Having spent almost three years in finance after university, Helen decided to make a move into the world of recruitment. She wanted to draw on her direct experience of internal audit to recruit into ​finance, and found that Oliver James provided the perfect platform as a specialist in this market. After joining, her knowledge of the financial services sector broadened thanks to exposure to our niche finance specialisms. Helen has now been with the business for just over a year and couldn't be happier making the most of a career path rich in opportunity and progression

"I’ve always gone full pelt at whatever I’ve done. I left Loughborough University with a BSc in Geography and a Master’s in Business; I travelled the world for years, and I played professional rugby internationally, and I tackled recruitment the same way.” David worked in management consultancy prior to joining Oliver James, and, despite having no hands-on recruitment experience, impressed Oliver James with his tenacity. Fast-forward to January 2016, and David took a leap of faith, moving halfway across the world to help steer OJ’s newest office in New York City. “It’s the city that never sleeps, so there’s always something new to do – and who better to do it with than industry heavyweights, Oliver James?"   ​

After a unique journey to Oliver James’ door, Anna Davies is ​without doubt one of our most successful recruiters. She joined us in July 2014 with a diverse employment history, and a level of natural sales ability that saw her progress quickly in the business. ‘I’ve done a bit of everything – from selling conservatories to working in a salt mine! I even set-up a coffee shop while I was travelling in Australia, which was probably the first time my entrepreneurial side really came to light.’ Today, Anna is a Managing Consultant, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Actuarial and Data & Analytics desks. “I’ve always been attracted to places that have offered me captivating opportunities. So far nowhere has come close to Oliver James.”

At 21, Ben came to Oliver James with a degree in Geography and Geology, and some basic direct sales experience. He wasn’t to know his journey would be one of the company’s most successful, leading to five desks under his watch and three consecutive awards for the ‘Year’s Highest Billing Consultant’, as well as him breaking the company’s 12-month billing record of £1.07 million – a feat he achieved in 2016. “I like to help the people in my teams, supporting them through each stage of the recruitment process so they can become repeat billers.” Culturally, Ben views Oliver James as “work hard play hard, while still being caring. You get all the help you need because the management wants to ensure everyone has the resources to thrive.”

Sarah joined Oliver James Associates Manchester in 2012. She was previously on the Marks & Spencer graduate scheme, managing a team of 35 in-store. Why recruitment? “I actually ran into an old friend, who introduced me to Jimmy, Group Managing Director of Oliver James. It was then that I felt inspired to switch career paths and apply for a recruitment position. I’ve never looked back; the opportunities here have been truly incredible. When you hit the targets, see your name on the leader board and experience the financial rewards, it’s amazing.” 

Victoria joined Oliver James in 2004 from S3 Group, a global recruitment agency that was also home to none other than Oliver James co-founder and Group Managing Director, James Rogers. There, Victoria was a top biller for the Progressive brand, recruiting in the IT industry. Today, Victoria heads up a small desk that places KPMG and Deloitte’s most senior positions, a role exclusive to her. “I understand these companies implicitly, recruiting executive level candidates with the aid of decision makers I’ve known for years.” She intends to spend at least the next five years at Oliver James. “One of the things I love most about my job is the relationships I get to build. Over the last couple of years, I’ve really enjoyed training and developing the other consultants. Anybody who’s thinking of applying to Oliver James, don’t hesitate. Be prepared to work hard, with the promise of exceptional remuneration for your efforts.”