Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Want to secure the very best people for your team? Here are six things you need to do right now.

Every employer dreams of having a team of people who are at the very top of their game. Loyal, committed, creative and productive, they will achieve your ambitions with efficiency and aplomb.

It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.  

But how do you go about recruiting such a team? It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.

Nothing is impossible, however, make the right moves, and you can achieve recruitment heaven. Here are six things you can do right now to help build your dream team.

1. Be proactive about business growth

In a time of economic and political uncertainty, it can be tempting to batten down the hatches.  But now is the time to be bold, especially if you want to attract the best talent to your business.

Prospective employees will be drawn to a company that is dynamic and future-facing. Make plans and pursue your ambitions and you’ll find that people want to come and work for you. Nothing quells the enthusiasm of a candidate like a business that is stuck in the doldrums, or dragging its heels until better times come around. Your future is in your hands. It’s time to make your own luck.

Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent2. Go looking for your ideal employees

If you have a clear understanding of the sort of person who will best help you achieve your goals, go and find them. Rather than waiting for vacancies to appear due to staff churn, create roles that align with your strategic objectives. Then write very clear and careful job descriptions that maximise your chances of recruiting the right people.

There’s always a margin for error in any recruitment process. But if you know what you want from candidates, you can express that clearly in job ads and specs, and have a way of testing their abilities during the selection process, you’ll be on a clear path to success.

3. If you see a good employee, act

“Employees are like neckties,” says Peter Foy, Just Recruitment’s director. “If you see one that you really like, you should buy it, even if you don’t have a shirt to match. This can come later, but you may never see that tie again.”

The point is plain. Sometimes, you’ll come across a person who you just know would be great in your company. If you can find a way to recruit them through a transparent and legally compliant selection process, you’ll be onto a winner.

“Of course, you need to find a job for them to do,” Mr Foy asserts. “But effective recruitment is often about finding people with the right instincts and dispositions for your needs. You can train someone in the particularities of a given role, but there are certain things you simply can’t teach.”

...if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement is rewarded.  

4. Reward success

The jury’s out on the effectiveness of financial incentives for staff performance, but one thing is clear: everyone likes to be appreciated.

So, if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement are rewarded. It could be a pay rise or a bonus, or maybe a company car or private health insurance.

One thing that works very well from a motivational point of view is to offer experiences rather than monetary rewards or tangible gifts. Taking your successful team skiing for a week, or giving them the opportunity of a weekend away in a swish hotel, can make all the difference to their perception of you as an employer. It’ll motivate them to go on giving their best and ensure they give a good account of you to prospective colleagues.

5. Invest in your people

“Here’s the news,” says Mr Foy. “You probably won’t be able to procure the perfect team off the shelf. So the best way to get your people at the top of their game is to invest in their training and development. That way, you can grow them, build on their talent, and shape them to suit your needs.”

Even better, regular training and support helps staff to feel valued and encouraged, meaning they’re more likely to give their best, and stay with you for the long term.

6. Use a recruiter to help secure top talent

You may be very good at running your business, but your access to potential employees is limited to people you know, and people who apply for the vacancies you advertise.

Use a recruiter, though, and they’ll help you identify as many great candidates as possible. With a huge database of people looking for jobs, a company like Just Recruitment has a whole army of potential employees at its fingertips. Even better, it has already identified each candidate’s gifts, abilities, enthusiasms and passions.

“A company like ours knows how to construct a recruitment process that yields the best possible outcome,” explains Peter. “We have expertise that adds value to a client, and more than pays for itself by ensuring the right people end up in the right jobs. It’s a bit of a cliché, but a company’s people are its greatest asset. So why not invest in finding just the right candidates, using experts to ensure the process is effective, legally compliant and well-structured?”

 

Let us help you find the right people to attract and contact your local branch.

 

Published: 3 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Counterbalance FLT Drivers
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £16.87 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-HAD-FD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks reliable and hardworking Counterbalance FLT Drivers for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, within a well-established food manufacturing company, based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11pm to 7am.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Heavy lifting – regularly handling up to 50kg
  • Ripping and tipping of raw materials
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
  • Working in a dusty environment with appropriate PPE
  • Supporting general production and manufacturing tasks

Role requirements include:

  • Comfortable with heavy lifting on a continuous basis
  • Previous experience in a factory setting is desirable
  • Good attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Reliable and punctual

What’s on offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Consistent Monday to Friday hours
  • Long-term opportunity with a reputable local employer

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a vital role in the food production industry, we want to hear from you.

 

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.

 

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Accounts Administrator
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913707
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add an Accounts Administrator to their team.

Please note that due to the location, you will need access to your own transport.

Working hours:

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. 1 hour lunch break. The company can be flexible and offer a 4 day week.

Free parking is available on-site.

You must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

This role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to trial balance using Sage software.

