• SFR RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

Month: September 2022

Blog Post

Recruiting in a Risk Adverse Market

Sep 30, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

The challenges of the past few years have been unprecedented, and now the current economic situation in the UK continues to create further instability. We used ‘unprecedented’ a lot during the pandemic, but who would have known that to follow would be Putin’s war, the fuel and energy crisis, death of our Queen Elizabeth II, Government instability, rising interest rates and the highest inflation on record since 1982! All these factors contribute in creating a risk adverse market, but there’s always one or two things that tempt people to consider moving jobs – the first is salary, and second is improved work-life-balance.

What’s happening right now

At SFR we’re being approached by several companies eager to fill positions that have been vacant for a while. The reason for this is they’ve been trying to recruit themselves and have found that the right people just aren’t looking. We’ve found that even as a specialist recruiter it’s more difficult to attract talent at the moment – before we would easily get 5 suitable candidates to put forward, but more recently it’s a challenge to find 2-3 potential candidates.

The reason for above is twofold: 1) passive candidates are happy, content with meeting their targets and bonuses; 2) in an uncertain market people tend to hold on to whatever stability they can in their lives – passive candidates look at the news and decide it’s just not worth the risk – moving jobs is just not on their radar. Putting these 2 factors together, what would encourage people to move jobs right now? It’s difficult for companies to find suitable candidates when they are not even looking, they often need a recruitment agency to reach-out to prospective candidates. But, what else do they need to do?

ATTENTION. Consider if your job vacancy is attractive enough?

In today’s climate, it will take something amazing to encourage candidates to apply. With the rising cost of energy and price inflation it’s a worrying time, but the possibility of earning extra cannot and will not be ignored, also the chance to work closer to home (less commuting time and flexible working) gaining a better work-life-balance. Ask yourself if your vacancy is attractive enough – does it take into account the rise in the cost of living – and is it worth moving for?  With these things in mind companies need to revisit the packages they are offering and not just benchmark the same as a competitor, they need to better it. People just won’t move for the same salary and conditions; it has to be worth considering.

Risk Vs Reward – working with a recruitment specialist

Our advice is to weigh up risk versus reward. Moving jobs is always a risk for the candidate – will they like the job? Will they enjoy working at the company? Are they financially stable? Will they get along with their new boss and co-workers? Will they offer flexible working when I need it?  At SFR we put both our clients’ and candidates’ needs at the heart of the service we provide. We manage expectations of both the candidate and the client, carrying out that vital ‘middle dialogue’ that helps both parties reach an ‘acceptance’.

In today’s market we advise companies not to be stuck on a set salary, and we say to candidates be open-minded and focus on moving-forward with their careers within a financially stable company. We could be stuck in this situation a while and it’s not wise to put lives and careers on hold for long. A company that pays a recruiter to find the right experience, will be thinking of the long-term and finding that perfect match is worth the outlay of the recruitment fees.

When using a recruiter such as SFR we can help support candidates throughout the process and can help negotiate on your behalf to make the job move worthwhile.  A good recruiter will never force square pegs into round holes, it has to be the right – for the candidate and the company. That is why at SFR we are industry specialists and pride ourselves in getting to know all of our candidates and taking the time to find out what their career aspirations are. When a job opportunity comes in there’s a good chance that we already have a perfect match in mind, but the salary package has to be attractive. Offer only an average package and expect an average candidate – logical right? The best experience is gained by companies being flexible with salary and benefits, an offering more to gain more mentality.

If you need help with recruiting or finding your next job role, get in-touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions. Matthew, Jamie and Lorna are ready to talk through your recruitment dilemmas or career progression aspirations. 

Vacancies

Ironmongery Scheduler – SFR311

Sep 28, 2022 , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a single source supplier of performance doorsets and architectural ironmongery providing high quality products ideally suited to the health, education, commercial, defence, office fit-out and high-end residential markets.

With over 150 years of combined management experience within the doorset and ironmongery industry, they have invested more than £10m to create two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

The newly created role, Ironmongery Estimating Scheduler.  It is an opportunity to join the team right at the beginning of our new journey where our client will improve customers experience by implementing a new robust ironmongery scheduling system which will integrate with and improve both our internal and external existing supply chain processes.  Enabling us to look with confidence to grow our ironmongery and integrated package sales which is the future of the industry.

