies. And by knowing the market inside out, we have a wealth of knowledge about local pay and benefits packages, so won’t try and fob you off with a job that isn’t offering the market rate.
3. Choose an Independent Recruitment Agency
Many of the big name recruitment agencies have a set way of doing things that means they may not have the insight to understand the ins and outs of a particular role.
Our commitment to finding jobs for ‘hidden gems’ means that we’ll be able to tell whether your skills are transferable into roles you might not have considered.
Larger agencies may have teams that work across more than one office, so you’re less likely to build up a relationship with one person. When your time is precious, having to tell your story over and over again to different people within the same job agency is annoying, to say the least!
We’ll never over-sell you as that just puts you in an awkward position when you get to interview.
Instead, we’ll review your CV to make sure it’s a fair representation of what you have to offer, and if we think you’re right for a role, it’s our job to let our client know why you’re the right person and to encourage them to offer you an interview.
4. Don’t Waste Time on Grumpy Recruitment Agencies!
It’s shocking how often we hear stories about people who have been treated in an offhand or even rude manner when they’ve spoken to or visited recruitment agencies local to us in Basingstoke or the nearby towns.
We are constantly busy, but - as you’ll see from our amazing reviews - we always treat everyone with courtesy and do all we can to help them find the right role for them quickly and efficiently.
As Priority’s Business Manager Tracy Welch puts it, “We never forget that above all, we’re representing you as a human. We can’t guarantee to find you your ideal job first time (although we very often do!) but we do absolutely guarantee that we’ll put our heart and soul into trying to find it for you.”
5. Make Sure They’re Professional
It’s worth asking a recruitment agency which professional bodies they belong to and the values they abide by in doing business.
We belong to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which tells you that we abide by its professional standards and regularly take compliance tests to remain as members.
Making the Most of Your Recruitment Agency
As with any important relationship in life, you will get the best support from a recruitment agency if you work with them, so they can help you find exactly the right job for you. We ask candidates who sign up with us to:
Give us as much detail as you can
We’ll ask you questions such as what type of organisation you’d like to work for, what you’re looking for in terms of salary and how far you’re willing to travel.
Make sure your CV is up-to-date and any gaps can be explained
We work with people, not CVs, so we know there’s far more to your story than what we can read on your resume, but prospective employers will always want to see it first, as well as listen to us telling them about you. We offer help with improving your CV as part of our service.
Keep in touch
If you get a call from your consultant, do try and ring them back as quickly as you can - they may be calling with an amazing opportunity which could disappear if they can’t reach you!
Whatever you do, don’t ghost your recruitment consultant! If you do find a job elsewhere, take a few minutes to let us know. We’ll wish you every good fortune and take you off our list of available candidates.
To take the first step towards finding your ideal next job in Hampshire, Surrey or Berkshire, give us a call today on 01256 334575.
Recruiter Advice


25 Reasons to Work with Us!
We’re 25! And to celebrate our Silver Anniversary this year, here are 25 reasons why so many manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution companies in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire choose to work with us.
And why so many skilled and talented candidates choose us to help them find their ideal job
Once we’d started, we couldn’t stop - we actually had a list of well over 40 reasons why our people work with us before we ran out of time!
But we know you’re busy, so here are the top 25:
- We’re passionate about people and do everything we can to get the best for our clients and candidates. This includes visiting clients' premises and making sure we always talk to candidates before putting them forward for interview.
- We’re market specialists in recruiting for manufacturing, engineering and distribution companies in Hampshire, Surrey & Berkshire. As such, we’re always happy to share our 25 years of local knowledge of the market with you.
- We help with temporary, permanent and contract recruitment so can advise you on which option is best for you, giving you a clear insight into the advantages of either type of placement.
- Some clients have been with us almost as long as we’ve been in business! We build strong relationships with the businesses we work with and pride ourselves on our honest and ethical approach.
- As a 100% employee-owned business, we’re all personally invested in providing excellent customer service – what we do and how we do it matters.
- Our team of professional, knowledgeable consultants have great insight into what makes the right candidate for any given job. We’re smart enough to look beyond a CV to find ‘hidden gems’ with untapped talents for those hard-to-fill vacancies.
- We may be based in Basingstoke, but have a national network so we can maximise the opportunities for finding people who are the best fit.
- We have a genuine interest in getting to know your business. We love to come and visit your premises to get an understanding of your team dynamic and work environment, so we can explain exactly what makes your company a great option to candidates.
- We gather detailed feedback following interviews so you have all the information you need to secure the right talent for your business.
- We use our decades of knowledge, expertise and intuition - not technology - to assess whether candidates are right for your business. You will always deal with a human being at Priority Appointments.
- You know exactly what it will cost you to fill each vacancy before you start working with us as we offer transparent pricing and great value for money.
- We’re consistently listed in the Three Best Rated recruitment consultancies in Basingstoke and Deane.
- We celebrate everyone’s success. Our enthusiasm and passion are simply contagious!
- We never over-promise to our clients, or oversell a job opportunity to a candidate – we tell it like it is so nobody's time is wasted. If it’s going to be hard to find the skills you need, we’ll tell you so and will come up with a way to resolve the problem.
- We add value by offering salary benchmarking for all types of roles so you know you’re in line with the local market.
- As your recruitment partner, we can advise you on the best recruitment strategies for the long term. We’re not just a job agency.
- We meet all our candidates and clients to get to know them. We find out about candidates’ interests and talents - not just their CVs. This means that as an employer, you’re more likely to get the right person every time.
- We’re here to help even when you’re not actively recruiting through services such as CV workshops, information on local employment trends and access to HR advice on employment law and contracts.
- Our candidate profiles and tailored recruitment videos give you an insight into candidates’ personalities, saving you oodles of time as you can quickly ‘get to know’ them virtually before you choose who to invite for interview.
- We’re proud to be a close-knit and collaborative team who enjoy working together for our clients.
- We know that your business isn’t 9 to 5, so neither is ours. We’re available out-of-hours when you need us.
- We’re passionate about our core values and demonstrate them in everything we do.
- We’re rated Excellent from over 450 reviews on Working Feedback. Here’s just one: “I was put forward for an excellent permanent role within a week or so of signing up. Fast professional service. Highly recommended.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from Michael Moorlen
- Our specialist consultants are very knowledgeable in their specific fields and can answer any questions about recruiting for the manufacturing, engineering and distribution sectors.
- We truly care about what we do: what other agencies consider “going the extra mile” is part of our everyday service.
The best way to find out how working with us is so different is to give us a call and chat with one of our helpful, professional team about your recruitment needs.
So to experience the difference of working with an independent recruitment consultancy that goes above and beyond every day, please give us a call on 01256 334575 or have look at the selection of impressive candidates we currently have on offer
Four Ways to Improve Your Recruitment Process
Recruiting has changed. The days when you could just put an ad on a job board and hope that great candidates would beat a path to your door are far, far behind us. In addition to partnering with a professional local recruitment partner, there are other ways you can ensure the best candidates choose your company by improving your recruitment process.
Unemployment is at under 3.9% and is not expected to get back up to ‘normal’ levels of around 5.0% until 2025, according to the Bank of England, so the current shortage of good candidates is likely to last for some time yet.
If you’re a manufacturing, precision engineering or logistics company based along the M3 corridor in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey in particular, this means that recruiting the people you need is becoming increasingly challenging. So it’s essential to make sure your recruitment process is as slick as possible to secure the best people.
But how can you make sure that top talent chooses to consider joining your business, rather than one of your competitors?
Here are some top tips from our experienced team in Basingstoke about what you can do today to make sure your company is a recruitment winner.
1. Tailor your Benefits Packages
You know what you have historically offered for a particular role or skill, but securing the best people today is all about creating the right package. You need to put together appealing salary and benefits packages quickly if you want to steal a march on your competitors in the recruitment market.
More than ever, attractive benefits are a strong influencing factor in candidates’ decisions. Incentives such as a few days extra annual leave or the opportunity for flexible working are highly valued, and are something that smaller businesses, as well as larger corporate companies, can now use to attract the best talent.
