Ben Hands

I’ve specialised in buying, category management and commercial recruitment for over a decade, but prior to that I was a retail manager.

That makes a big difference to the clients and candidates who work with me. My candidates know I’ve ‘been there and done that’, and that they’re working with someone who’s walked in their shoes. My clients know that I have a real-world understanding of the importance of cultural fit. When they need someone who fits their collaborative, consultative, hardworking ethic, they know I’ll send them people who are an absolute match, because I know where they’re coming from.

I encourage my clients away from ‘shopping list’ candidate briefs that include every competence under the sun. Instead, we focus on the absolute essentials, because those are the traits that help me deliver the people they’re really looking for. They’re also the traits that ensure, once in post, that the candidates I recommend deliver.

For clients and candidates, I’m not the sort of recruiter you only hear from when there’s a job to fill. Understanding the plans and ambitions of the people and businesses I work with is so important to what I do, so I’ll regularly stay in touch.

Then, when you really need me, I’ll already know the ideal candidates/companies to talk to. Culture is important to me. That’s why I joined Zachary Daniels. They don’t focus on filling posts. They concentrate on finding great candidates, which is exactly how I like to work. I’ve come up against ZD in competition and I know how they are viewed in the market.

They have a fantastic reputation. I’m delighted to part of it.

And I’d love to help you with your next vacancy or career move.