Do I compete against my career mentor for promotion?

Our regular column gives you the chance to seek wisdom from Just Recruitment’s workplace agony uncle. This time: what to do if potential career progression threatens a valued friendship.

Dear Tim,

I find myself in a terrible fix. Now in my early forties, I am on the cusp of achieving the sort of professional success I’ve always craved. I’ve been a middle manager for some years, with responsibility for a sizeable team of people and the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation I work for.

But for some time, I’ve felt ready for a further promotion, and a suitable vacancy has just come up. In the hierarchy of my employer, this would take me to director level, giving me the chance to oversee a whole division of our company and lead on its strategy. I’d report directly to the chief executive, have overall responsibility for more than 150 people, and receive a very healthy increase in salary, as well as a nicer company car and enhanced pension contributions.

What’s not to like? Well, the problem is that someone else wants to have a go at applying for the promotion, and it’s someone who’s been a close friend and mentor throughout my career. This person recruited me into the company, having helped start me out in my chosen industry when I graduated 20-odd years ago. He’s been a valued colleague for a long time, and someone who I’ve always looked to for guidance and support.

Without meaning to sound arrogant, I think I’d beat him to the job if we both apply. While he’s fantastic at some aspects of our work, he doesn’t have great people-management skills or entrepreneurial instincts – both of which are crucial to success in this role.

So what do I do? Go up against him and risk losing a valued friendship if I secure the appointment? Or keep out of the race to give him a clear field? Any advice you can provide will be gratefully received. 

- Worried friend

This problem is as old as the hills, and I applaud your sensitivity in raising it. When the pupil outgrows the master, it can be a trying time for all. The taken-for-granted dynamic between you is shifting, and suddenly you’re rivals rather than mentor and mentoree. 

But you need to be realistic about all this. From the sound of things, your friend and advisor doesn’t have much chance of succeeding in his application for the director’s position, whereas you do. Maybe your career has been shaped in an era where soft skills – communication, staff management, pastoral care – are just as important as technical know-how. And perhaps your mentor is of a generation where these things matter less. 

Either way, ask yourself this, and be sure to answer as honestly as you can: if you step aside, “clearing the field” as you put it, will your friend actually secure the appointment, or will your employer recruit from elsewhere? And how will you feel when neither of you is there at the top table, shaping the future and calling the shots?

Far better for one of you to be there as the boss than neither of you. And since this person has clearly had a huge influence on your career and outlook, his contribution to your management style will be obvious. He will be there right alongside you, because he’s shaped you, even if he doesn’t have the trappings of a senior management position.

I know that’s a bitter pill to swallow, for you and especially for your friend. And he wouldn’t be human unless he felt a pang of envy if and when you score the top job. But he’ll also feel pride in your achievement, and even if there’s a bit of awkwardness in the early days, you’ll soon get over it. You’ll have to; after all, you may need to turn to him for advice, just as you always have done.

That puts a huge onus on you to manage the relationship appropriately when you secure promotion. If you are his line manager, you’ll need to set clear boundaries and expectations about the nature of your relationship. But in an era of non-hierarchical management structures, that shouldn’t be impossible. And you’ve history with this person, so you’ll both have a vested interest in making this work out for the best, whatever that may mean.

My advice, then, is simple: have a chat with your mentor, explaining that you’re going to make an application for the director’s position because it’s the right time, and you think you’re the right person for the job. If he still wishes to apply it’s down to the interview panel to judge between you. But by being up-front about your intentions, without offering any comment on his suitability for the role, or his chances of success, you’ll establish a healthy spirit of openness and cooperation.

Then let the process takes its course, secure in the knowledge that the best candidate will succeed. If that’s you, great. If it’s your friend, get ready to eat some humble pie.

And if it’s neither of you – well, you’ll have something to moan about when you next grab a beer together, won’t you?

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2018

If you are looking to move up in your career – take a look at our jobs

You may also like to read – Stepping up: how to find your ideal next job

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 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
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
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
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more