Lawrence Schott began his career in recruitment in 2012. For more than a decade he has developed his skills and expertise in the field, rising through the ranks and gaining valuable experience. In April 2020, Lawrence joined Fairmead in 2020 as a Senior Consultant, promoted to Section Manager in 2022 and then Regional Manager in 2024. His journey reflects significant growth, not just in his professional capabilities but also in his personal development.
The Beginnings (2012 – 2020)
Lawrence’s career was marked by a traditional and intense approach to recruitment. The environment was highly competitive and performance-driven, focusing on volume and numbers. Despite this, Lawrence honed his recruitment skills, learning the nuances of the industry and developing a strong work ethic.
Transition to Fairmead (2020 – Present)
The move to Fairmead marked a turning point in Lawrence’s career. He joined the company as a Senior Consultant based in Epping before opening an office in Chelmsford in 2023. He now oversees operations in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and parts of East London. Fairmead offered a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritised team cohesion and personal growth.
As a Regional Manager, Lawrence is currently responsible for managing a team and ensuring the smooth operation of recruitment activities within his designated region. His role involves both blue-collar and white-collar recruitment, with a specific focus on blue-collar roles. He collaborates closely with Aaron, who handles white-collar recruitment, allowing Lawrence to concentrate on growing the blue-collar business..
Fairmead’s Company Culture and Mentorship
One of the most significant aspects of Lawrence’s role at Fairmead is the mentorship and support he receives from the senior leadership team. Lawrence emphasises the accessibility and guidance provided by Darren, the Managing Director, and Joe, a close friend and mentor. “Having direct access to Darren, who is a switched-on man and seems to know everything before anyone else does, is rare. I can just call him, and he’ll pick up the phone, which is very rare to be able to access your MD like that.”
This mentorship has been crucial in his development, helping him to think more strategically about the business and his role within it. Lawrence notes, “I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a lot of mentoring from Joe, Darren, Ed and Ashley, which made me think differently about the business as opposed to just thinking about my fees and what I’m bringing in.”
Personal and Professional Growth
Since joining Fairmead, Lawrence has experienced profound growth both personally and professionally. He describes himself as a completely different person compared to four years ago. “I think differently. I’m more motivated. Genuinely, I know it sounds like a cliché, but I love my job again.“
The supportive environment at Fairmead has rekindled his passion for recruitment, making him more motivated and meticulous in his approach. He feels empowered to make decisions and contribute to the company’s strategic direction. “I’ve grown in so many different ways inside and outside of work. I think differently, with more of a business head as opposed to just being a consultant trying to increase billings.”
Challenges and Strategies
One of the main challenges Lawrence faces is finding the right labour for various roles. The recruitment landscape is competitive, and attracting reliable candidates can be difficult. However, Fairmead’s thorough vetting process and strong candidate relationships have resulted in a low no-show rate. “We go through a lot of detail with the guys to make sure we have the right guy or girl. The toughest thing is finding the right person, but touch wood, we do alright.”
Lawrence and his team invest significant time in building relationships with candidates, ensuring they are well-prepared and committed to the roles they are placed in. “Every Monday morning, we call every single person on site, ask them how their weekend was, what they got up to, and how their family is. I think it makes a difference because we’ve got good relationships with our guys.”
Advice and Insights
Reflecting on his journey, Lawrence offers valuable advice for those considering a career in recruitment:
- Hard Work and Persistence: “You get out what you put in. You’re never going to get anywhere being lazy, half-hearted, trying to cut corners.”
- Building Relationships: “Candidates are human beings at the end of the day. You’ve got to treat them that way. There’s a lot of people who don’t and just see them as numbers.”
- Mentorship: “Having direct access to tap into their experience and their knowledge has helped me so much.”
Lawrence’s career in recruitment is a testament to the transformative power of the right work environment and mentorship. His journey to Fairmead highlights the importance of company culture, support, and personal growth in achieving professional fulfilment. As he continues to thrive at Fairmead, Lawrence’s story serves as an inspiration for those in the recruitment industry and beyond.