Strong Leadership & Values Driven Culture - Recruitment Consultant Macildowie Employee Review

Flexible working environment with the option to work hybrid and manage your own time and desk — there’s a high level of trust. Social culture is great: regular events like scavenger hunts, afternoon tea in the office, summer BBQs, charity fundraisers, Christmas parties, and quarterly kick-offs. There are also smaller team socials which help build close-knit teams. Clear performance processes in place to support progression, and the L&D programme genuinely stands out from what I’ve seen at other agencies. Regular skills reviews help you identify and close any gaps. Strong and supportive senior leadership team — approachable and focused on individual development. Management is actively working to improve cross-office collaboration. There’s a slight culture difference between the Nottingham and Leicester offices, but the introduction of a Shadow Board is a great step forward. It’s giving consultants more visibility and a say in decisions, even if they’re not in management.

Not a con but promotion structure and billing targets should be consistently monitored and reviewed to ensure we retain good people and stay in line with the market.

• Great Managers & People: The team dynamic is one of the best things about this place. Everyone is approachable, supportive, and genuinely wants to help each other succeed. • Flexibility: The hybrid working setup is a big win for me. It gives a good balance between collaboration in the office and the focus I get working from home. • Training & Support:The company invests in development, and it’s noticeable. The training opportunities and access to support are great. • Leadership at the Top: The CEO is down-to-earth, relatable and clearly knows the industry inside out. That’s refreshing and motivating to see.

• Leadership below CEO: There’s too much emphasis on micromanagement and KPIs from the layer of leadership just below the CEO. It feels less like actual leadership and more like process driven management which can be demotivating. • Tech & Systems: The systems are outdated and the lack of investment in tech is frustrating. There’s a noticeable gap compared to competitors, and it makes some tasks harder and longer than they need to be. The Culture Shift: I’ve noticed a change in the culture in the last 6+ months and I think it’s tied to the increased focus on KPIs and change in leadership structure. While I get that tougher market conditions demand some adaptation, the balance is starting to shift too far. The culture that made this a great place to work could be at risk if things continue this way. Sometimes, a bit of creativity can go further than micromanaging the inputs—there’s more than one way to crack an egg!