Talent acquisition and
management is crucial to success.
We all need good people.

I take great pride in adding true value to a client.

Whether that value comes in the form of non fee-based advice or supporting them in finding talent that allows their business to grow.

At Blue Octopus, I’m responsible for driving the strategic direction of the business, helping it reach its full potential and engaging excellent talent to drive us forwards.

If not this job: I’d be working for MI6!

I’m proud to have been with Blue Octopus from the start.

We’ve reached so many milestones over the years and I’m certain there are many more ahead. Weather permitting, I love unwinding in the garden at home. Or on holiday!

Top tip: Ask for feedback to ensure your candidate experience is on point

No one network or job board has the monopoly. Use multiple avenues for the best result.

As a client-facing Director, I’m heavily involved with business development. My responsibilities also include helping to make key decisions that support Blue Octopus’ continued growth.

With four daughters, I’m kept very busy away from work. I do enjoy cooking and winding down with a glass of red though!

Solving problems is the best part of my role.

As Digital Director, I oversee the Development team at Blue Octopus. One of my most memorable moments has to have been working right through to 7am to migrate a client’s data during minimal impacting hours.

Programming is what I do for fun (honestly!) – so that’s generally what you’ll find me doing outside of work.

I really enjoy seeing the team develop and grow.

In addition to managing the Client Delivery team, I provide account management for some of our largest clients and run online demonstrations of Octo Platinum.

Providing a positive candidate journey can truly elevate your employer brand.

Ideal night in: Games night with my family – and a nice glass of wine!

Communication is key to a great candidate experience.

I really enjoy showing businesses how we can add genuine value. Operating in a competitive environment motivates me – which is exactly why I’m a keen football player too.

You can find me out with the family on a weekend, most likely having a meal.

Top travel destination: Greece

I love speaking to such a wide array of people.

My day is typically spent discussing the ways our technology and services can support the businesses we connect with.

I spend my free time seeing as much of my enormous family as possible!

Favourite band: Earth, Wind & Fire

I love seeing partnerships grow after booking that initial meeting.

When it comes to attracting and engaging top talent, it’s more important than ever to clearly define the job role and to really sell your company culture. It’s a candidate-driven market.

Favourite movie: Got to be Rounders – Matt Damon and Edward Norton are great

I find businesses that could benefit from our offering and get in touch.

It’s fantastic being that first ‘stepping stone’ in the process of building strong and effective partnerships. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with some of our longest-running client relationships.

From looking after four children (plus pets!) to running and DIY, I’m a busy woman when I’m not at work. My favourite way to wind down is going for a run with my headphones in!

I thrive on supporting partners to deliver seamless candidate experiences.

I believe it’s vital we remember that candidates are consumers. Your marketing activity can cross over to support your recruitment function too. Ensure your candidate experience is both informative and engaging.

Hobby: Cooking (I love anything food-related)

I pride myself on building strong, consultative relationships.

Two of the most important things to remember when it comes to talent? 1) You need to make sure your recruitment process is as streamlined as possible, and 2) if you find a candidate you like, don’t hang around! Being proactive is absolutely key.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find me hanging out with friends (alongside a bucket of G&T).

My role is full of interaction – from managers to candidates.

There is no typical day for me but that’s why I like my job. I might be writing job adverts and posting them to job boards in the morning and calling candidates about their interviews in the afternoon.

When I’m not at work, I’m usually running here, there and everywhere with my little boy.

Favourite movie: Bridesmaids

Making my clients’ lives easier is the best part of my job.

Communication is such a significant aspect of what I do – as well as in talent management as a whole. It’s great to be able to join the dots between managers and the right talent.

Away from work, I love going to gigs and music festivals.

You have to make your role stand out in the crowd.

When it comes to my job, there’s no better feeling than matching a candidate with a vacancy and knowing I’ve provided a high-quality experience. For my client and the candidate.

Favourite TV series: Game of Thrones or Killing Eve… you can’t beat a bit of gore and drama

Candidates want an informative, enjoyable experience.

I’m lucky enough to get to speak with people from a huge variety of industries on a day-to-day basis. Not to mention people from all walks of life. That keeps my job interesting!

Unofficial job title: Queen of Spreadsheets / Team Transport Coordinator

Regular updates throughout the candidate journey are crucial.

I first joined Blue Octopus in a Client Delivery Administrator position. I’ve since worked my way up to my current role, supporting a number of high-volume clients by sourcing and managing talent.

Most memorable moment: Breaking my ankle at the Christmas party!

I’m the first point of contact for clients and talent.

It’s fortunate I love talking as I spend the majority of my day on the phone! Whether I’m answering questions for candidates, booking interviews or contacting people about suitable opportunities.

Favourite TV series: Can’t Pay We’ll Take It Away (I’ve watched every episode!)

It’s important we promote our clients’ brands.

As Client Delivery Administrator, my day involves answering incoming calls to the office, answering questions or offering advice. I search CV databases for talent for the vacancies we’re working on and schedule interviews to reduce administration for our clients.

I’m a huge ‘Friends’ fan – I know a lot of random facts!

Your candidate journey should be convenient and simple.

I’ve seen the capabilities of the tech and services we offer. So I feel pretty privileged to be able to deliver our message to market at such a pivotal time – both for the business and talent acquisition.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird – it’s all about doing the right thing even when it seems hopeless!

Provide clear progression routes – and let talent know about it.

In my role as Graphic Designer, I’m responsible for the design and build of our clients’ careers sites. I also work on internal projects that require a creative eye.

Favourite movie: Tron Legacy – it’s an amazing art production!

My role is focused on reading code, enhancing code – lots of code.

I’m quite a recent addition to Blue Octopus, having just joined the in-house IT team. I’m sure I’ll be adding some memorable moments in the years to come.

Aside from programming, which is something I really enjoy, I’m also a runner. It’s a good way to unwind.

The best bit? Building software features that make lives easier.

One of my proudest achievements to date is progressing to my current role of Developer. I joined the business with no experience and have since been able to learn and progress. It’s awesome.

My family is growing quickly. I don’t want to miss any of it, so my evenings and weekends are spent enjoying time with them.

I like finding solutions that make others’ day-to-day lives easier.

As part of the Development team, I’m responsible for helping to maintain and drive progression in business software, hardware and support. We’re here to ensure Blue Octopus colleagues, clients and candidates can ‘get on’ without encountering issues.

When I’m at home, you’ll probably find me playing on the PC or traversing Netflix.

I run the accounts function at Blue Octopus.

Managing invoicing, credit control and supplier payments –  I also provide regular cash flow forecasts to the business. I work with a great team so there’s always something to giggle about.

I’m a member of my local book club… although it’s now more of a ‘dining out’ club. We never seem to talk about the book!

Usually found fulfilling financial processes…

…while listening to heavy metal music. With a background in debt management, I joined Blue Octopus at the end of 2014.

Rock and heavy metal are a big part of my life, alongside reading and travel.

Favourite band: Iron Maiden (the best live act of all time)