An Appointment with Hannah Blades - Business Works Feature

Hiring and retaining top talent are some of the biggest challenges businesses face. So, over the next year, we’ll discuss all aspects of recruitment with the team from Consortium Professional Recruitment. We'll feature insights from their senior team members, highlight specialist events, and share valuable tips. 

To kick off this series, we have Hannah Blades, Divisional Director at Consortium, in the hot seat to discuss how she got into the industry and what she loves about the role. 

What’s your professional background, and what made you decide to pursue a career in recruitment?

I’m the Supply Chain and Procurement specialist at Consortium. As most recruiters will tell you, nobody sets out straight from school to get into recruitment. You fall into it by chance and either leave immediately or fall completely in love with it! 

Fortunately, I was in the latter crowd. I started my career in B2B telesales, and whilst on lunch one day, I saw an ad in a window for a trainee recruiter. Intrigued, I hand-delivered my CV, interviewed the same week and got the job. The rest is history! I have now been in the industry for over a decade, and still just as passionate as I was at the start. 

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What kind of services do you offer at Consortium?

At Consortium, we really pride ourselves on being a solution-based recruitment partner. Our consultants are industry specialists, not just recruiters. This deep sector knowledge allows us to tailor our approach to each client's unique needs and tap into our vast network to find the perfect fit. We go beyond simply filling a vacancy; we ensure both candidates and clients are well-matched for long-term success. We have a mantra in the office that’s “we don’t just fill jobs, we build careers”, and every single person in the business has really embodied it. 

I specialise solely in supply chain and procurement, which typically sees me managing roles such as purchasing and procurement, planning, supply chain management, warehouse management, logistics and shipping, all at professional and management level. 

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What kind of challenges do you help your clients overcome?

You know the struggle – finding that unicorn candidate with the perfect blend of technical skills and cultural fit. That's where I come in. Instead of just slinging CVs at clients and hoping for the best, I tap into my deep network and industry knowledge to unearth those hidden gems. We also have industry-leading tools and a dedicated research team on hand to assist with every search, as well as stringent processes to assess their personality and aspirations to make sure they'll thrive within clients’ teams. We'll work together with the client to refine their recruitment process, giving them a competitive edge to attract those high-calibre candidates. It isn’t just about filling a temporary hole; it's about building the foundation for long-term success.

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What makes you different from other recruitment specialists?

What sets me apart is my deep-rooted passion for the industry. I genuinely care about helping people and love learning about the companies that I visit, as well as the candidates I interview. My length of service of recruiting in this specialism gives me an unrivalled understanding of the supply chain and procurement industry within the region. And my commitment to excellence and building strategic partnerships ensures that I deliver outstanding results for both candidates and clients.

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Can you share a success story that highlights your impact in this field?

One of my most rewarding experiences was helping an SME manufacturing company revamp its entire supply chain team. The company had been experiencing a lot of growth and needed to increase its headcount and add skills to the business to support this. By understanding their specific needs and challenges, I was able to make recommendations on what the right people would look like, as well as advise on salary levels and role titles. I recruited a team of skilled professionals who transformed the company's supply chain operations and are all still happy and thriving in their roles. 

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What qualities do you believe are essential for success in Supply Chain and Procurement roles?

Key qualities for success in these roles include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities. Strategic thinking is vital, allowing you to anticipate challenges and develop winning plans to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of this field. Excellent communication is also crucial, ensuring you bridge the gap between stakeholders and keep everyone on the same page. Adaptability is key – be prepared to roll with the punches and find creative solutions on the fly, for Supply Chain and Procurement is a dynamic environment. Finally, success hinges on building strong relationships with various stakeholders.

Like recruitment, supply chain isn’t for everyone, and I am yet to meet a person whose dream was to become a buyer or a supply planner! But once you are in, it’s hugely fulfilling, and your impact on a business and its overall operations is much broader than people would realise from the outside looking in.

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How do you support candidates in advancing their Supply Chain and Procurement careers?

I support candidates by providing personalised career guidance and insights into industry trends. I help them identify their strengths and areas for development and advise them on the best opportunities to pursue. Additionally, I offer CV and interview tips to ensure they present themselves effectively to potential employers.

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What projects do you currently have on the drawing board?

I’m working on several projects, including a new networking forum for supply chain and procurement leaders. Professionals will be able to share best practices, discuss industry trends, and liaise with peers across the region.