Principle duties and Key Responsibilities

  • To diligently develop certified integrated package specifications.
  • To accurately and commercially prequalify and prepare customer quotes and pricing schedules, ensuring company margins are protected and customer expectations met. 
  • Liaise directly with customers explaining our quote in detail and assisting with any queries, by telephone, email, Teams, or site visits – wherever possible building trust and relationships.
  • To provide necessary technical, product specification and factory recess (CNC) support to your Door Scheduling and Door Production colleagues.
  • Coordination of incoming supply of project specific “Free Issue” components from our customer supply chain partners.
  • To ensure that any design changes or variations within a contract are captured. 
  • Represent the Company at industry events and forums.
  • Work towards industry recognised Continual Professional Development.

Essentials:

  • Experience in understanding how to commercially analyse ironmongery schedules in conjunction with door schedules, general arrangement drawings, fire strategy drawings, lock suiting strategies and NBS P21 specifications.
  • Recent experience using the Intec Door Scheduling software.
  • GAI Diploma is Scheduling or equally approved equivalent.
  • 3 years + ironmongery scheduling experience.
  • Driving License.
  • Competent on all Microsoft Office applications, in particular Excel.

Desirable:

  • An appreciation of the criteria of L20 specifications and previous experience in supplying “Integrated Doors and Ironmongery” packages.  

Benefits:

You will be auto enrolled into the company pension scheme after three months’ service, where current levels are at 3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.

  • Your holiday entitlement will be 25 days paid holiday per annum; a number of which must be taken in conjunction with Christmas, New Year and Easter. You will also be entitled to 8 days paid statutory holidays per annum. The holiday period runs from 1st October to 30th September each year and your holidays for the period will be pro rata accordingly.               
  • Death in service life assurance benefit equivalent to 2 x annual salary •   Free onsite parking

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Project Manager – SFR310

Sep 26, 2022 , , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is looking to appoint a Project Manager to further develop their Architectural Division. The successful candidate will ideally have achieved excellent direct sales and key account management results within the construction sector. The candidate will need to commit to undertake duties that will involve travel throughout  the South East of England. Although not essential, experience within the Timber Door / Door set market would be preferred with the ideal candidate having an in depth knowledge of Architectural Ironmongery and Access Control.

Job Purpose

To manage and execute strategies created with and by the Architectural Sales Manager and Sales Director to achieve continued profitable sales growth of their products within the Timber Internal Door Sector (Apartment Entrance Market). 

Reporting to:  Architectural Sales Manager with Direct Working Relationships with the Architectural Sales Manager,  Sales Director, Customer Services, Project Managers (Window and Door Hardware), Marketing and Technical Department.

 

KEY PRIORITY AREAS

  • Develop relationships with Timber Door set manufacturers and Architectural Ironmongers.
    • Develop relationships with Architects, Main contractors, M&E contractors and clients including Local Authorities and Housing Associations.
    • Manage projects through AI and fabricator network to completion.
    • Achieve Specification, Turnover and Margin Plans set by the Architectural Contracts Manager,
    • Understand and impart industry standards relating to Fire and Security with particular emphasis on Dual Certification solutions for Fire Doors.
    • Create an affiliation network with common suppliers such as Access control partners.
    • Deliver CPD seminars when required.
    • GAI holder preferred but not essential

The Job

Our clients Door Locks are mainly used on Entrance doors to homes, apartments and communal doors. These doors are often Fire Resisting Doors/Doorsets, Security Doors or Access Control doors and are often all three simultaneously.

It is through their extensive range of products, certification solutions and knowledge that they are able to specify their locks for use on these Doors and Doorsets often in conjunction with other branded hardware and access control products.

Candidates will have the following key attributes:

  • Competent IT skills.
  • Solution based selling skills.
  • Willingness to learn new products and skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Comfortable selling high end products.
  • Excellent Salary + Bonus
  • Company car
  • Contributory Company Pension
  • Mobile Phone, full home computer set up & home phone lines paid for ( reasonable personal use)

If you’re interested in in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Customer Service Coordinator

Sep 20, 2022 , by sfrrecruitment

Our client belongs to Europe´s biggest security hardware manufacturer.

They believe that everyone deserves to feel secure, that’s why they have developed one of the widest and most innovative ranges of mechanical and digital access solutions for homes, airports, universities, hotels and other kind of workplaces.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys delivering first class customer service but also has an analytical mind and very good IT skills.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Responding promptly to customer enquiries, queries,
  • Providing help and advice on the company’s product ranges.
  • Supply pricing, delivery times.
  • Sending quotations to customers electronically.
  • Follow up after quotations.
  • Processing orders from customers.
  • Sending order confirmations.
  • Support the regional Sales Managers, pricing, samples and historical orders.
  • Item creation forms for new products
  • Product specification
  • Master Key Calculation / Calculate all master Key plans and single coded cylinders using specific software, providing documentation to the production team
  • Maintaining records on the CRM.