Applicants are demanding that job listings display salary information, so you need to make sure a realistic salary range is shown in the job ad, rather than statements such as ‘competitive salary’.
2. Involve Colleagues in the Recruitment Process
As employees, we typically spend around 1,800 hours a year at work, so it is no wonder that job applicants are keen to know who they’ll be working with and where they’ll be based when they are considering joining your company.
So involve colleagues and peers as part of the recruitment process, perhaps arranging for them to briefly meet promising candidates on the day of interview.
You can tell a lot about interviewees from how they engage with others, and listening to the questions they ask will give you a good idea of how interested they are in your company.
Current employees can have a huge influence on a candidate’s decision about whether or not to accept a job - plus, they are far more likely to trust information from other employees.
Ask your team to help find new colleagues by:
- Making candidates feel welcome during the recruitment process
- Leaving positive reviews on rating sites such as Glassdoor
- Writing positive posts about your company on social media
3. Showcase your Company’s Culture
Job applicants are interested in more than just the details of the role they are applying for. They will also be looking for insights into the company’s culture when they come for interview.
We visit every company we recruit for, so we’re able to talk to candidates about a company’s culture and ethos, as well as the job responsibilities.
It’s very important to give every candidate a good experience when they come for an interview - even if you don’t think that particular person is right for the job.
Small gestures such as genuinely thanking someone for their time and interest in your company and - if they’re not successful - providing some balanced and constructive feedback about why they were not chosen are always greatly appreciated and will help enhance the reputation of your company as a great local employer.
When you use the services of a professional recruitment consultancy such as Priority Appointments, we save you time by providing feedback to candidates on your behalf.
Our decades of experience ensure that feedback is delivered positively, even if the answer is not the one the candidate was hoping for.
Remember, a satisfied candidate might tell a friend about their positive experience. But a disgruntled candidate is likely to tell at least 10 friends how appalled they were with a poor interview experience!
And finally, do ensure that feedback is timely – don’t keep candidates in a state of uncertainty any longer than absolutely necessary.
4. Invite Feedback on Your Recruitment Process
It’s not just candidates who can benefit from feedback. You can learn how to improve your recruitment process by asking successful and unsuccessful candidates what they thought about their experience of your recruitment process. Gather information through a follow-up email which asks questions such as:
- How would you rate your interview experience?
- Would you apply again for a role in our company?
- How can we improve?
This way you’ll gain insight into your recruitment process from an applicant’s perspective and continue to improve the candidate experience within your business and make sure you’re doing all you can to attract and retain employees that will help your business thrive.
Find out How to Create an Awesome Candidate Experience with our short guide
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Why There’s No Time To Waste When Filling Jobs in Basingstoke
Tracy Welch, Business Director at Priority Appointments, explains how to win the war for talent when recruiting for jobs in Basingstoke.
When a client asked me the best way to secure the people they need to grow in the current recruitment climate, my advice was simple: “If you like them, hire them!”
There are of course very good reasons why recruiting new people can take a long time.
Businesses are, well, busy, which can mean that finalising a job offer can take an extended period of time. Many companies have internal processes and procedures that involve multiple decision-makers who need to confer and compare information before a formal job offer can be made.
But in the current climate where the best candidates often have two, three or more offers, there is no time to lose when it comes to securing the best people who can help your company grow and thrive.
Why is Filling Jobs in Basingstoke so Tough?
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (April 2022) show that unemployment here in the South East is just 3.4%, well below the national figure.
These figures are borne out by our professional industry body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). In its Jobs Outlook for April 2022, REC has said that large (250+ employee) and mid-sized (50-249 employee) organisations were notably optimistic about increasing headcount, at net: +33 and net: +31, respectively.
Where is Everybody?!
There are numerous reasons why recruiting is so tough at present. You’ll have read in the press that there are an estimated MILLION fewer people in the labour market than before the pandemic, which explains much of the problem.
Added to this is the fact that there are an estimated 4million people who may be dealing with health problems as a result of having had COVID, or who have new caring roles as a direct or indirect result of the pandemic and who aren’t currently in the workplace.
Put these factors together and it’s easy to see why the war for talent is so heated!
Mistakes That Are Costing Employers Talent
In a climate where an eye-watering 50% of UK employers are experiencing labour shortages, it’s essential to make sure the jobs you have on offer are attractive to the best candidates.
The most common mistakes we see include:
Failing to prioritise making job offers - when business is full-on, making a job offer to a candidate can get lost in everyday busy-ness. But in the current climate, a delay of even a few hours can mean losing out on securing the best people.
Overly-complex recruitment processes - many companies have recruitment processes that have grown organically over the years, meaning they have steps that really don’t add value and that can cause delays in making job offers.
Poor internal communication - sometimes employers miss out on ideal candidates purely down to one area of the business not knowing or understanding what another area needs. We encourage our clients to make sure all stakeholders are clear about the objectives before we present shortlists of candidates for interview.
Unrealistic expectations in terms of skills and / or experience - when we recruit for our clients, we always check which skills, qualifications and experience are essential, and what is ‘nice-to-have’. Employers that are unrealistic about the type of people they want often end up missing out on the best ‘hidden gems’.
Offering outdated salaries or pay rates - the rise in the National Living Wage and the voluntary Real Living Wage, coupled with the increase in the cost of living, mean that salaries and hourly rates have all increased over recent months.
Many firms are going beyond just increasing the salary band for offers, and are adding in-work benefits, such as flexible working, to help them win the war for local talent in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
First Past the Post
Right now, speed is probably even more key than offering the right level of salary and benefits.
In August 2021, LinkedIn published research based on an analysis of 400,000 confirmed hires on its platform to see how long the recruitment process took.
They found that engineering was right up there as one of the sectors which took the longest to hire new people, taking an average of 49 days to appoint new members of staff!
Recruiting for Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics
In our specialist sectors of manufacturing, logistics and precision engineering we’re increasingly finding that it is companies that can make offers quickly who are securing the best candidates.
Many people have told us that if they didn’t hear back after an interview that they felt had gone well, that they assumed the employer wasn’t interested in them, so they went off to look elsewhere.
So in a climate where great people are so hard to come by, making good decisions quickly is the best way to secure the best people.
Here at Priority Appointments, we help our clients walk the tricky tightrope between acting quickly, whilst still making sure that the people they employ in temporary or permanent roles have the right skills and attributes to fit in and become valuable members of the team.
Get in touch with our professional team to find out how we can help give you the best chance of securing the right people: office@priorityappointments.co.uk.
The Living Wage and National Minimum Wage
The new levels of the National Minimum and National Living Wage come into effect from 1st April 2022. The UK's minimum pay scales are governed by two different sets of regulation:
National Living Wage regulations were passed through parliament in 2016 and from April 2021, have applied to anyone aged 23 or over.
National Minimum Wage regulations have been in force since 1999 and apply to anyone under 23.
The rates from April 2022 are:
£9.50 for people aged 23 and over
£9.18 for 21 - 22 year-olds
£6.83 for those aged 18 to 20
Penalties for employers who flout the regulations are punitive. If an employee can prove that they have not been paid correctly, HMRC can issue a fine and insist that employers pay any arrears. If these monies remain unpaid, the employment tribunal could impose fines of up to £20,000. You can find out more about your responsibilities as an employer on the ACAS website.
Voluntary ‘Real Living Wage’ Scheme
In addition to this mandatory scheme, there is also a scheme known as the ‘Real Living Wage’ run by the Living Wage Foundation, which is based on the cost of living.
There are currently over 9,000 accredited employers who support the scheme which, according to the Living Wage Foundation, helps them attract the best staff.
As a reputable consultancy with some 20 years experience, we understand the nature of the local job market, which means we can offer you guidance on the optimum hourly pay rates and salaries to attract the best candidates.
For more information about setting appropriate pay rates, please contact Tracy Welch at Priority Appointments on 01256 334575 or email us.
