Life at Gattaca | Jack's Story | Gattaca

Job title: Director of Professional Skills, overseeing Barclay Meade, Alderwood & General Engineering
Location: Whiteley

Why did you join Gattaca?

I joined after relocating to Hampshire, home to Gattaca headquarters, in 2007. I felt that Gattaca was big enough to give me chances to learn new skills and get the progression I desired. It also had a personal feel, where I felt I could make a difference and be in control of my own career.

Describe your Gattaca career so far.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have a number of mentors/managers who have believed in me, which has always given me great confidence. I’ve had three or four reporting lines during my career, which has given me exposure to a number of different leadership styles and I would say this has been the biggest gain during my time in Gattaca.

How has your career changed or progressed since you joined?

I began as a recruitment consultant, targeting a new market (Professional Services into the Oil & Gas markets) with a lot of business development and sales activity needed. I was quickly given the responsibility of taking an associate under my wing after my first 12 months (who is still in the business as a very successful consultant), before progressing to Team Leader after 24 months. I was actively involved in the rebranding of Barclay Meade, our professional staffing specialist brand, which gave me great exposure and hands on experience in change management both with internal and external customers.

Since then I have been involved in a number of strategic projects, won an award for ‘Business Developer of the Year’ and been promoted to Department Manager; taking on responsibility for a team within our Central London office as well as supporting our Procurement & Supply Chain department based at our Head Office in Whiteley.

As Director of Barclay Meade, I am now responsible for HR, Procurement & Supply Chain, Sales, Finance & Accountancy recruitment. In a nutshell, my career has changed a lot!

What are your career aspirations with Gattaca?

As I have experienced such positive career progression during my career here, I would like to help the rest of my brand achieve the same and continue to drive high standards of service to the candidates and clients we work with.

Do you have any advice to anybody thinking about joining Gattaca?

You will need to work hard, you will need to bring your enthusiasm and drive with you, but if you are prepared to build something, Gattaca will give you the opportunities that you desire. Plus you can have a lot of fun in the process!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I would say having the opportunity to work and develop some really exciting businesses out there in the marketplace. Also seeing people around you grow and develop because of your involvement - that’s always hugely rewarding.