Knowledge and Experiences required

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a customer service role.
  • Good communication skills, spoken & written.
  • Minimum basic knowledge in using Microsoft Office package (Outlook, Word), Good Excel skills (pivot tables, v-look ups)
  • Knowledge of MS Dynamics Nav desirable but not essential.

Working Environment: Office

Equipment normally used: Windows, Microsoft Office, MS Dynamics Nav.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Business Development Manager – SFR307

Sep 13, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading British Manufacturers of the Finest Architectural Hardware are looking to recruit an experienced Business Development Manager to grow and develop profitable sales across its multiple sales channels

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the specification sales process and have experience in dealing with Architectural Ironmongers, Interior Designers and Architects, as well as the OEM Market

Principle duties and Key responsibilities.

  • Increasing sales by achieving agreed quarterly sales targets.
  • Maintain and develop relationship with an existing established customer base
  • Identify and develop new opportunities across multiple market sectors
  • Manage and plan your time efficiently and effectively making contact with your customers and potential customers via appropriate methods.
  • Increase market awareness and promote the company brand.
  • Actively update activity records via our CRM system.
  • Produce quotations in line with customer expectations
  • Represent the Company at industry events and forums
  • Work towards industry recognised Continual Professional Development

Reporting to the Head of Sales monthly analysing your individual performance through sales figures and KPI’s, the company service levels, market activity and competitor activity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required

The ideal candidate will have experience within the Architectural Ironmongery or Door and Window Market and either hold or will be working towards recognised industry qualifications (DipGAI, RegAI, FDIS)

You will need to be self-motivated with excellent communication and people skills with experience of specifying a selling a technical product

PC Literate with experience of the usual MS office products as well as understanding of the use of professional CRM Systems

What can you expect?

A competitive package with benefits including:

· Group Life Insurance

· Pension with employer contribution

· In addition our employees get 30 days annual leave in 2022 including their Birthday.

Please advise details of current salary with application.

Vacancies

Area Sales Manager – SFR306

Sep 13, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a privately owned and growing company. Leading suppliers of Architectural Ironmongery and Security product ranges.

We are looking for a candidate who will join this sales team with a hunger to develop an existing customer base and increase sales revenue for Mechanical and electro locking systems, panic hardware and general Architectural Ironmongery.

The successful individual must demonstrate or have: –

  • Successful external sales experience within the U.K. lock products industry for a lock manufacturer, distributor, large locksmith organisation or similar.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of access control and / or electronic locking systems.
  • A good knowledge and understanding of mechanical locking and master key systems.
  • A good knowledge and understanding of Panic Hardware.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of Door Furniture and accessories.
  • G.A.I. qualifications and /or proven completion of any stage of the G.A.I education process could be advantageous
  • Must be highly computer literate with an excellent knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word programmes.
  • Excellent commercial and product sector awareness.
  • Enthusiastic, self motivated, positive and energetic personality.

The successful individual will be offered: –

  • Competitive basic salary and commission/ bonus structure
  • Laptop and mobile phone
  • Company car and petrol card
  • Company expenses card
  • Company Pension Scheme

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Blog Post

How to Handle a Counteroffer

Sep 2, 2022 by sfrrecruitment

By James Cann CBE, Serial Entrepreneur featured on LinkedIn

You’ve successfully completed the interview stage and have been offered the job. You’ve negotiated a package you are happy with and now it’s time to start thinking about your exit strategy. You arrange a meeting with your boss and start planning your resignation. How do you approach the subject? You start explaining your decision process and how you’ve decided to leave the company to go to another opportunity. Then your boss surprises you with a counteroffer. Your current employer explains how you were just about the get that promotion they’ve been promising, alongside the overdue a pay rise and more responsibility you have requested. You’re the only person who can make the final decision. Will you stay or will you go?

Counteroffer

What happens if your employer gives you a counteroffer once you’ve decided to leave? If the only time you get a better deal is when you resign, I’d say there’s a message there. It’s very easy to fall back into your comfort zone and of course, your employer doesn’t want you to leave, but if they really didn’t see this coming then alarm bells should be ringing — they’re obviously out of sync with the market and you should be questioning why you were not recognised on merit.

