Tell us a little about yourself?
I live in rural Shropshire, where I also grew up, surrounded by farming and the countryside. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, we had dogs and cats, chickens, rabbits, and even a few sheep growing up. As a teenager, I was an active member of Young Farmers, where I developed a real appreciation for the agricultural community and the people within it. That early exposure naturally shaped my interests and led me to pursue my studies in Manchester, where I completed a BSc in Zoology, followed by an MSc in Conservation Biology. Outside of work I am a keen gardener and hiker, my most recent accomplishment being the 325km Shropshire Way trail.
Where did your career start, and how did it evolve to where you are now?
After completing my studies, I initially built my professional experience in customer-facing and office-based roles, including several years travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand, before moving into recruitment and executive search. Over the years, I’ve worked in both research-led search firms and in-house executive recruitment, delivering end-to-end hiring for senior, leadership, and specialist roles. This journey has allowed me to develop strong stakeholder management skills, market insight, and a passion for identifying and engaging high-quality, hard-to-find talent, all of which I now bring to the animal health and agricultural sectors.
What do you enjoy about recruitment?
Recruitment is fundamentally about people, and that’s what I enjoy most. Every role, organisation, and candidate is different, and understanding those nuances is key to making successful placements. I find it incredibly rewarding to help individuals advance in their careers while supporting businesses in building strong, diverse, and future focused teams.
What do you enjoy about working in the animal-related industries?
The animal health and agricultural industries are purpose-driven, innovative, and deeply connected to global challenges, including sustainability, food security, and animal welfare. Working with professionals who are genuinely passionate about their work is hugely motivating, and it’s an industry where the work truly matters. On a personal level, it also allows me to work in a sector I genuinely love. I’ve rescued a couple of dogs over the years — most recently a lurcher called Cleo — and I also keep chickens at home, so being part of an industry that aligns so closely with my values and everyday life is incredibly rewarding.
What do you look for in a candidate?
While technical skills and experience are important, I place just as much emphasis on mindset, values, and motivation. I look for candidates who are curious, engaged, and aligned with the organisation’s culture and purpose. Strong communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are often what set great candidates apart.
What is the one thing you think every CV should have?
Clear, relevant storytelling. A strong CV should clearly show not just what you’ve done, but the impact you’ve had. Tailoring your CV to the role and highlighting measurable outcomes helps hiring managers quickly understand your value.
What is your top career advice?
Be proactive and intentional about your career. Build relationships, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to explore opportunities that stretch you or sit slightly outside your comfort zone. Careers are rarely linear, and some of the most rewarding roles come from being open to change.