How to Make the Most of Temps
Using temporary or contract staff as part of your team gives you optimum flexibility at a time when planning your workforce is particularly challenging.
With resources stretched to the limit, many manufacturing, distribution and precision engineering companies are finding that taking on temporary staff enables them to add key skills wherever they are needed in the business, from support and office functions through to the warehouse or shop floor.
Making temporary staffing easier
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s Recruitment and Recovery 2021 report, 61% of businesses are currently hiring staff on a temporary basis.
As Priority's Business Director Tracy Welch explains, “Companies want to keep their headcount as flexible as possible this year so they can scale up or scale down as their order book demands. As one of the leading temp agencies in Basingstoke, we’re finding a growing number of companies want to add key resources to back office and support functions quickly.”
One of the key advantages of using temps is that you don’t need to make any changes to your payroll, set up pensions or do the paperwork associated with onboarding new permanent members of staff.
Luke Arnott, Manager of our Industrial and Technical Division says, “When you need to scale up for a big order or to meet a contract, using temporary staff means you can quickly put additional resources in place to give you maximum flexibility.”
So if you think that using temporary staff could be a good solution for you, how do you ensure you get the best value from your temps or contract staff?
The Benefits of a Flexible Workforce
Here’s our short guide to getting the very best value your temporary or contract staff:
1. Speed up recruitment
Recruiting a full-time, permanent member of staff can be a slow business as you will probably need to see them twice, and multiple managers may need to interview them too. Once you’ve chosen the right candidate and agreed terms, they’ll probably need to work out their notice with their existing employer before joining your organisation.
By taking on temporary staff, you can have someone in place within days, with the peace of mind of knowing that all their paperwork Is taken care of by us.
2. Scale up (or dial down) on-demand
Large orders, seasonal peaks and staff absences can all affect the number of staff your company needs, while particular projects may mean that you require specific experience and skills on a short-term basis.
By using high-quality quality temps, you can adjust the size and skillset of your workforce and very quickly increase the headcount, or dial it back down, as the business demands.
3. Prepare for the unexpected
In addition to dealing with the normal pattern of sick leave, managers now need to cater for people who have to self-isolate for a period if they have been in touch with someone with COVID-19, or ahead of routine hospital appointments.
One local manufacturing company we have worked with for many years had a challenge in its finance team due several members of staff being on long-term sickness leave. This affected key processes which needed to be completed for supplier invoices to be approved and paid.
We provided them with four experienced temporary finance assistants who were able to ‘hit the ground running’ and cleared the backlog quickly, meaning supplier invoices were brought up to date and the supply chain remained uninterrupted. Several of the temporary finance assistants we provided have now been offered permanent roles.
4. Keep your options open with temporary to permanent
If you are not completely sure about the skill set you need in a particular role, employing someone on a temp to perm basis gives both you and the employee a chance to scope out the new role, and to make sure that you are a good fit for each other.
One of our clients, a well-known international distribution company, needed up to 30 temps to support their core customer service team in a particularly busy period and asked us to help them find the right people.
We were able to engage the new team quickly and provide in-house testing to assess their customer service, problem-solving and written communications skills before they were offered longer term roles as part of the assignment process.
Once again, several of the people we placed have been offered permanent roles with the company.
5. Gain a new perspective and additional knowledge
Where teams include a high number of staff who don’t have extensive experience in a given role, it can be useful to bring in an experienced specialist on a contract or longer-term temporary basis.
Not only will they have the functional skills you need, but less-experienced members of staff can also learn from someone with extensive experience to uplevel their own skill set.
Many teams have lost momentum over the past year, especially if people have been working from home and unable to meet up face to face. Including some temporary members of staff in the team can help bring new energy into the business.
The right temporary hire could also bring experience with processes and procedures from other organisations to spark fresh new ideas and help the in-house team grow and develop.
6. Be certain about what you pay
At Priority Appointments, we can offer local temporary pay rate benchmarking to help make sure you’re offering the right rate to attract the best people with specific skills for your temp roles.
We also make sure that you know exactly what you’re paying for. When you use temps through us, our Transparent Pricing commitment means that you see exactly what you will pay for each temporary member of staff. We clearly explain all our hiring processes, procedures and pricing, which is based on a fixed margin per hour, not a percentage margin or mark-up. This means that if a temp’s pay rate increases, as a result of a pay rise or overtime for example, there are no nasty surprises as the hourly margin you pay remains as agreed.
7. Choose an accredited temp agency
Many people underestimate how much paperworks is involved in placing temporary staff and performing compliance checks. Not only do we meet with candidates face to face to ensure the team fit is right but we follow rigorous compliance checks to ensure candidates can present the correct right to work documentation as well as evidence of any specific qualifications that are required for the role.
By choosing a recruitment partner which is a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, you can be sure that we will undertake all the necessary checks so that you don’t inadvertently breach any regulations with the people you employ.
8. Benefit from Continuous Support
Once we have placed a temporary worker, we will keep in regular contact with you to ensure their work performance is as expected and to provide support if you need it. We will also contact the temporary worker from time to time to check how they are doing.
If you are ready to find out more about how to make the most of temporary and contract staff for the choppy business waters ahead this year, please get in touch for a no-obligation conversation. Tel: 01256 334575 or email us at office@priorityappointments.co.uk
Your Smart, Friendly, Local, Flexible Recruitment Team!
As one of the best-rated recruitment agencies in Basingstoke, we specialise in placing all roles within the Manufacturing, Distribution and Engineering sectors, especially in Operations, Production and Supply Chain.
Just give us a call on 01256 334575 or email office@priorityappointments.co.uk - we’re here to help.
Latest Jobs
INDUSTRIAL & TECHNICAL JOBSWarehouse Operative
Our client is currently looking for a hard-working Warehouse Operative to join their business on an ongoing temporary basis.
As the Warehouse Operative you will be:
• Picking and packing goods – large and small
• Using hand scanners to locate goods
• Manual handling - Lifting and unloading goods
• Working in a fast paced, targeted environment
We would be interested in speaking to people who can/have:
• A minimum of 12 months previous warehouse experience
• The ability to work towards and exceed targets
• Be physically fit and able to lift weight up to 25kg-30kg
• A can-do attitude
Why should I apply to be a Warehouse Operative?
• £10 per hour, which increases to £11.50 after 12 weeks
• Weekly pay
• Free on-site parking
• 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday with occasional overtime available
• On site staff cafeteria
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this Warehouse Operative job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
We are always looking for immediately available people, so if this job isn't for you, please give us a call anyway and we can talk to you about other temporary opportunities.
Plus, we have a fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme where you can earn money by recommending someone to us who we then place in a temporary or permanent job. Call us TODAY for more details.
Stores Person
With the sustainable demand for their pioneering high quality products , this well establish global company are looking for an energetic Stores Person to join their well-establish team in Hook. This role offers some great variety and will see the successful candidate supporting the business meet the needs and expectations of their customers, by:
• Assisting with goods in and goods out
• Ensuring the production lines have appropriate materials
• Logging all stock movements via SAGE ERP systems
• Proactivley prioritising own work load
• Using a company vehicle to collect/deliver products, when needed
We would be interested in speaking with any proactive engaging individuals with Stores or Warehousing experience, or looking to start a career who can:
• Can drive
• Keep up with a physically demanding role
• Use MS office, SAGE and other computer systems
• Work off their own initiative
• Support other business functions to achieve success
In return the Stores Person will be offered:
• Salary of £23k
• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Free parking
• 21 days annual leave increasing a day a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Share incentive scheme
• General life assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free fruit delivered weekly
• Cycle to work scheme
• Well-being break out area
• Wellness activities and incentives
HOW DO I APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this Stores Person position, please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
7.5 Tonne Drivers
This massively expanding, professional and highly successful distribution company now requires multiple 7.5 Tonne Drivers to travel between locations moving items from various locations in the UK as instructed and within the requirements given.
