2019: the year in content

Just Recruitment’s website has been a treasure trove of information, insight and entertainment in 2019. Here are 12 highlights from the year

If you’re a regular visitor to these pages, you’ll know that justrecruitment.co.uk is a recruitment site like no other.

    Sometimes, Just Recruitment director Peter Foy gets an idea for a story that sounds two parts bonkers to one part profound.  

Rather than boring you with a detailed company history or self-regarding values statement, we entertain you with regular articles about a whole plethora of subjects. We cover music, TV, politics, cars, business, lifestyle… we even ran a story about strawberries in the summer.

To give you a flavour, here are 12 of our favourite articles from 2019. Happy New Year!

1. Business heroes: Ove Arup, Structural Engineer: Shaping the world

Just Recruitment has always celebrated inspirational business people, and they don’t come much more significant than Ove Arup. One of the pioneers of employee ownership, the global business Arup founded is akin to a movement for good: improving the lives of employees, clients and citizens throughout the world. Read his story and be inspired.

2. What’s the connection between three dead dogs, Bruce Springsteen and a coconut?

Sometimes, Just Recruitment director Peter Foy gets an idea for a story that sounds two parts bonkers to one part profound. This is one such article and it proved a huge hit among our readers. Read it to discover why notions of “truth” may be more slippery than you think.

3. Why encouragement is the greatest motivator

Our editor-in-chief Tim Gibson was in a philosophical mood when he wrote this piece about a sailing trip he enjoyed as a young man. The story illustrates an important theme in leadership: give people time and encouragement, and they’re capable of great things.

4. “We just need to get serious about climate change”: a teenager’s perspective on global warming

Never ones to shy away from controversial topics, or resist having our assumptions challenged, we asked Isaac Shaw to write about his views on climate change. As a teenage work-experience student, it’s fair to say he had some refreshing opinions that questioned our norms.

5. Six ways to keep the summer spirit alive

Here in the Just Recruitment office, we were feeling glum about the arrival of autumn. So Evie Prosser concocted a guide to keeping summer burning, even as the leaves start to fall. It still makes for inspiring reading as we battle through the New Year’s chill.

    In celebration of the diversity of musical tastes, we offered an introduction to the joy of country music.  

6. Just testing: Range Rover Evoque D180 First Edition

There are cars, and then there’s the Range Rover Evoque. Tim Gibson fell in love with the one he tested, even though every fibre of his being wanted to resist. This is one of a monthly series of car reviews from motoring journo Tim. Read them all to get his views on the latest motors.

7. These five creatures can harm humans and they all live here

When Lizzie Fletcher heard about the influx of false widow spiders to the UK, it gave her a creepy-crawly idea for an article: she identified a variety of animals that live in the UK and can harm humans. It made for a less-than-relaxing read, but informative nonetheless.

8. Why it’s time you got into country music (and eight albums to help)

In celebration of the diversity of musical tastes, we offered an introduction to the joy of country music. As well as explaining its appeal, honky-tonk enthusiast Tim Gibson identified eight albums that are sure to engage newcomers to the genre. Yee-haw!

9. EACH’s chaplain – finding strength through weakness

In October, we announced that we’d be sponsoring East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Christmas concert, fronted by Griff Rhys Jones and featuring a variety of his showbiz friends. As part of the build-up, we spent some time with the charity, meeting its people and understanding what makes it tick. One of the most popular features to emerge was this profile of Alex South: EACH’s chaplain, and a truly inspirational person.

10. Want a good opening gambit? These writers can help

Another Peter Foy special: this time, exploring how the world’s finest writers have approached the task of kicking off a discourse. This compendium of brilliant openers will inspire anyone with a tricky speech or report to write. Enjoy, and be empowered.

11. Why I became a writer: a builder’s tale

Guest writer Paul Allen told the story of his life, from jobbing builder to published author. A local Suffolk lad, it captured our readers’ imaginations, showing them that anything is possible if you have determination, grit and flair.

12. Workplace dilemmas: I just can’t help falling in love

Our workplace dilemmas always provoke discussion, and we all enjoy a love story. No wonder, then, that this dilemma about a hotshot lawyer who keeps falling for his colleagues proved a hit.

Read a whole load more content at justrecruitment.co.uk. Our articles are updated daily, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 2 January 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

You may also enjoy: Is home working all it’s cracked up to be?

Jobs currently available

New job
Laboratory Technician
Sector: Science and Pharmaceuticals
Salary: £34,029 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB34
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a skilled Laboratory Technician to join a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The role involves performing analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, ensuring consistent product quality, maintaining accurate documentation, and meeting both internal and external audit requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Performing analyses and operations according to agreed work plans and schedules.
  • Producing and reporting on time only valid, accurate analytical results.
  • Reporting immediately, out-of-specification results, non-conformances, or any aspects of laboratory operation which are prejudicial to the laboratory operation/service to the Line Manager.
  • Achieving/maintaining the desired level of competency in all defined operations.
  • Undertaking operations to comply with world-class operation practices.
  • Carrying out work activities according to agreed work plans and schedules, following the written standard operating procedures.

