Commoditisation and how to resist it

Every business sector runs the risk of devaluing its offer by making it too standardised, and recruitment is no exception. So how do you avoid the pull of commoditisation, asks Peter Foy.

In an age of mass production, it is unsurprising that many goods have become commoditised. The era of hand-built cars, furniture and even houses has passed. Nowadays, everything is made to a standard specification, packed neatly in a box, and constructed with painting-by-numbers ease.

But surely the service industries are able to resist such a drag to the lowest common denominator? Sectors like recruitment, for example, ought to be able to differentiate between providers so that buyers make informed choices about who to procure from.

Alas, not so. Because even industries that seem at first sight to be innately people-focused, and therefore impossible to standardise, have somehow become commoditised. So, for example, a one-size-fits-all approach is adopted in accountancy, legal advice, architecture and even health care.

Small wonder that recruitment has not escaped, therefore. In the business of which I am a director, Just Recruitment Group Ltd, there is a constant pressure to offer out-of-the-box solutions to our clients and candidates. Even when we’re supposed to be exquisitely attentive to the particular needs of an individual business or person, we’re all the time being pushed by economic forces to offer an off-the-peg service that fills vacancies as quickly as possible.

Now, for some of the work a recruitment consultant delivers, that’s only to be expected. According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), more than three quarters of the economic value of our industry in 2016 came from placing temporary workers. Given that many such appointments are what we term “arms and legs” roles – i.e. finding people who can perform fairly routine tasks with minimal training – it makes sense that our part in the process would be commoditised. Put bluntly, the people we’re supplying are treated as commodities, so why should our part in their recruitment be any different?

The push towards commoditisation is given impetus by advances in technology and the capacity to crunch big data to match candidates with vacancies. Because so much of the recruitment process can now be automated – and quite right, too, because it fills vacancies with far greater efficiency than in the past – it can be difficult to discern what the recruitment agency adds in terms of value. Or, to be more precise, it can be hard to see what any particular agency adds, making it seem a matter of no consequence which one you choose.

But this is where an attempt to resist commoditisation could well enhance the service a company like Just Recruitment delivers to clients and candidates alike. Following the advice of a report by management consultancy Roland Berger entitled Escaping the Commodity Trap (2014), smart businesses in all sectors are redefining themselves and developing their offer.

For our business, commoditisation prompts entrepreneurialism and a desire to add value. For example, rather than simply providing arms and legs to work on a production line, we can manage the whole process, effectively enabling the client to outsource their production processes to us.

That may seem like a big leap from basic recruitment, but it’s a natural development of what we do. After all, we’re sourcing candidates, often managing payroll and HR functions, and have a keen grasp of the processes they’ll be engaged in once in post. So why not take the whole thing over, thereby developing a more sophisticated model that takes even more strain away from our clients?

Another example of the way we can bring more depth to our offer is through the use we make of big data. For while it can seem to reduce the role played by the recruitment consultant in the appointments process, the data itself is only of value if analysed. And who better to develop such analytics than a recruitment specialist?

So, for example, a company like Just Recruitment could provide predictive analytics to clients that enable them to anticipate staffing needs and therefore be proactive in recruitment, rather than reactive. We could even use analytics to identify HR problems before they arise, optimising business performance and assisting staff motivation.

After more than 30 years in business, we have a sizeable amount of our own data to draw on. And if the whole industry worked together, perhaps facilitated by a trade body such as the REC, we would have a huge amount of aggregated data to use, enabling the discernment of trends and patterns, as well as longitudinal mapping over an extended period.

Of course, that would involve surrendering one aspect of our competitive advantage over each other – i.e., the value of our data. But given that it is in all of our interests to add value to our work and deliver a more sophisticated service to our clients, it strikes me as a risk worth taking.

Few experts have addressed the question of whether an entire industry can work together to resist commoditisation. The likes of Professor Howard Yu, for example, have focused on the ways individual players can differentiate themselves from competitors. But I wonder if a joined-up, industry-wide approach will help restore the professional status of recruitment, and give us a level playing field when it comes to winning business.

With that in place, success will be achieved by building long-term relationships of trust and reciprocity with clients and candidates. In short, it will put soft skills back at the heart of the industry. Commoditisation will have been resisted, and our value to clients restored.

