Just Recruitment navigating it's way through the crisis

Just Recruitment navigating it's way through the crisis

After making some hard decisions and invoking a business continuity plan (devised several years ago) Just Recruitment is still very much open for business! Peter Foy explains how 

When the Coronavirus crisis hit the UK, Just Recruitment’s business fell off the proverbial cliff. In less than a week, over half of our revenue disappeared. Companies put recruitment on hold, clients that use temporary workers were suddenly planning for lockdown. Amidst the nationwide sense of concern, even panic, about the threat to health, there was also an underlying threat to the economy. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor both made bold promises about the help that will be available to companies like ours.

    Several years ago, Just Recruitment put together a business continuity plan that we have now invoked.  

Three weeks in and, where are we? Well, there are still many questions about how the financial assistance promised by the government will be delivered. Whether that be from HMRC or the banks, there remain questions as to how the process will work. At the time of writing, we have just been told that the lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks. There is still considerable uncertainty.

However, there is also a silver lining to this dark cloud. Several years ago, Just Recruitment put together a business continuity plan that we have now invoked. Of course, that plan did not include the use of furlough or social distancing. But it did anticipate a reduced workforce working from, either home or strategically chosen branches. The investment in technology that we made, which included our Private Cloud and Internet-based telephony, allowed the redeployment of people in minutes. A huge thank you to our technology partner, Lucid Systems, who have proved their worth over the past few weeks.

A significant part of the continuity plan was to maintain client contact. All our clients were facing the same issues we had. Obvious differences reflecting the different sectors, but we were up against very similar challenges. Several of them were closed, effectively on government instruction, but many of them are either in the food supply chain or the medical instrument supply chain. These companies faced all the problems of the virus while having to continue working. I am incredibly proud of how my colleagues stepped up to the plate to help these key companies. We have had regular conference calls where we have, very openly, shared plans and problems and work together to find solutions.

The nation quite rightly takes to the streets every Thursday evening to applaud our care workers. We should also remember and recognise, those individuals further down the supply chain. The men and women who are manning production lines, working in distribution centres and driving delivery trucks. Also, the people behind them, the folk in HR, logistics, finance and, of course, recruitment. It is said that in a battle, for every soldier on the front line there are 10 soldiers behind him; supporting him. The same is true of the Coronavirus frontlines; for them to do their vital work the entire supply chain has to keep working.

Of course, our business has taken a hit during the crisis. Our revenues are down, our profits disappeared, and half of our colleagues are on furlough. Only a fool would think that there is going to be a quick turnaround. But there will be a turnaround. The virus will be beaten and although the normality we return to will be a new normality, we will, to coin a phrase, meet again.

Speaking only for Just Recruitment, I am confident that the team I am part of will be stronger, more driven and more mature. The shared experience of this crisis has taught us we can depend on each other. It has given us all the opportunity to be pushed to the limit. Only a fool would wish to live through an event like the one we are experiencing, but the experience, once survived, will be transformational.

We are still in a dark place, but we are headed toward the light and, government restrictions notwithstanding, Just Recruitment is moving back to Business As Usual.

Published: 17 April 2020

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you liked this article you may like to read: What has Coronavirus meant to Just Recruitment?

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Can’t find the right word to describe how you feel? Reach for The Happiness Dictionary

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

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

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
    Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing engagement campaigns and events, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions, events, internally-focused training videos and externally-focused client knowledge tutorials, bring online the delivery of live-stream events.
  • Assist in the delivery of PR programmes to match the company's marketing focuses.
  • Work with creative agencies, designers, suppliers, and providers to maintain the corporate brand within their deliverables.
  • Work with the marketing team in the development of collateral and content for presentations, videos, and other multimedia activities.
  • Liaise with the external sales team and product development managers to ascertain appropriate messages, projects and products suitable for external and internal promotion.

Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and delivering marketing and client engagement strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

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

 

Read more
Trainee Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB09
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an ambitious Trainee Commercial Manager to join our client’s supplier negotiation team.

Based in Colchester, you’ll play a key role in purchasing, pricing, and supplier communications, gaining valuable experience within a rapidly expanding national business.

Working hours 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday - 30 minutes lunch break.
23 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Duties will include:

  • Supporting the Commercial Management team in negotiating purchasing agreements and maintaining supplier relationships.
  • Assisting with pricing queries from managers and estimators across the business.
  • Collaborating with the Product File team to help maintain accurate pricing and product information.
  • Working directly in our Profit Centres to gain valuable experience of the industry and how to run a profitable business.
  • Identifying new product ranges and suppliers that will provide future-proofing for the years to come.
  • Providing direct assistance to the Commercial Director with support from the other Commercial Managers
  • Confidence with Excel is a must.
  • Key personality traits would be a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

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

 

Read more