Key attributes include:

  • Proven hands-on laboratory experience in Microbiological testing, sample preparation and serial dilution techniques, plating and plate reading.
  • Practical experience in chemistry-based analysis.
  • Familiarity with aseptic techniques and contamination/cross-contamination control.
  • Ability to prepare and handle media, reagents etc.
  • Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, balances, microscopes and exposure to use of higher level equipment such as HPLC and any other equipment along those lines.
  • Good understanding of GLP.
  • Accurate record keeping, completion of relevant spreadsheets, and associated databases.
  • Attention to detail for reporting and result verification.
  • Ability to interpret data.
Read more
New job
Process Improvement Lead
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB35
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a Process Improvement Lead to support a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring product quality and supporting the company’s reputation for excellence. You will also help embed improvements across the business by working closely with Team Leaders on-site and beyond.

Engaging with the daily operational teams, the role involves providing laboratory analysis to advance performance improvement opportunities. It also includes supporting multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting and promoting Lean manufacturing principles.

Role will involve:

  • Conducting non-routine analysis of in-process materials, raw materials and finished products.
  • Interpreting, analysing, and communicating results to relevant departments.
  • Following standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices.
  • Generating and updating existing standard operating procedures and test methods.
  • Troubleshooting laboratory issues and recommending solutions.
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all testing performed.
  • Facilitating plant and process problem solving.

Knowledge and qualifications requirements:

  • Degree in Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
  • Experience in Food and Beverage, or Food services industry is essential – experience of unpredictability and variability in production.
  • Previous experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment.
Read more
New job
R&D Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB36
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a skilled R&D Technician to join a manufacturing company in Braintree, Essex.

In this role, you will be involved in designing and developing new products, ensuring the successful completion of work on both new designs and product modifications.

Role will involve:

  • Designing and developing new products: taking note of the client’s specifications and participating in their analysis, producing all the technical documents necessary for development.
  • Ensuring feasibility/maintain vigilance on the capability of the industrialisation of the project, creating models and prototypes, etc.
  • Contributing to modifications and adaptations of existing products.
  • Implementing instructions, item sheets, and technical specifications of subcontracted products/components.
  • Contributing to the production of technical files as well as those given to the client.
  • Writing the reports of investigation and qualification tests that have been carried out.
  • Taking charge of projects that do not require interaction with the customer and following a known design.
  • Contributing to the creation of digital simulations of new products to accelerate the product investigation phase in their area of expertise.

Key knowledge and skills required:

  • 2D/3D drawing/Design/Modifications.
  • Knowledge of materials, their properties and constraints: synthetic, ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Know how to recognise the relevance of the value of a measurement or a calculation.
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise.
  • Organisational ability.
  • Critical thinking and continuous improvement.
  • IT and digital tools.
  • Ability to adapt.
  • Ability to collaborate and have a team spirit.

Qualifications required:

  • Evidence of higher education is essential, a relevant technical degree plus 2 years of experience in industrial product design.
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New job
Warehouse Manager
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB33
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced Warehouse Manager to join a manufacturing business in Braintree, Essex.

This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the warehouse, supporting the business as it grows and meets increasing demand.

You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation and coordination of the warehouse and logistics functions, while continually seeking and implementing ways to improve performance, processes, and organisational standards.

Duties will include:

  • Managing the warehouse team.
  • Handling raw materials.
  • Handling finished goods.
  • Goods in; picking; packing and dispatch processes.
  • Converting raw material to finished goods.
  • Managing inventory; storage, accuracy, and cycle counting.
  • Coordinating with third-party logistics.

Key skills required:

  • Significant operational leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of applying Lean/CI principles to realise business goals and deliver productivity.
  • General Computer Skills.
  • Minimum of 2 years Team Leader/Supervisor experience in Stores/Warehouse function.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Strong Problem-solving skills.
  • Team Player.
  • Current FLT licence – counterbalance/ flexi truck.
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New job
CNC Turner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £32,448 - £40,560 per annum
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB32
About the role

Due to continued growth and succession planning, Just Recruitment is recruiting an experienced CNC Turner to operate CNC lathes with FANUC controls for a well-established company in Braintree.

Scope:

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
  • Loading and running programs through prove out according to the tools list and works instructions.
  • Producing a valid first-off component in line with component drawing and quality requirements.
  • Loading and operating machines to meet desired quantities.
  • Conducting in-process inspection, checking against drawings and specifications to ensure they are made accurately and to the highest standards.
  • Completing QA records.

Skills:

  • Capable of programming FANUC CNC machines (Specific robot program training/operation will be given to the successful candidate).
  • Selecting the correct tooling and setting the machines as required to produce quality components by reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • We will consider transferable skills from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

Hours of work: 39 hour working week
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Read more
Warehouse Operative (3 month fixed term contract)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913748
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Braintree - they are looking to add a 'Warehouse Operative' to their team, initially on a 3 month fixed term contract.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse team, ensuring all duties are completed to a high standard and stock is processed accurately both in and out of the business.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the unloading/loading of vehicles and the checking in of stock.
  • Sorting and placing materials or items onto racks and shelves.
  • Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule.
  • Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and/or through a computer.
  • Stock counting and location checks.
  • Forklift driving (counterbalance) duties as required.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous warehouse-based experience, ideally holding a full and valid counterbalance licence.
  • Good IT and communication skills - able to input stock accurately on the system and on other systems as needed.
  • Previous experience of using a hand scanner.

Please note you need to have a full and valid driving licence for this role, as some van driving duties may be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm - some overtime may be required.

This role offers a competitive salary and great company benefits as well as an incentive package.

This is a great time to join a growing organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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