Moving jobs: a guide to breaking the news

Moving jobs a guide to breaking the news

It’s never easy telling your colleagues that you’re moving jobs. Here’s a guide to help smooth the transition

By Ernest Richardson

The days of the job for life are well and truly behind us. The average UK worker will move jobs every five years, and some top executives only last three years before finding new employment.

The average UK worker will move jobs every five years,...  

As a result, most of us need to have tricky conversations about moving jobs with our colleagues on a fairly regular basis. And even though such conversations should get easier the more you practise, there’s never a straightforward way to tell the people around you that you’re jumping ship.

To help make things as painless as possible, we asked our highly experienced staff at Just Recruitment Witham office for their top tips. Here’s what they had to say.

Jody Collings, Business Manager: “My advice is to be completely honest with your colleagues. Tell them why you’ve decided to leave. If you hate your current job, they’ve probably noticed a lack of motivation. They may even be glad to see the back of you!

Moving jobs: a guide to breaking the newsIt’s different if you love your current role and feel like you’re working among friends. You may feel a bit gutted to be moving jobs if that’s the case. But there must be a reason for your decision. Is it because the money’s better, or you’re relocating? Or do you feel like there’s more chance of promotion in the new place? Whatever your reason, tell people. They’ll respect your decision, and most probably wish you all the best for the next chapter in your working life.”

Bridie James, Business Manager: “If there’s one thing I don’t think you should ever let on about a career move, it’s your new salary. Most people change jobs to earn more money, and your (soon-to-be former) colleagues may feel a bit envious of your newfound wealth. My advice is to keep details about your earnings under wraps. Tell them you’re moving jobs for better prospects, or because the working conditions are better. If you lord your pay rise over them, it may make them feel less motivated in their roles. Your current boss won’t thank you for that.”

Jody Collings, Business Manager: “Always leave the door open for a return to your existing employer. That’s the best advice I’ve ever received about moving jobs. Unless you’re leaving under a cloud, you should work hard to retain relationships in your current workplace. Tell your boss and colleagues how much you’ve appreciated working with them. Provide helpful feedback on your experience in the job. Ask if it’s okay to keep in touch. That way, if you get three weeks into your new position and can’t stand it, you know you have somewhere to go back to. And even if you don’t return, it’s always good to leave on a positive note.”

Remember, the people you’re leaving behind are the ones who have got you to the point of making your next step.  

Bridie James, Business Manager: “You’ll undoubtedly feel pretty chipper about your new opportunity, but my advice would be to temper your enthusiasm in your current workplace. If you seem too self-congratulatory, it could backfire. People may resent your success, or feel as if you’ve got too big for your boots. If you’ve enjoyed a good reputation with your existing employer, it’s a shame for that to be undone by other people’s envy of your success. Human beings are funny things: we can’t help but feel irritated when people around us do well at something. It’s your job to mitigate that, for the sake of leaving on a high.”

Emma Kershaw, Director, Just Recruitment Group Ltd: “We deal with people who are changing jobs every day. It’s what we do. So we know all about the emotions that get stirred up when people make the move, both for them and their colleagues.

Our advice is always to handle a job change sensitively, even if it’s within your current company. Now is not the time to tell Betty from accounts that you’ve always hated the way she makes a cup of tea, or to reveal your boss’s shortcomings in the exit interview. Nor is it the time to boast about your stellar career. Sure, you feel excited. Yes, you’re going places. But your workmates will grasp that for themselves. You don’t need to spell it out.

I’d always recommend telling your line manager before you tell anyone else. It’s a simple matter of professional etiquette. Then you can tell your colleagues, if your boss gives you the okay. Word will soon spread, and people will start to congratulate you, even if you haven’t told them directly. When they do, look grateful, humble and sorry to be leaving.

Remember, the people you’re leaving behind are the ones who have got you to the point of making your next step. Be sure to show them your appreciation. Even if it’s not sincere, it will ensure you leave strong relationships behind. You never know when you’ll need to call on those people again.”

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Five goals to achieve within your first year at a new job
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Published: 17 March 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

Customer Services Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB14
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Customer Services Executive for a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

As a Customer Services Executive, you will play a key role within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to both new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You will answer customer questions, solve problems, and provide information about the company’s products and services — all while building strong relationships and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assess incoming enquiries from direct communication or the sales team
  • Create quotations and tender documentation
  • Follow up on quotations at appropriate points in the process
  • Manage the CRM system
  • Manage the lead generation tools
  • Processing incoming sales orders
  • Liaise with the order fulfilment team for the smooth supply of products to customers
  • Manage any after-sales requirements
  • Help project manage key projects and clients

Role requirements include:

  • Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Previous experience in a similar role is preferable
  • Experience within the engineering/manufacturing sector is preferred
  • Good knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic database skills
  • Must be able to understand business calculations and be competent to correspond via email in a professional manner
  • Must be an excellent face-to-face communicator
  • Telephone communication skills are of a high standard
  • One of the keys to success is to develop professional relationships with decision makers, and so the ability to ‘connect’ with people and build networks should come naturally
  • You will be based at the Sudbury office, with occasional requirements for site and customer visits

Skills and qualifications to include:

  • A highly capable person with strong planning and scheduling skills
  • Self–driven, results-oriented, and with a positive outlook and a clear focus on high-quality standards
  • An independent person with good organisation and planning skills, who is capable of objectively assessing and improving their own and the department’s performance
  • Must be reliable, tolerant, and be able to work under pressure. The ability to be professional at all times and represent the company in a professional manner is a prerequisite
  • Tenacity and the ability to see things through to the end goal are desired traits
  • Must be able to work alone as well as work within a team
  • When required, able to work extra hours to accommodate the business needs, which may include occasional travel


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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Technical Sales / Applications Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB13
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Technical Sales / Applications Engineer for a leading client in Tiverton, Devon — an excellent opportunity for a graduate, higher apprentice, or experienced engineer to develop their career within a technical engineering environment.

Reporting to the Technical Sales Manager, this role will focus on the promotion and sales of company products to prospective, new and existing customers.

Scope:

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  • Ideally qualified to HNC minimum in mechanical engineering
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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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Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB11
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Sudbury, in the search for a talented Procurement Manager to join their expanding team.

Required skills and qualifications:

  • CIPS Qualified - min level 5.
  • Substantial experience in a procurement leadership role within the food, ingredients, manufacturing, or FMCG sectors.
  • Experience in leading and developing high-performance teams.
  • Strong Negotiation and Supplier Management skills.

The key purpose of this role is to lead the delivery of greater strategic and operational value of the procurement function and help to deliver business-critical goals.

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 - 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC24
About the role

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Duties include:

  • Primary responsibility for the daily management of specific team members.
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  • Empower the team to take ownership of their roles/responsibilities.
  • Responsible for managing up and organising updates/meetings with the Team Manager.
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Key skills/qualifications required include:

  • CIPS level 4 achieved or prepared to undertake.
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  • A proactive approach with a “can-do” attitude and the ability to motivate others.
  • Analytical skills with strong problem-solving ability.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • Good understanding of supply chain procedures.
  • Proven advanced level of Computer literacy - Microsoft Excel/Word/Access.
  • Sound Administrative experience. Knowledge of ERP.

Hybrid working will be available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).

 

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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Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC23
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As a Brand Coordinator, you will manage the entire process from product development to customer delivery, including:

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  • Strong commercial skills
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Working hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

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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