As the 7.5 Tonne Driver you will be:
• Delivering and collecting products in a professional, efficient and timely manner
• Liaising and reporting with Transport Managers as well as the office and customers
• Adhering to all Tacho and DSA driving standards
• Maintaining the vehicle to a high level and keeping within compliance requirements
• Maintaining a positive image of the company brand
• Other duties as trained
To succeed as the 7.5 Tonne Driver you will need:
• A great positive attitude due to this being a customer facing role
• Must be a confident driver with a CPC licence
• Excellent work ethic and a team player
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Ability to work under pressure and at a fast pace in a high pressure environment
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• A can-do attitude
Associated Benefits:
• Free parking
• 26-27,500k pa DOE
• Hours 6am to 4pm
• Employee and store discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Overtime paid
• No weekends
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Surface Mount Technician
Due to the continued demand for high quality and market leading products - this world renowned company are looking for forward thinking, passionate individuals to join their highly successful and well established team. This multi faceted local company has under gone sustainable growth, year on year - employing 140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Surface Mount Technician will:
• Run a Surface Mount production line
• Use fine tools and microscopes
• Keep work station clean, safe and tidy at all times
• Follow all company and legislative procedures.
We are interested in connecting with established Surface Mount Technician or anyone from a quality or inspection background, who have:
• 1 year experience in PCB assembly
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 protocals
• A positive and proactive attitude to work
• Competent numeracy and literacy skills
In return for their loyalty the Inspection Technicians will be offered:
• A starting salary of £23,700.00
• Biannual profit share scheme
• Mon-Thu 0830-1700 and Fri 0830-1530
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Electronics Rework Technician
While this role offers a breath of variety, the successful Rework Technician will:
• Removal and replace of a wide variety of SMT components down to 0201 and 01005 dimensions.
• Undertake thru-hole IC packages and connectors including DIL, uBGA, BGAs PGAs, QFPs
• Build products according to customer specifications and requirements
• Follow company procedures and work instructions at all times.
We are interested in connecting with anyone from a Soldering or Electronics Manufacturing background, who has:
• At least 3 years’ experience in PCB production
• Hand soldering skills, preferably IPC trained
• Computer literacy (particularly Microsoft Office packages)
• A good working attitude and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety.
In return for their loyalty the Rework Technician will be offered:
• A salary of £25,000 - £26,000 (DOE)
• Monday to Thursday 08:00-16:45 and Friday 08:00-15:45
• 20 days holiday + bank holidays
• On-site parking
• Free Tea/Coffee
• Modern Factory with lovely facilities
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Yard Operative
This massively expanding, professional and highly successful engineering company requires a Yard Operative; to continue to exceed the expectations of their clients – while embodying their 5 core values. With a big focus on providing an exceptional customer journey, the Yard Operative objective of providing overall support to the depot ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner and to the highest standard.
The successful Yard Operative will be:
• Cleaning off a variety of equipment, using a high powered jet washer (30,000 psi)
• Undertaking a wide variety of tasks, while learning new skills
• Using computer systems to monitor stock and produce appropriate documentation relating to the depot
• Working predominantly outside, ensuring that the Yard is clean, tidy and safe
The successful Yard Operative must:
• Hold a current Counterbalance licence
• Have a positive attitude towards work with a desire to learn new skills
• Possess a good eye for detail and strong communication skills
• Be happy working outdoors in all weather
In return the successful Yard Operative will be offered:
• Up to £32k pa DOE
• 8:00am-6:00pm Monday – Friday (no weekends!)
• Scope for overtime paid at time and a half
• Free parking
• Employee-focused company that cares for and invests in their employees and offer ongoing professional development
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays accrued weekly
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Production Manager
Due to the continued demand for high quality electronic components and products - this world renowned, third party manufacturing company are looking for a forward thinking, passionate individual to join their highly successful and well established team. This multi faceted local company has under gone sustainable growth, year on year - employing 140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Production Manager will work closely with departmental heads to establishing strong relationships with internal and external stake holders, as well as:
• Developing and supervising a team of 10 direct reports and 60 indirect reports
• Prioritising work load effectively for dissemination to supervisor and line leads
• Producing meaningful and accurate key metrics to judge performance and bring about change to meet targets
• Being aware of delivery priorities, operational and financial
We are interested in connecting with approachable people, people that are natural leaders and who can:
• Develop team capabilities, ensuring culture of Continuous Improvement
• Demonstrate experience in Contract Manufacturing (preferably in Electronics field)
• Oversee department expenditure
• Translate production objectives into team objectives
In return for their loyalty the Production Manager will be offered:
• A salary of £50-55K
• Biannual profit share scheme
• Monday to Thursday 0830-1700 and Friday 0830-1530
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Assembly Operative
This Alresford based company specialises in manufacturing bespoke panels to high demand blue chip customers however due to the company growing they are now looking for a Assembly Operative to join working on an on-going Temporary basis to help with a new project taken on.
As the Assembly Operative you will be:
• Manufacturing panels to customers demands and requirements
• Assembly work
• Quality checking goods
• Maintaining the area to high standard
To succeed as the Assembly Operative you will have:
• Previous experience working with power tools
• A flexible attitude to make sure work is carried out effectively
• Adaptable
• Team player
• A keen eye for detail
• A can do attitude
• Excellent work ethic
• Due to the location you must be able to drive and have your own vehicle
Why you should apply:
• £10 ph
• Weekly Holiday Accrual
• 8 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday
• Free Tea & Coffee
• Free parking
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Quality Inspector
With exponential year on year growth, this sector front runner is looking to move premises in order to meet the needs of their current and future, private and commercial customers. This pioneering company provides innovative and technically advance solutions to a unique multimillion pound industry, To meet current and future demands, they are looking for a Quality Inspector, specialising in CMM operation, other duties will include:
• Supporting the R&D team to minimise defects and non-conformities
• Undertake quality inspection of internal and external components
• Completing manual inspections of in-development and final components
• Complete appropriate report and documentation on all items tested
We would be interested in talking with anyone from a quality background, with demonstrable proficiency in using CMM's, who can:
• Understand and follow technical drawings
• Work to tight tolerances
• Operate across all business levels to ensure expectations are exceeded
• Use other manual measuring devices
In return for their loyalty, the Quality Inspector will be offered:
• Up to £35k, depending on experience
• Mon-Fri 40 hours (flexible start/finish within reason)
• Ad-hoc bonus
• 23 days holiday + 8 days public holidays
• Free on site parking
• Moving to newly refurbished premises, close to local station.
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Boxbuild Assembler
Due to the continued demand for high quality and market leading products - this world renowned company are looking for forward thinking, passionate individuals to join their highly successful and well established team. This multi faceted local company has under gone sustainable growth, year on year - employing 140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Boxbuild Assembler will:
• Assemble products to customer specifics
• Undertaking some light mechanical assembly
• Keep work station clean, safe and tidy at all times
• Follow all company and legislative procedures.
We are interested in connecting with established Boxbuild Assemblers or anyone from an electronics background, who have:
• Hand soldering experience
• The ability to plan and prioritise work
• A positive and proactive attitude to work
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety.
In return for their loyalty the Boxbuild Assembler will be offered:
• A salary of £21,250 (Monday to Thursday 0830-1700 and Friday 0830-1530)
• Biannual profit share scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Mechanical Fitter
This pioneering company manufacture an array of bespoke machines to support the medical and food sector. Due to the nature of their work, no two machines are ever the same; offering excellent variety of work. With the need for their industry leading products on the rise, this thriving company are looking for a Mechanical Fitter, who can manufacture units from pre-fabricated components, as well as:
• Using a variety of tools to ensure customer specification is achieved
• Liaising with R&D teams to ensure that design and final product is fit for purpose
• Planning personal workloads to meet customer and business requirements
• Mechanically Assembling products to a high standard with some Electrical work
We are interested in speaking with anyone with a proactive mind-set and:
• The willingness to learn new things
• A focused approach to work and the ability to work as part of a team
• Knowledge of Mechanical Assembly practices
• Attention to detail and dexterity
In return the Electromechanical Fitter will be offered:
• 0830-1630 or 0900-1700 Monday - Friday (37.5 hours weekly)
• Up to 35k pa
• 2xSalary life assurance
• A great family feel company that prides itself on having a clean and healthy working environment
• Free parking and easily accessible by public transport
HOW DO I APPLY
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Assembly Operative
Due to the continued demand for high quality and market leading products - this world renowned company are looking for forward thinking, passionate individuals to join their highly successful and well established team. This multi faceted local company has under gone sustainable growth, year on year - employing 140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Assembly Operative will:
• Assemble PCB's
• Solder by hand to a very high standard
• Keep work station clean, safe and tidy at all times
• Follow all company and legislative procedures.
