Are you a Head of Permanent Recruitment who thrives on building and leading high-performing teams? Do you enjoy being hands-on, driving performance, and making a real commercial impact across a business?
We are looking for a Head of Permanent UK to lead and grow our permanent recruitment function across multiple business units through our branch network. This is a high-impact role where you’ll drive revenue, improve performance, and bring consistency to perm delivery, while developing teams and building strong client relationships.
This is an opportunity for a commercially driven leader who enjoys being close to the action — coaching teams, shaping performance, and playing a key role in scaling the business over the next phase of growth.
Role Summary
The Head of UK Permanent improvement is responsible for growing permanent revenues across the three business units in the Commercial Staffing business. This role focuses on driving business growth, optimizing performance, and ensuring growth quarter on quarter and the delivery of high-quality recruitment services. The Head of Perm will work directly with key perm stakeholders and consultants across the business units, support client relationships, and drive / implement innovative recruitment strategies to improve perm ROI.
Key Responsibilities
Improving sales outcomes and revenues:
• Hands-on day to day support that operates in our branch network to continuously develop our permanent team members to take market share and grow revenues.
• Grow revenues by improving job flow, candidate acquisition and outcomes, aligning with each business unit requirements and overall company goals and objectives.
• Understand methodology in how to grow strong permanent pipelines of business.
• Able to identify areas for improvement quickly to put in place clear tactical improvement plans and follow up on these plans.
• Work closely with the business unit MDs to have an agreed method to drive forward each business in a short period of time.
• Collaborate with managers to establish clear goals, objectives, and performance metrics for the Perm teams at local levels, ensuring alignment with organizational targets Client Relationship Management:
• Quickly establish and maintain strong SME relationships with key clients, understanding their business needs, challenges, and hiring requirements.
• Visits both new and existing clients every week with our local teams to grow revenue streams and cross sell.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction, retention, and loyalty through proactive management of ongoing perm services and support of our perm consultants.
• Identify opportunities for expanding client partnerships and revenue growth through upselling and cross-selling strategies in collaboration with other ManpowerGroup brands.
Performance Oversight and Optimization:
• Monitor and analyze sales and recruitment performance metrics, identifying trends, patterns and areas for optimization within the perm recruiter community.
• Implement performance improvement initiatives, processes and tools to enhance efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulations and best practices across all recruitment activities.
• Calibrate performance incentives and implement perm specific recognition programs to motivate and reward high-performing perm consultants.
Data and Strategic Insights:
• Utilize data analytics and insights to inform strategic decision-making, resource allocation and goal-setting.
• Generate actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis to drive business growth and performance optimization.
Analysis
• Develop and deliver regular reports and presentations to senior management, providing updates on Perm business line performance and strategic initiatives.
• Drive the adoption of new recruitment methodologies, tools and technologies to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and candidate experience.
People Leadership:
• Lead, mentor, and develop perm teams and support Manager Perm capability, building a culture of collaboration, courageous risk-taking and anti-slow behaviour.
• Provide guidance, support and resources to managers to empower team members to achieve their full potential and deliver the best results.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations with managers, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for skills development and training.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Perm team, fostering an inclusive work environment that values and leverages individual differences.
Strategic Vision & Purpose:
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the company’s strategic goals and aligns the Perm business line’s objectives accordingly.
• Ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision that inspires and motivates the team.
Leadership & Team Management:
• Leads by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in mentoring and coaching team members to enhance their skills and performance.
Client-Centric Approach:
• Prioritizes client needs and works proactively to exceed their expectations.
• Strong relationship-building and client management skills.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
• Utilizes data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and optimize performance.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting and deriving actionable insights.
Effective Communication:
• Communicates clearly and persuasively with team members, clients and senior management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Resilience
• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges and maintains a positive attitude.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle pressure effectively.
Performance Optimization:
• Continuously seeks ways to improve team performance and recruitment outcomes.
• Expertise in performance management and optimization techniques.
Client Satisfaction & Retention:
• Ensures high levels of client satisfaction and works to retain and grow client relationships.
• Effective in upselling and cross-selling strategies to expand client partnerships.
Experience, Behaviors and Competencies
• Proven experience in permanent recruitment and leadership roles, with a significant focus on permanent placements and growth.
• Minimum of 2-3 years in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of permanent recruitment industry practices, markets, trends, and regulations.
• In-depth understanding in the country Perm market, including key sectors and most profitable specialization areas.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, influence and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Bullhorn data management, data analysis, reporting and presentation tools.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing sales teams.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement
What’s In It For You
- Competitive salary, Car allowance & bonuses
- 24 days’ holiday (rising to 27) plus your birthday off and the option to buy more
- Private medical, dental, and wellbeing benefits
- Pension scheme with increasing contributions
- Early finish Fridays, volunteering days, and exclusive discounts
- A supportive, inclusive culture where your growth matters
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup is a global leader in contingent staffing and permanent recruitment, helping businesses stay agile in an ever-changing world. We’re proud to be recognised as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the 17th time, reinforcing our commitment to doing business the right way.
We foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
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