Receiving such an offer, although it’s flattering, shouldn’t always be viewed as a vote of confidence. Do they really want to hold onto you because you are a valued member of staff? Or do they view your pay increase as a cost saving against the price of recruiting? If your managers’ success is measured on staff retention, their reasons for providing a counteroffer may be completely selfish rather than what’s best for the company or for your career.

Think about your reasons for leaving. Nine times out of ten when you go for an interview, it’s more than just the money that you’re not satisfied with. Perhaps your current role isn’t challenging enough, perhaps you feel you don’t have enough autonomy, or maybe your relationship with colleagues is dwindling. My 30 years’ experience has taught me that most people who decide to accept the counteroffer and stay where they are end up leaving six months later. It’s always about more than just the money.

Because you have shown that you are willing to leave, your loyalty will always be questioned. You could be putting yourself in a vulnerable position where you could be blamed if something goes wrong in the future. Every doctors or dentist appointment going forward may be treated with suspicion. You also have to accept the possibility that you’ll never feel a part of the ‘inner circle’ again and it may be tough to overcome the stigma with colleagues who might resent the new deal you have negotiated for yourself.

Typically, counteroffers are usually nothing more than a stalling technique to give your employer more time to replace you. The reasons you wanted to leave in the first place will still remain, they just become a little more bearable in the short term because of the pay rise and promotion offered. Will you need to threaten to leave every time you want to negotiate a pay rise or take on more responsibility?

The biggest taboo in accepting a counteroffer, is that you have broken your commitment to the prospective employer you worked so hard to impress. After negotiating your salary and going through the motions of joining a new team, breaking this commitment could burn all bridges with that prospective employer. Depending on the process and whether any recruiters were involved, you may also gain a reputation for time wasting and behaving unprofessionally. If the counter offer is tempting you to stay, think long and hard about the implications for your reputation within the industry you work in and for your long term career.

If you do decide to stay, you need to treat it as a formal process. Sometimes employers will promise a better package and encourage you to change your mind and then change nothing. All of a sudden you’re back where you started, but without a job offer. You don’t need to put yourself in this position and must ensure you get all agreements signed and agreed before letting your prospective employer down.

Reputable businesses rarely make counteroffers, they will accept your resignation with regret, appreciate the contribution you have made to the business and wish you every success for the future. At some point in every career there comes a time to take on a new challenge and leave a business. Reduce the potential career damage and stress levels associated with this transition by having the confidence to trust your gut and stick with your decision. Hopefully you make the right decision and continue planning your exit strategy!

Vacancies

Business Development Manager – SFR303

Sep 1, 2022 , , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is looking for a successful Business Development Manager to join the growing team.

They are a manufacturer and supplier to the trade of Ironmongery, fixings and fastenings.

General Summary

To build professional and reliable relationships with current and potential customers and to become their “trusted regional account manager”.

Principle duties and Key responsibilities:

  • Increasing sales and achieving agreed quarterly sales targets.
  • Planning your time efficiently and effectively making contact with your customers and potential customers via appropriate methods.
  • Actively update activity records via our state of the art CRM system.
  • Produce accurate quotes and orders for sales using our bespoke computer and app system.
  • Build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, managers, and office-based staff in order to facilitate an aligned approach to sales and after sales service to customers.
  • Actively seek to acquire further skills and knowledge of our products across all brands and services in order to build up your expertise, customer confidence and offer an industry leading service to customers and potential customers.
  • Remain appraised of trends in our customer industries, with matters and issues affecting clients and potential clients in your region/territory, and of competitor offers and services.

Reporting to your line manager on a monthly basis analysing your territory performance through sales figures and KPI’s, the company service levels, market activity and competitor activity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required

To be successful in the role, we are looking for someone with proven experience of achieving challenging sales targets, demonstrable experience gained within the sales environment. Someone who is comfortable in contacting customers using appropriate methods, whilst being able to use our CRM proficiently. You will also need to be highly organised and capable of planning, and prioritising workload.

We require someone who has knowledge of hardware/ fixing products, proven skills in building and maintaining relationships leading to sales and repeat sales and proven sales ability from enquiry to order in a B2B environment.

You will need to be self-motivated who is open minded and excited about selling various brands into the same customer, analytical and flexible with excellent communication skills and must be able to demonstrate initiative whilst working along and as part of a complete sales force.

What can you expect?

  • Holidays increasing with service to a maximum of 37 days.
  • Group Life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Christmas shutdown.
  • Pension Scheme.
  • Discounts on our ranges of products.
  • Monthly car allowance
  • Quarterly bonus scheme

Please get in contact with Lorna at SFR recruitment solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position

SFR Recruitment Solutions