We are interested in connecting with established IPC Operatives or anyone from an electronics background, who have:
• Hand soldering experience
• The ability to plan and prioritise work
• A positive and proactive attitude to work
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety.
In return for their loyalty the Clean Room Operative will be offered:
• A salary of £19,700 (Monday to Thursday 0830-1700 and Friday 0830-1530)
• Biannual profit share scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Workshop Operative
This massively expanding, professional and highly successful engineering company requires a Workshop Operative; to continue to exceed the expectations of their clients – while embodying their 5 core values.
The Workshop Operative will be:
• Carrying out repairs, servicing and setting up OEM equipment; including using basic MIG and TIG Weld techniques and Paint Spraying
• Undertaking basic computer work
• Driving a Counterbalance forklift truck and operating an overhead crane
• Working in a fast-paced environment to a high standard, ensuring that all work areas are tidy and safe at all times.
The Workshop Operative will have:
• A Mechanical mind-set; with a proactive, positive and problem solving work ethic
• The ability to work under pressure, while maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Good, clear communication skills and the ability to use computers
• Counterbalance forklift licence (preferable)
Associated Benefits:
• Training and career development opportunities
• Employee-focused company that cares for and invests in their employees
• Social and motivational events held throughout the year
• Free parking
• Salary up to £34k pa depending on experience
• Hours 7:30am to 5pm
How to apply?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
TIG Welder/Fabricator
This well established, family run business are embedded in the Precision Engineering sector and are going through a strategic growth phase. As such, they are adding a TIG Welder/Fabricator to their work force. They are a third party manufacturer, predominantly working with a variety of steels and aluminium to produce a wide variety of high quality items.
The main duties of the TIG Welder/Fabricator will be:
• Using TIG weld technique to manufacture customer specific products
• Undertaking visual inspection of all works
• Support the overall function of the Workshop
• Uphold all company procedures
We would be interesting in speaking with anyone from a industrial or Workshop background, who can:
• Weld to a high standard, TIG preferred, MIG considered
• Understand and follow Engineering drawing
• Use manual inspection tools
• Pro-actively problem solve
In return the TIG Welder/Fabricator will be offered:
• Pay rate of £15 p/h
• Monday-Thursday 0800-1700 and Friday 0800-1400
• 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Overtime paid at time and a quarter
• Free on-site parking
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Rework Technician
Due to the continued demand for high quality and market leading products - this world renowned company are looking for a forward thinking, passionate individuals to join their highly successful and well established team. This multi faceted local company has under gone sustainable growth, year on year - employing 140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Rework Technician will:
• Removal and replace of a wide variety of SMT components down to 0201 and 01005 dimensions.
• Undertake thru-hole IC packages and connectors including DIL, uBGA, BGAs PGAs, QFPs
• Build products according to customer specifications and requirements
• Follow company procedures and work instructions at all times.
We are interested in connecting with anyone from a Soldering or Electronics Manufacturing background, who has:
• At least 3 years’ experience in PCB production
• Hand soldering skills, preferably IPC 610 Class 3 trained
• Computer literacy (particularly Microsoft Office packages)
• A good working attitude and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety.
In return for their loyalty the Rework Technician will be offered:
• A salary of £26,500.00 (DOE)
• Biannual profit share scheme
• Monday to Thursday 0830-1730 and Friday 0830-1530
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
140 people across 3 sites.
While this role offers a breath of variety the successful Assembly Operative will:
• Assemble PCB's
• Solder by hand to a very high standard
• Keep work station clean, safe and tidy at all times
• Follow all company and legislative procedures.
We are interested in connecting with established IPC Operatives or anyone from an electronics background, who have:
• Hand soldering experience
• The ability to plan and prioritise work
• A positive and proactive attitude to work
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety.
In return for their loyalty the Clean Room Operative will be offered:
• A salary of £19,700 (Monday to Thursday 0830-1700 and Friday 0830-1530)
• Biannual profit share scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4 x Salary life assurance
• Perk Box subscription
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Material Resource Planner
This role is great for someone who is keen to thrive and develop in an exciting production environment.
As the Material Resource Planner you can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits this company has to offer:
• 25-28k pa depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced Pension
• Private dental care
• Free Parking
As the Material Resource Planner you will be:
• Place Purchase Orders for material, based on the scheduling system for a 10 day window
• Goods Receipt palletised deliveries
• Check / receipt the incoming material loads on Abaca system
• Plan the loads of material based on production needs
• Improve and develop the material flow
• Managing inventory issues such as late & rescheduled orders
• Ensuring consistent & adequate supply of materials necessary for production
• Managing first order process
• Implement changes in an efficient and timely manner
• Liaise with Production Planner to ensure uninterrupted supply
To succeed as the Material Resource Planner you will need:
• Ideally experience in a production environment
• Good at decision making
• Very pro-active, organised and great attention to detail
• Knowledge of the system
• Ability to work under pressure
• Proactive approach
HOW DO I APPLY
If you are interested in applying for this position, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Junior Credit Controller
Our prestigious client is currently recruiting for a Junior Credit Controller to join their busy team.You will play an important part in building and maintaining the long-term relationships with their customers, helping to keep them informed of balances, resolving queries and supporting initiatives to prevent payments becoming overdue
Benefits you'll receive as the Junior Credit Controller:
• 22 - 26k pa
• Hybrid - 3 days in the office, 2 days at home each week
• Career progression opportunities
• Enhanced pension
• 24 days holiday and 3 additional days over the christmas period
• Healthcare insurance (after a year's service)
• Discount on company products
• 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (a 35 hour week)
• Private Medical cover
• On-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP),
• Generous Employee discount
As the Junior Credit Controller you will be:
• Debt ledger includes private & business customers
• Support regular credit control meetings with FWS to review account status & drive actions to resolve outstanding queries
• Maximise cash collections through executing process for contacting customers and also broader initiatives and adopting new technologies to facilitate payments
• Provide copy invoices and statements on request from Customers or internal stakeholders
• Reconcile customer accounts and allocating cash where applicable
• Answer customer general incoming phone and email queries
• Take credit card payments
• Add and remove holds on customer accounts and release held orders
• Update customer records (ensuring data accuracy)
• Work with the Credit Controllers to identify & help map process improvements to create efficiency & increase collections
To succeed as the Junior Credit Controller you will need:
• Experience of working within accounts collections environment, whether Accounts Receivable or Credit Control
• Experience of using SAP to manage and monitor debtor’s ledger
• Able to follow processes, with appetite to follow up on queries, ensuring attention to detail
• Proven record of going the extra mile to deliver exceptional service levels for customers or stakeholders
• Ideally SAP Hybris E-commerce
• Experience working within luxury brands / Private Client service environment
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Accounts Receivable Administrator
As the Accounts Receivable Administrator you'll sit within a small finance team and report into the Credit Controller.
