Divisonal Manager, Concept Staffing

Karen Sharpin,

When did you join Concept Staffing and what job were you doing prior to this? 

I joined Concept in 1998 as a recruitment consultant in Taunton.  After graduating from Kent University I went to work as a Claims Negotiator as I realised I had lots of qualifications but very little business experience.

What attracted you to Concept? 

I wanted a career where I could build long lasting relationships with people and an ex recruitment consultant told me I would be ideally suited to the industry. I relocated to Devon and off the back of my sales experience I successfully secured my first ever recruitment job – with Concept Staffing!

Whilst working with Concept for six months, I fell in love with the industry.  I wanted to try the London lifestyle however so left for three years.  I soon got fed up with sitting on the tube and decided to relocate back to Devon – I called Concept and they were quick to re-hire me. I’d learnt a lot while working for a corporate business in London and so I returned with big ideas and ambitions both for me and Concept.

What do you like about working for Concept?

Concept has provided a number of promotional opportunities over the many years I have worked for them. I went from Consultant to Branch Manager for Exeter, from Branch Manager to Area Sales Manager, from Area Sales Manager to Groups Perms Manager, and now finally to Divisional Manager. 

What’s more, now as a Divisional Manager, I’m doing my dream job! Concept has emerged over 20 years’ as the leading recruitment consultancy in the South West, and I have been integral in that. We have been acquired by Acorn and now I have the chance to lead Concept to become the best division within the Acorn Group.  

What makes Concept different from other organisations you have worked for?

Concept is a very loyal company – like myself, we have a number of employees who have worked for Concept for many years; our longest standing member has been with the company for over 14 years.

Concept has long standing relationships with clients and candidates, which was what I always wanted from my career.  Our relationships are testament to our business vision – to ensure we remain local, trustworthy and responsive whilst continuing our national growth.

What has been your best / most successful moment at Concept? 

Securing my dream job as Divisional Manager is definitely a key highlight of my career.  I’m so dedicated to the success of Concept and this job enables me to ensure we’re the market leader in our field across the West Country.

What advice would you give others looking at recruitment as a possible career?

Your gut instincts are always right – take the decision and make it work. Remember to have fun - you need a sense of humour in business! Act with professionalism and integrity and others will reciprocate. 

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