Elevating Careers: John's Journey to UK Team Lead at Quad Recruitment

In the dynamic world of recruitment, milestones are achieved through dedication, expertise, and a passion for connecting talented professionals with their dream careers. Today, we're excited to spotlight John Churchward, a seasoned professional who has been a pivotal part of the Quad Recruitment family for the past two years.

John's journey within the company has been marked by significant growth and achievement, culminating in his recent promotion to the role of UK Team Lead. In this Q&A blog post, we'll delve into John's personal journey with Quad, his vision for the UK team, and his insights into the unique world of pharmacy recruitment. 

Q: First of all, congratulations John! Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and journey within Quad Recruitment that led to this role?

My journey at Quad Recruitment has been quite a transformative one. I joined the company nearly two years ago with no prior experience in recruitment or the pharmacy industry. Initially, I started as a resourcer, focusing on learning the ropes of the recruitment process and really getting my head around the world of pharmacy. After just two months of hard work and dedication, I transitioned to a 360 recruiter role, handling both partner and candidate relationships. 

My journey was marked by a steep learning curve and a relentless drive to prove myself, especially in the world-wind that is business development. I immersed myself in the world of pharmacy, recruitment, learning the industry inside and out, and building relationships with partners and candidates. This dedication eventually led to my recent promotion as the Team Lead UK Pharmacy.

Q: What are your main objectives and goals for the UK team in your new position?

In my new role as the Team Lead UK Pharmacy Team, my main objectives and goals are centered around growth and excellence within the team. 

Here are a few key priorities - 

Team Development - I aim to empower each team member to reach their full potential. This includes providing ongoing training internal and external, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development. I want to create an environment where everyone can flourish.

Partner and Candidate Satisfaction - Building strong, long-lasting relationships with our partners and candidates is crucial. I want my team to continue delivering exceptional service, ensuring that both partners and candidates have a positive experience working with us.

Market Expansion – I truly believe we have only just scratched the surface of the world of pharmacy. I plan to explore new avenues for growth within the pharmacy sector. This might involve identifying emerging trends, diversifying our services, or expanding into new aspects of pharmacy.

Innovation - Staying ahead of the curve in terms of recruitment technology and best practices is essential. I want my team to be at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Ultimately, my goal is to make Quad Recruitment the go-to choice for pharmacy recruitment in the UK, known for its expertise, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about working in the pharmacy industry and leading a team focused on this specialisation at Quad?

The pharmacy industry is unique in that it plays a crucial role in healthcare, impacting the lives of patients directly. What I find most fulfilling about working in this industry is the sense of purpose it provides. Knowing that our work contributes to ensuring that patients receive the right medications and care is incredibly rewarding.

Leading a team in this specialisation allows me to combine my passion for helping people with my love for recruitment. I find it so satisfying to be able to connect talented professionals with organisations that are making a real difference in healthcare. It's not just a job, it's a mission.

Additionally, the pharmacy industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, which keeps me engaged and motivated. It presents ongoing opportunities for learning and growth, both for myself and my team.

Q: Employee development is an essential aspect of Quad. How will you help your team members grow both professionally and personally?

Employee development is a top priority for me. To help my team members grow professionally and personally, I plan to implement a multifaceted approach. 

Training and Mentorship – I’ll provide comprehensive training programs to enhance their recruitment skills and industry knowledge. Experienced team members will also serve as mentors to guide newer recruits.

Goal Setting - Together with each team member, I’ll set clear, achievable goals that align with their career goals. Regular progress check-ins will keep everyone on track.

Feedback and Recognition - Constructive feedback is crucial for improvement. I aim to establish a culture of feedback, where team members receive recognition for their achievements and guidance on areas for improvement.

Continual Learning - The recruitment industry is always evolving, so I aim to encourage continuous learning to make each team member the best they possibly can be. 

Wellness and Work-Life Balance - We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and I’m a huge advocate for this. I’ll support each team member in maintaining their well-being to ensure they can perform at their best.

By focusing on these aspects, I aim to create a nurturing environment where each team member can reach their full potential, both professionally and personally.

Q: Reflecting on your journey, what are some valuable lessons or experiences that have had a significant impact on your professional growth within Quad Recruitment?

My journey at Quad Recruitment has been a tremendous learning experience. Some key lessons and experiences that have shaped my professional growth. These are - 

Resilience - I learned that setbacks are part of any journey. Highs are extremely high however lows can be very low (if you’re in recruitment then you know what I mean). It's essential to stay resilient, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward.

Relationship Building - Building strong relationships with partners and candidates is at the core of recruitment. Trust and communication are key factors in our success.

Continuous Learning - The recruitment industry is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies is vital. We don’t just want to follow the trend, we want to set them!

Adaptability - Being able to adapt to different situations and partner's needs is essential. Flexibility and creativity in problem-solving are valuable skills.

Teamwork - Success in recruitment is often a team effort. Collaborating with colleagues and leveraging each other's strengths is crucial. We’re all after the same goal and work hard to achieve this. 

Persistence - Recruitment can be challenging, but persistence pays off. Sometimes, the best candidates or partners take time to find. 

These lessons have not only helped me succeed but will also inform my approach as a leader, guiding my team toward success in their own careers.

Q: What advice would you give to other Quad Recruitment employees who aspire to advance within the company and take on leadership roles?

Growing within the Quad family and taking on leadership roles is definitely achievable with the right approach and mindset. Here's some advice based on my own experience - 

Show Initiative - Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, go and find them. If you see a chance to take on more responsibility or learn a new skill, go for it. 

Prove Your Dedication - Hard work and dedication can set you apart. Show your commitment to the company's goals and your personal growth.

Learn Continuously - The recruitment industry is always evolving. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Speak to as many pharmacists as possible. Understand what’s going on within the market.

Build Relationships - Building strong relationships with partners, candidates, and colleagues will set you up for big things. Network, network, network.

Embrace Challenges - Don't shy away from challenges. They often provide the best opportunities for growth. Don’t just stick to the ‘easy fill’ positions, take yourself out of your comfort zone and tackle the ‘hard to fill’. There is nothing better than the feeling when you find a A* candidate in a location where everyone has failed. 

Understand Your Goals - Make your career aspirations known. Manage or be managed. 

Be Patient – Advancement and success takes time. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight. 

Lead by Example - Even before officially becoming a leader, demonstrate leadership qualities in your current role. This is something I live by and has put me in great opportunities not only here at Quad but throughout my whole career. 

Stay Positive - A positive attitude can be infectious and can make a significant impact on your career and those around you. Yes we all have days that its really hard to stay positive however the strength in that is how you deal with it. Being able to turn a negative into a positive is crucial. 

Last words of wisdom 😊 

Remember everyone's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to success. Be open to new experiences, learn from both successes and failures, keep positive and work hard. You’re hard work and mindset always pays off!! 

John's journey from within the company serves as a testament to the opportunities for growth and leadership that exist at Quad Recruitment. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of the UK team under John's capable leadership and anticipate many more milestones in the years to come.