Duties will include:

  • Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting of supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Perform bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and Petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Prepare weekly aged creditors reports and process weekly supplier payments, run accordingly.
  • Prepare monthly aged debtors reports and provide credit control where required.
  • Maintain cashflow forecast for the Finance Director to review.
  • Process monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Manage auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required include:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software, Sage 50, and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

 

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
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Factory Operative (Nights)
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £15.27 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-HAD-FO-0625
About the role

Just Temps seeks reliable and hardworking Factory Operatives for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, within a well-established food manufacturing company, based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11pm to 7am.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Heavy lifting – regularly handling up to 50kg
  • Ripping and tipping of raw materials
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
  • Working in a dusty environment with appropriate PPE
  • Supporting general production and manufacturing tasks

Role requirements include:

  • Comfortable with heavy lifting on a continuous basis
  • Previous experience in a factory setting is desirable
  • Good attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Reliable and punctual

What’s on offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Consistent Monday to Friday hours
  • Long-term opportunity with a reputable local employer

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a vital role in the food production industry, we want to hear from you.

 

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
Quality & Compliance Manager
Sector: Business, Consulting and Management
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913704
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a company based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit a Quality & Compliance Manager.

You will be responsible for managing and overseeing the company’s compliance and quality assurance activities, ensuring the effective implementation and maintenance of ISO standards and internal controls across the business.

Duties will include:

  • Expand the ISO 9001 system to cover all areas of the business, ensuring comprehensive documentation of workflows that accurately reflect business processes and activities.
  • Assist in the implementation and maintenance of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ensuring ongoing compliance with the standards.
  • Collaborate with the Finance Director to implement robust controls and internal audits related to all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA regulations, including record-keeping, reporting, and adherence to guidelines.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and ensure that all processes are updated in line with FCA requirements.
  • Assist in preparing reports for submission to regulatory bodies and ensure proper documentation of all compliance efforts.

Role requirements include:

  • Proven experience in a compliance or quality assurance role, preferably within a regulated industry.
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and data effectively.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with strong organisational skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation, both verbally and in writing.
  • Proficient in using compliance management software and tools.
  • A relevant degree or professional qualification in a related field is advantageous.
  • Six Sigma certifications.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
  • PRINCE2 or PMI.

Additional pay:

  • Bonus scheme.
  • Performance bonus.

Benefits include:

  • Company events.
  • Company pension.
  • Free flu jabs.
  • Health and wellbeing programme.
  • On-site parking.
  • Profit sharing.

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

 

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
Plastic Moulding Technician
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913703
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a long-standing manufacturing business based in Sudbury to recruit a 'Plastic Moulding Technician' to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to set moulding machines under the direct supervision of the Supervisor/Manager and to ensure the smooth running of the production process and guarantee that all products are produced to the stated specifications.

Key duties include:

  • Setting the correct tool into the moulding machine as required, using clamps, bolts and hand tools as necessary.
  • Setting machine controls to regulate temperature, moulding pressure and cycle time according to the specification/procedures for each job card.
  • Ensuring the correct raw materials are added to the hopper and then commencing production.
  • Being responsible for ensuring that the machine operator is aware of the necessary work required of them for the correct quality of the finished product.
  • Carrying out all repairs and maintenance as required throughout the shift.
  • Liaising with the General Manager to ensure the smooth running of the shop floor and organisation of the work schedule.
  • Reporting any problems, breakdowns, staffing issues, etc., to the General Manager or Administrator in a timely fashion.
  • Ensuring that all machines are set and ready to run for the Operators to commence their shift.
  • Ensuring that each operator is completely aware of all aspects of the work that they are given to do and understands the importance of Quality Checking and hourly checking procedures.
  • Ensuring that all product is correctly labelled and identifiable, including anything in the regrind room.
  • Ensuring that good housekeeping is maintained at all times.

Key requirements for this role include:

  • Previous experience in a similar role.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to plan and organise within strict deadlines.
  • Excellent team worker, with the ability and self-discipline to work alone effectively.
  • Positive approach to production support and customer service.
  • Highly driven and self-motivated.
  • Maintains a professional attitude, keeps calm and controlled.
  • Confident working in a demanding and pressurised environment.
  • Adaptable and flexible in approach to change.
  • Proactive decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to use conceptual thinking and awareness to generate new ideas.

This is a Monday to Friday role, working on a split shift schedule.

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. 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
Area Sales Manager (Leeds)
Sector: Sales
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913702
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting a Regional Sales Manager to establish new distribution networks and relationships for a company in the West Yorkshire area.

The role will involve:

  • Strategic Deployment: Propose development strategies aligned with SBU strategic axes, translate them into action plans, and ensure their implementation.
  • Develop the commercial policy, product offerings, and pricing conditions; prioritise and allocate resources; develop sales forecasts for PIC (S&OP); monitor margins on direct costs.
  • Facilitate decision-making and resource coordination, ensure efficiency in expenses and investments, monitor regulatory changes, evolve organisation and procedures, establish and update performance indicators, and monitor service effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Facilitate decision-making and resource coordination, ensure efficiency in expenses and investments, monitor regulatory changes, evolve organisation and procedures, establish and update performance indicators, and monitor service effectiveness and efficiency.

Preference will be given to applications with business-to-business direct sales experience in the electrical / tools / PPE sector.

 

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