As the Accounts Receivable Administrator you'll enjoy these benefits:
• 22-24k pa (depending on experience)
• Discretionary Christmas bonus - applies after you have completed a full year
• 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Thursday with a 4pm finish on Fridays (45 minutes for lunch)
• Full training provided
• 22 days annual leave rising a day a year after 3 years service
• Free parking on-site
• Free tea and coffee
• Although office is on the outskirts of Basingstoke, due to its location you'll need your own transport
Your responsibilities will include:
• Undertaking daily invoicing of distribution sales
• Credit control with primary focus on sales ledger
• Processing bank receipts to the sales ledgers
• Chasing outstanding accounts to ensure customers stay within agreed credit terms
• Resolving queries by liaising with both the customer and other internal departments
• Reviewing and distributing monthly customer statements
• Liaising with the Sales Order Processing, Service and Projects departments regarding the release and payment of customer orders
To succeed as a Accounts Receivable Administrator you will need:
• A polite, professional telephone manner and a natural aptitude to provide great customer service
• Excellent communication skills and an empathic approach to dealing with customer call-ins
• Great with Microsoft Packages
• Organised, self-motivated and good attention to detail
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Mechanical Design Engineer
The purpose of this role is to produce all electro-mechanical design work and documentation required to meet design specifications. The role requires the engineer to be responsible for confirming design specifications, with end-customers, and producing all schemes, calculations and preliminary designs!
As the Mechanical Design Engineer you will enjoy:
• Salary between 48-50k
• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Free parking
• 21 days annual leave increasing a day a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Share incentive scheme
• Workplace pension scheme
• General life assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free fruit delivered weekly
• Cycle to work scheme
• Well-being break out area
• Wellness activities and incentives
As the Mechanical Design Engineer you will:
• Generate new 3D models / 2D designs using Solidworks, DraftSight/Autocad.
• Generate clear and concise 2D engineering drawings and BOMS from 3D Models.
• Generate and maintain all design related documentation. This includes generating design files and logging all relevant calculations, as well as compiling all documentation required for CE approval.
• Modify and adapt existing designs under the guidance of the Mechanical Design Manager.
• Help support the production department by timely supply and generation of information packs and documents prior to production, including writing assembly instructions documents if required.
• Some Prototype assembly and test in order to fulfil pre-QA preparation.
• Improve existing designs as required or through own initiative / ideas.
• Present all documentation to Mechanical Design Manager in a thoroughly checked state such that potential errors are kept to a minimum.
To succeed as the Mechanical Design Engineer you will need:
• Has to have experience to a Senior level
• Practical hands-on engineering knowledge
• An awareness and knowledge of machining operations, materials, finishing processes, fabrication.
• Pocess an appreciation of electrical/electronic products
• Some experience of design of high accuracy mechanical devices and components would be useful
• Appreciation of tolerances for application requirements and economic manufacture
• Ability to use 3D CAD - Solidworks
• Ability to use AutoCad / Draftsight
• Good project and time management skills
• Knowledge of pressure vessels and design codes, and CE approval documentation would be helpful
HOW DO I APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Firmware Engineer
You will be responsible for developing robust and highly maintainable code running in advanced testing machines. You will be an integral part in the end-to-end development and testing of firmware and embedded software.
As the Firmware Engineer you will enjoy:
• Salary between 62-65k
• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Free parking
• 21 days annual leave increasing a day a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Share incentive scheme
• Workplace pension scheme
• General life assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free fruit delivered weekly
• Cycle to work scheme
• Well-being break out area
• Wellness activities and incentives
As the Firmware Engineer you will:
• Develop and maintain C / C++ code running on ARM microcontrollers and bespoke electronics
• Integrate code into new and existing electro-mechanical systems
• Be an active member of a high skilled multi-disciplinary development team
• Demonstrate problem solving skills
• Be actively involved in the complete development cycle, from design to testing, debugging and support
• Integrate with existing team processes on planning, version control and documentation
• Contribute to the design and development of new products
To succeed as the Firmware Engineer you will need:
• Degree in relevant field, e.g. Electronics, Computer Science
• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers
• Knowledge of Assembler
• Knowledge of C# and .NET
• Knowledge and understanding of Electronics
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems
• Previous experience working as a Senior Firmware Engineer
• Advanced knowledge of C and C++
• Experience working on embedded firmware development
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Knowledge of communication interfaces for embedded systems (USB, SPI, UART, CAN)
• Knowledge of software development tools and procedures (GIT, version control)
• Good project and time management skills
HOW DO I APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Head of Engineering
The Head of Engineering will have strategic and tactical responsibility for implementing engineering strategy and strategic operational goals. You will exceed customer expectations for product development, quality, cost and delivery, maximising efficiency, optimising and driving engineering excellence. You will provide clear leadership and vision, inspire and motivate staff to achieve excellence and mentor them as they develop new skills.
Associated Benefits:
• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Free parking
• 21 days annual leave increasing a day a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Share incentive scheme
• Workplace pension scheme
• General life assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free fruit delivered weekly
• Cycle to work scheme
• Well-being break out area
• Wellness activities and incentives
As the Head of Engineering you will be:
• Creating and implementing best practice engineering vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
• Ensuring that engineering strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Work with the rest of the leadership team to decide which engineering projects are the highest priority against the business targets and which can be executed with the available resource
• Provide leadership to departments under control and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
• Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
• Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information
• Responsible for developing the appropriate organisational structure, resource plans and culture
• Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate
• Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives.
To succeed as the Head of Engineering you will need:
• Demonstrable experience of leading an engineering function
• A proven track record in strategic engineering leadership delivering effective engineering strategies, policies, processes and systems
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimise team performance and development
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
• Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
• Technical mind-set
• Change agent who can challenge and drive process improvements
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this role please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Sales & Marketing Executive
Our innovative and technologically advanced client in Basingstoke needs a Sales & Marketing Executive to work within their UK sales team to support new and existing customers and manage the entire sales cycle, once an order is sent into the company. Marketing support to the team will include exhibition preparation, banner ad creation, LinkedIn updates and executing the marketing plan.
In return for loyalty the Sales & Marketing Executive can enjoy:
• A salary of 28-34k pa depending on experience
• Discretionary performance related bonus scheme
• Core working hours are 8:45am - 5.15pm however there is flexibility in start and finish times to accommodate staff between the hours of 7am and 6pm
• 25 days annual leave
• Pension scheme - up to 15% matched by the employer
• Opportunity to have dental and healthcare after completion of 3 months probation
• Be a part of an inclusive and dynamic team
As the successful Sales & Marketing Executive you will be:
• Entering orders and acknowledging customers within a defined time frame
• Placing orders with our client's factories to cover defined customer orders
• Maintaining price lists and the sales team’s working documents to capture data on customers and budgets. This will include updating new price list from the factories and reviewing gross margins against customer price lists
• Analysing customer stock requirements
• Working with the sales and purchasing teams to ensure customer forecasting aligns with forward stock management
• Executing the marketing plan, to include weekly updates on LinkedIn, marketing materials for new product releases, banner ad creation for Basingstoke’s email and video campaigns
• In-house branding and promotion of the premises and team
• Planning European and UK exhibitions, including marketing materials, logistics and hotel arrangements for the team. Some travel may be required to support the sales team at exhibitions
• Preparation for customer visits, sales meetings and entertainment, including booking and management of such meetings – logistics, hotels, taxis and meeting rooms and dinners
To succeed as the Sales & Marketing Executiver it is important to have:
• The ability to confidently talk to customers and build relationships
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisation skills to ensure all aspects of the sales cycle are administered
• Proficiency in Office 365 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook) with full training provided on in-house order processing software, with full training provided
• An eagerness to learn. Products sit in a niche and technical marketplace. Whilst no requirement for a science related education is required, you should be inquisitive and open to learning about products and markets, with full training provided
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• A team player, to support the sales team and build relationships with internal and external players
• Ability to work confidently on one’s own as the sales team are often out of the office.
• A driving licence is desirable but not essential and requirement for a valid passport to cover exhibition travel
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this Sales & Marketing Executive opportunity please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
IT Support
The successful candidate will have good all-round IT knowledge as part of the role will involve being ‘hands on’ with day to day IT related issues and support, you must be comfortable in attending meetings, talking to suppliers and customers.
Associated Benefits:
• 28-30k pa (depending on experience)
• Working hours of 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday
• Quarterly bonus scheme based on company sales - 10% of salary (applicable after probation)
• Career progression opportunities
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Wellness programme
• Team events (e.g. BBQs)
• On-site parking
• Yearly salary reviews
Your responsibilities will include:
• Providing technical support or training for systems, networks, and users
• Install and configure software and hardware (printers, laptops, network equipment etc.)
