Alan Creed

I recruit for senior retail operations roles — typically Area and Regional Managers, Divisional Directors and Heads of. Along with customer facing roles I also recruit into essential support functions such as Central Operations,  Property and Estates. Based in London, I recruit nationally across all retail sectors, from food and DIY to fashion.

I’ve spent more than a decade as a recruiter but prior to that I was a supermarket general manager. I think that matters to my clients because they know I’ve worked at the coalface and that I have that real-world understanding of retail. I understand the challenges they face day-to-day; I understand the people they want to recruit, and what makes a great leader. I know what ‘good’ looks like.

My work ethic is probably my biggest asset. I’m driven by success, and by ‘success’ I mean completing a job and getting great feedback. There’s a real satisfaction from boxing off a job.

I first met [ZD co-founder] Zac Clements years ago. Coming out of the pandemic I was looking for a new challenge and had two options: launch my own recruitment service or join ZD. Ultimately I trusted Zac. I liked his approach. I like being part of a team and in this team you’re looking at success everywhere. Being able to bounce off that talent enables me to do a better job.

Outside of work, I’m married with a son who’s my best mate and who I take here, there and everywhere playing football. I’m also a huge West Ham fan.