Why choose a career in recruitment?
08 Nov, 2024
An interview with Zach Savva: How the recruitment industry is adapting to new technologies and trends
Companies often boast career progression, but at Mackinnon Bruce International we have proven success.
We spoke to our director of Chemicals and Consumer Goods about his journey from graduate to Director. Zach’s journey from a personal trainer at Virgin Active to leading our busy recruitment office in Manchester is nothing short of impressive.
With a decade of experience and expertise in the flavours, fragrances, and ingredients sector, Zach's story offers valuable insights into the development of modern recruitment and how to build a successful career in the industry.
- Introduction to Zach
I’m Zach, the Director of the Chemicals and Consumer Goods Business for Mackinnon Bruce International. I have worked for the business for 10 years, I started working at MBI shortly after graduating from university.
Originally from Derby, I moved to Leeds to study Sports, Physical Activity and Health at Leeds Beckett University. I worked for the business in Leeds for several years and then moved to Manchester in 2019 to open our new office there. I specialise in the flavours, fragrances, and ingredients sector focusing on the North American market.
Outside of work, I am passionate about fitness, in particular running. I also enjoy watching as much football as possible.
- How did you start working in the recruitment industry, and what initially drew you to it?
After graduating from university, I worked at Virgin Active gyms as a PT. I found interacting with people, understanding their needs, overcoming reservations, and securing a deal was something I really enjoyed.
I had friends in recruitment who told me about the earning potential and career opportunities. I met an old Director of the company at the gym and was then connected to Andrew Bruce. The rest is history!
- What are the most significant changes you've observed in recruitment since you started your career?
There have been several changes since I first started. The speed at which our clients hire is much faster and more efficient than when I first started thanks to online interview tools. If I think back to when I first started, it was rare for a client to hire someone without meeting in person first. However, this is now standard practice.
The diversity of candidates is a priority for us. When I started, it wasn’t something hiring managers asked for. Now, it is a big priority for many clients. Clients are now more willing to work with a UK recruitment company globally. We have always recruited globally from our UK offices and, in the past, were often asked how we did this without having a physical presence in the country. Since remote working is now the norm, our pool of clients and candidates is much bigger.
- What were the highlights and challenges of setting up the Manchester office?
Initially, in Manchester, we began as a team of 3. We have since grown to a team of 20+ over the course of a few short years. There have been many highlights during this time; several office moves to bigger spaces, several promotions within the team, implementation of our graduate intern scheme with Manchester University and some great incentive trips.
The biggest highlight for me is seeing graduates join, making some unbelievable placements, and earning life-changing commissions.
There have been a few challenges. We are a start-up business, and the markets we try to enter don’t always work out. However, we learn from this.
- What are the biggest challenges the industry faces and how do you think we can overcome them?
There have been a lot of automation tools and reliance on AI in the past few years which is great however, consultants need to remember the human side to the role. The best performers in our business are the ones who are frequently on the phone and speaking to clients, really understanding their needs and consulting! I think consults need to understand the importance of communicating and selling person to person!
- What are your plans for the future growth and expansion of the Manchester office?
We have several hires for 2025 with a set headcount plan of 7 new consultants, 1 junior researcher and 2 business development interns. This would take our headcount above 30 people for the first time. This will work for the office space we are in now, after this we would likely look for a bigger space or additional office with our current partner - Cubo.
- What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in recruitment?
You must be resilient and able to push yourself. Every market is super competitive these days, no one is going to come and gift you roles to work on. You have to put yourself out there, speak to people and be willing to hear the word no!
As a new consultant in a business or market, you have to be that spark in the process and add value to your clients and candidates. You also need to trust the process. Our business development model has worked in over 20 different markets. It can take time to get results, but you need to be patient.
- How has your life changed since joining MBI?
Working for MBI has been life-changing. It has allowed me to run my own business, work with great people and experience some amazing moments.
Financially it has given me a lot of opportunity and freedom that I don’t think other roles have the scope for. The culture at MBI and working with Andrew is always looking forward and trying new things. Working with MBI gives me a purpose and something to be excited about every day.
Zach's journey from graduate to becoming director of MBI's Manchester office shows how hard work, motivation and dedication to your role pays off.
As MBI's Manchester office looks toward 2025, with plans to expand beyond 30 team members, Zach's story inspires those thinking about a career in recruitment.
To get ahead of the curve, look at our graduate opportunities and apply now.
Not sure where to start? Read our latest blog How to score your first role out of university.