• Managing and maintaining a company's technological equipment, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones
• Evaluating and recommending software purchases to the company
• Perform other ad-hoc projects or tasks as assigned
• Creating instructions for program installation sequences
• Performing backups and restoring lost data as needed
• Participate in reviewing and updating the web site content and the creation of a long-term web strategy
To succeed you will need:
• Previous working experience as IT coordinator or similar role
• In-depth knowledge of a variety of IT systems, databases, and applications
• Familiarity with TCP/IP protocols and LAN/WAN configuration, also servers, NAS devices and various network equipment
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting and repairing complex IT issues
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with technical and non-technical personnel
• BA Information Technology, Computer Science, or similar relevant field
• Proficient in Office 365 suite and AD administration
• Experience using VoIP preferably Horizon
HOW DO I APPLY
If you are interested in applying for this position, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Production Planner
As the Production Planner, you will be scheduling and coordinating products from orders through manufacturing to completion, ensuring maximum performance and minimum delay. You will be working closely with the Production team to schedule work according to customer requirements and with the procurement team to understand any constraints potentially affecting the order completion date. Reporting to the Business Systems Analyst/Planning Manager, you will take responsibility for all daily planning activities feeding and receiving information into production, purchasing and sales to enable them to achieve their business KPI’s.
As the Production Planner you will enjoy:
• Salary between 26-28k
• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Free parking
• 21 days annual leave increasing a day a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Share incentive scheme
• Workplace pension scheme
• General life assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free daily catered lunch
• Free fruit delivered weekly
• Cycle to work scheme
• Well-being break out area
• Wellness activities and incentives
As the Production Planner you will:
• Manage the planning and scheduling of Works Orders (WO’s) to ensure Sales Orders (SO’s) are planned according to customer lead time and shipped on time in full
• Manage allocation of sales orders to ensure key dates achieved in full and MRP can run effectively
• Prepare MRP to ensure it runs effectively and is processed as per agreed schedule
• Work closely with the Procurement team to ensure any issues identified potentially affecting SO/WO’s are dealt with in a timely manner
• Liaise with key stakeholders to ensure system promised dates are adhered to, working closely with the procurement team to ensure any issues identified potentially affecting SO/WO’s are dealt with in a timely manner
• Main point of contact for all sales order status updates and queries including escalation of issues, and reporting on any delays, increased risks or missed milestones for sales orders on a weekly basis
• Liaise with relevant departments to support resolution of QA lines and SMI’s raised, review the impact on WO/SO and advise accordingly
• Work closely with key stakeholders to review and improve current processes
To succeed as the Production Planner you will need:
• Good understanding and experience of SAGE 200 ERP or similar, along with ERP and MRP systems
• 3-5 years’ work experience in a Planning role
• A team player, with a strong desire to succeed, a ‘can do’ attitude
• Confidence dealing with day to day queries independently
• Excellent verbal, written communication and strong excel skills
• Have a high level of initiative and ability to influence and engage with key stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent time management
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Change agent who can challenge and drive process improvements
HOW DO I APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this Production Planner position, please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Customer Service Advisor
If you’re someone who is a quick-learner with a team-player mentality and believes in putting the customer first, then this is the role for you!
Associated Benefits:
• Salary of 19.5k
• Career progression opportunities
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 28 day
• Discounts and savings hub
• Healthcare cash plan
• Death in Service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Robust Employee Assistance Programme
As the Customer Service Advisor you will be:
• Answering incoming calls and ensuring excellent customer service is provided
• Directing calls to the relevant departments or passing on messages
• Logging customer call outs into the company's service system
• Building rapport with customers by being professional, helpful and flagging any customer concerns with the team
• Updating and maintaining customer records
• Carrying out other adhoc administrative duties as required
To succeed as the Customer Service Advisor you will need:
• Previous experience within a customer service or call centre environment
• Outstanding communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, ever changing environment
• An eye for detail, taking pride in your work and willing to go the extra mile to ensure quality
• Good understanding of Outlook and IT/database systems
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this role please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Sales Account Manager
The ideal candidate will have a strong sales background and understanding of the sales process. You will be responsible for securing and maintaining a profitable revenue stream, attend client meetings and network with clients and prospects to establish strong strategic partnerships and relationships.
As the Sales Account Manager you can enjoy these fantastic benefits:
• Hybrid working arrangement of attending the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week
• A salary of up to 40-45k plus uncapped commission
• Car allowance
• 22 days holiday entitlement rising to 25 days after 5 plus years’ service
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Company supported CSR volunteer day plus two days for personal well-being
• Pension – including option to join Salary Exchange for Pension scheme (SXP)
• Death in service
• Private medical insurance
• Corporate gym membership available, partially subsidised by the company
• Salary sacrifice charity donation scheme
• Christmas savings club
• Free parking
As the Sales Account Manager your responsibilities will include:
• Managing a portfolio of accounts to achieve long-term success
• Developing positive customer relationships and owning account needs end to end whilst supported by other departments
• Generating new sales using existing and potential customer networks
• Being prepared for and attending weekly management meetings, monthly business reviews and quarterly business reviews
• Working directly with vendors and suppliers to build relationships and understand roadmaps and industry trends to promote
To succeed as the Sales Account Manager you will have:
• Ability to break down customer issues and make suggestions to what you can and will implement to improve the customer process
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and a confident telephone manner
• A passion to drive new business and ability to work within a fast-paced environment
• Be a highly motivated pro-active self-starter who can think on their feet
• Ability to build additional service offerings around existing product sets and contribute to new ideas
• Career focused with a desire to work within a dynamic sales team
• Flexible and willing to travel to remote sites
• Competent in MS office package i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc
• Knowledge of Distribution and the Channel is ideal
• Interest and experience of IT Sector
HOW DO I APPLY:
If you are interested in applying for this Sales Account Manager position, please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme call us TODAY for more details.
Design Engineer
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on individual to become an important part of a small progressive team as a Design Engineer. This varied role will include product design and development, technical documentation, quality control and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
Associated benefits:
• Salary between 35-45k depending on experience
• 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays, Christmas shut-down
• Full Axa Healthcare for you and your family including dental and optical (after 1 year of service)
• Discretionary bonus
• Free parking
As the Design Engineer you will be:
• Liaising with national and international supplier base
• Be involved with product development and design
• Maintaining and controlling CAD library
• Quality control for procedures
• Responsible for the maintenance of the Quality Management system in accordance with ISO 9001 and annual audits
• All aspects of quality control including the generation of test reports, quality reports, non-conformance reports including corrective and preventive actions
To succeed as the Design Engineer you will need:
• To be resilient, self-motivated and confident and to be a team player
• Will need 2-3 years experience in manufacturing or engineer background
• Excellent grasp of engineering & design principles
• Knowledge of Solidworks
• Experience using CAD packages
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 is essential
• Proficient use in Microsoft office products to an intermediate level
• Computer literate
• Exceptional organisational skills
• Overseas travel will be required
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this job please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Events Assistant
The Events Assistant will work collaboratively with the Marketing team supporting the planning and delivery of a wide range of projects and events!
As the Events Assistant you can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits this company has to offer:
• Up to 25k pa depending on experience
• 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Subsided canteen
• Private healthcare
• Private dental care
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
As the Events Assistant you will be:
• Supporting the Events Executive to plan and deliver shows and events (external and internal)
• Supporting on-stand activities e.g. meet and greet, maintaining brochure stock, supporting lead capture
• Supporting the Marketing Communications Manager to organise and deliver events, competitions, travel and other sponsorship activation activities
• Supporting admin to training cams and live events
To succeed as the Events Assistant you will need:
• Lots of energy, possess a can-do attitude and a willingness to embrace new challenges
• Willingness to support with the full range of event activities including packing, carrying and transporting marketing stock
• Availability for regular travel across the UK including nights, weekends and unsociable hours when required
• Must have a full clean UK driving licence and have the confidence (or ideally experience) in driving small vans
• A willingness to lift and carry products
HOW DO I APPLY
If you are interested in applying for this Events Assistant position, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Tender Manager
This is an exciting opportunity for a Tender Manager who is motivated, and looking for a varied role. Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting their clients from initial bid qualification stage through to contract award, and helping ensure that all tender deadlines are met.
As the Tender Manager you will enjoy:
• A competitive salary between 35-40k
• Financial support for CIPS qualifications
• Hybrid working (2/3 split)
• Generous holiday allowance
• Company a pension scheme with matched employer contributions up to 5%
• A comprehensive well-being package
• ‘Perks at Work’ package
• Access to off-site training courses
• 9am - 5pm working hours
As the Tender Manager you will be responsible for:
• Support the Tender and Compliance Officer in the production of professional, high quality and Public Contracts Regulations tender documentation
• Assisting with producing Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation
• Liaise with customers and suppliers via phone, email, or face to face, as required
• Coordinate bid diaries/timeliness to ensure tender deadlines are met
• Complete financial analysis of bid pricing
• Attend on-site visits and bidder presentation days
• Create high standard, detailed but easy to understand post-project Procurement Audit Reports for clients (based on existing templates)
• Follow up supplier references in a professional manner (where required)
• Use and manage In-Tend e-procurement software
• Consistently review all precedent tender documentation to improve usability from both an internal and external prospective
• Maintain information held within the Infusionsoft CRM database
You will need the below to succeed as the Tender Manager:
• Experience in a procurement role
• Knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (desirable)
• Expertise in bid evaluation and analysis
• Experience of report writing and presenting
• Use of In-Tend (or similar) e-procurement software (desirable, but not essential)
• Experience in the education sector (desirable)
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and professionally with the team, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders
• High degree of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail, along with the ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to learn quickly and work with new processes and systems
• Excellent personal organisational planning and management skills along with the ability to handle multiple projects at different stages of development simultaneously
• Full driving licence as you will be required to travel to different sites
HOW DO I APPLY?
If you are interested in applying for this role please use the link or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Sales Administrator
This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking for a stable and varied role within the customer service department.
As the Sales Administrator you can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits this company has to offer:
• Salary between 21-26k depending on experience
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays ( 3 days to be kept for Christmas)
• Pension Scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Friendly team
• Potential yearly bonus
As the Sales Administrator you will be:
•Answering the telephone and dealing with customer enquiries
•Respond to queries on our helpdesk software platform
•Receiving orders from sales reps/customers
•Authorise and log RMAs
•Liaise with logistics regarding RMA collection & return
•Enter orders into ERP system (Cin7)
•Generating quotes
•Create and prioritise backorders
•Communicate order status to customers
•Create general POs and send general POs to suppliers
To succeed as the Sales Administrator you will need:
• Lots of energy, possess a can-do attitude and a willingness to embrace new challenges
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines
• Good attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Computer literate and comfortable with Word and Excel and CRM systems
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Ideally experience using CRM/ERP/RMA systems
HOW DO I APPLY
If you are interested in applying for this position, please use the link, or give one of our friendly team a call on 01256 334 575.
If this is not the job for you, but you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch and take advantage of our fantastic ‘RECOMMEND A FRIEND’ scheme. Call us TODAY for more details.
Areas We Serve
We look after clients in the following towns within Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire:
Aldermaston, Aldershot, Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Bordon, Bracknell, Camberley, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet, Frimley, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Newbury, Overton, Whitchurch, Winchester, Winnersh, Wokingham, Yateley and the surrounding areas.
Send Us Your CV or Profile
It’s easy! Just upload your CV from your computer or cloud - or just ping us your Linkedin Profile
SEND NOWLooking for great people?
People. They‘re what makes a business tick. We specialise in finding great people for great businesses in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
Testimonials

We've Moved!
After 25 years in Basingstoke town, we’ve moved to smart new offices in Basing View.
Our new premises give us more space to accommodate our growing team and we’re still close to many of our clients in the surrounding business and industrial parks.
Our new address is:
Suite 2.03, Network House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4HG
Our phone number and email addresses remain unchanged.
Feel free to pop in for a cuppa and a chat about how we can help you either find a great new job or great people to join your team anytime... I'm sure we'll find the kettle very soon!
And in the meantime, have a browse through our latest candidates here:
and our latest jobs here:


"Aways Happy to Help and Go the Extra Mile”
Our Temp of the Month for June is Katie, who's a part-time receptionist at a local construction firm here in Basingstoke.
Her Manager said, "Katie has fitted in well to our team - she's always happy to help and go the extra mile if needs be.”
She won a £25 gift card of her choice.


We're Future Fit and Now 100% Employee-Owned
We’re very happy to announce that we’ve been helping great companies find great people in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire for a quarter of a century this year!
And as the chosen recruitment partner for our clients in the manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution sectors since 1997, we’re celebrating our Silver Anniversary, by becoming a fully employee-owned company on 24th June 2022 - National Employee Ownership Day!
This makes us one of the first independent recruitment consultancies in the south-east to become owned by its employees.
Our Founder and current MD, Barbara Law, explained what the change means:
“Although our ownership structure has changed, as far as our clients and the people we help to find jobs are concerned, nothing will look any different.
“Our clients and candidates will receive the same friendly, professional and responsive service they have always enjoyed, with the added benefit of knowing that the team who help them are now co-owners of the company with an even greater vested interest in making sure that we provide a top-notch service.”
We will continue to be called Priority Appointments and will be led by Tracy Welch, who will now become Managing Director, together with the senior management team.
Barbara Law will remain a Director of the company, focussing on performance and overall strategy.
Tracy Welch added, “We’re all very excited to become business owners and are looking forward to building the company as a team by continuing to find great people for great local manufacturing, precision engineering and distribution firms.”
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association (EOA), commented on the transfer of ownership saying: “We congratulate our member Priority Appointments on its transition to employee ownership; securing the ethos, values, and culture of the business, as well as rooting jobs in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.
“Businesses that give employees a stake and a say build trust and shared responsibility, uniting leaders and employees behind a common purpose, leaving businesses in a better position to flex and adapt.”
There are now over 800 employee-owned businesses in the UK with this succession solution being one of the fastest growing in the UK. 300 of those having transitioned since 2020.
This growth is due to the use of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which was introduced by the government in 2014 to encourage long-term employee ownership.
One in every 20 private company sales is now an EOT, with Priority Appointments joining a network of EOTs in the UK that include Richer Sounds and Go Ape.


CASE STUDY: Gowrings Versa Mobility
Gowrings Versa Mobility is a vehicle amendment company that specialises in wheelchair accessible vehicles.
The company adapts, sells, rents and services new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles from its premises in Thatcham, Berkshire and West Yorkshire.
With a fifty year track record behind it, Gowrings prides itself on being the first choice supplier of quality, trusted and innovative wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
The Challenge
Gowrings were struggling to find the right candidates for an urgent production operative vacancy, despite having run multiple posts on job boards and advertising on a large banner outside the business.
Priority Appointment’s Industrial & Technical Manager, Luke Arnott, contacted Gowring’s operations manager, Jerry Kemble-Young, and visited him at their premises.
The Solution
Once Luke had taken a brief and fully understood what they were looking for, the Priority Appointments team were soon able to find candidates with relevant experience. One ideal candidate was then quickly offered the job.
Jerry Kemble-Young, Operations Manager, Gowrings Versa Mobility said, “As a company with a good local reputation, we thought that finding new production staff would be easy. However, we were mistaken.
"Luke Arnott visited our premises in Thatcham having seen the banner outside and we explained what type of person we needed to find and what skills they should have.
"After we’d been looking for months, Luke and the team at Priority were able to find someone who has fitted in really well with everyone.
"We would certainly consider using their services again the next time we recruit.”
For help with finding the right people for your hard-to-fill industrial and technical vacancies, please call Luke Arnott or any of our friendly, professional team on 01256 334575.