More importantly, it will put people back at the centre of the recruitment process – which is surely the best thing for everyone involved. 

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2018

If you liked this article you may like to read – Why it's time for the recruitment industry to think big

You may also like to read – How will the Taylor review affect your business?

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Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913596
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Maintenance Engineer with a mechanical bias for a well-established and long-standing company in Sudbury. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated, long-serving team.

This is a day-shift role!

The key purpose of this role is to provide a knowledgeable, safe, cost effective, efficient multi-skilled maintenance service, to the Sudbury site that adheres to all engineering and electrical standards and procedures for compliance with statutory and business requirements.

Key duties include:

  • Maintaining all buildings, equipment, and services in a safe and cost-effective manner through effective maintenance programmes, ensuring traceable and auditable records are maintained.
  • Ensuring the changes to machinery and infrastructure are adequately managed via the appropriate site procedures.
  • Ensuring that all engineering/maintenance work carried out on site complies with relevant regulations and that all inspection and testing regimes are completed as required.
  • Identifying, ordering or supporting the business in ordering parts or services required to satisfy the day-to-day maintenance and engineering requirements of the business and to catalogue and control stocks of necessary spares.
  • Undertaking and supporting the co-ordination and implementation of any capital projects or site improvements works required, including installation and commissioning of new equipment.
  • Working with the Production Manager to ensure that a flexible schedule is in place to provide appropriate cover for maintenance and engineering works out of standard working hours, including call outs where required.
  • Working with Site Management, Production and Technical teams in looking at improving plant efficiency and minimising processing times, ensuring data is recorded to enable analysis to take place.
  • Completing and maintaining all records in a timely manner, ensuring they are available and auditable as required.
  • Being proactive in maintaining and developing knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this position, to enhance personal performance and meet career objectives.
  • Undertaking training as directed by the business to develop experience and capability.
  • Working with, supporting and educating Process Operatives to undertake basic maintenance tasks on machinery. Being responsible for producing formal manuals to support completion of these tasks.

Key requirements for this role, skills and qualifications:

  • NVQ Level 2 / BTEC in Engineering or equivalent.
  • 3 years’ experience in mechanical engineering.
  • 3 years’ experience of working in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience of repairing and maintaining motors, instruments, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and filling lines, etc.
  • Broad knowledge of pneumatic, air logic, pressure and hydraulic systems.
  • Willingness to gain skills in electrical fault-finding and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand technical documents and drawings.
  • Good understanding of Safe Systems of Work, proficient with Permit to Work, risk assessment and method statements Sound analysis and decision-making skills.
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business.
  • Able to communicate effectively.
  • Must have a willingness to develop people in increasing their skills on the plant.
  • Must be able to deal with people from other teams within the organisation and with people from external organisations.
  • Self-Management e.g., time management and personal development.

The working hours for this role are from Monday 8.00am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday 7.45am to 4.30pm and Friday 7.45am to 2.30pm.

Holidays 26 days plus bank holiday.

This role offers free parking on-site and other company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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General Farm Worker / Spray Operator
Sector: Environment and Agriculture
Salary: £11.44 - £13.70 per hour
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913620
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an organisation based in the Sudbury area — actively seeking a General Farm Worker / Spray Operator to join their team.

You will assist with various tasks related to crop production, including spraying and applying herbicides to a high standard while ensuring all chemicals are used safely and correctly. Your duties will also include the timely and accurate transportation of fruit, other products, and machinery between locations. Additionally, you will be responsible for mowing, shredding, and performing other general tasks within your capability.

You will need to effectively communicate with other team members and ensure they comply with all relevant legislation, company policy and procedures.

Qualifications or desired skills:

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  • Professional attitude and approach to work.
  • Excellent attention to detail.

Additional information:

  • This is a permanent role. The workload and tasks will vary depending on the time of season.
  • The contracted minimum hours will be 40 hours per week, with overtime after 48 hours and up to 60 hours in a week. Overtime is calculated at a time and a quarter.
  • You will be required to be flexible with working hours and with weekend work when required.
  • This role offers 28 days holiday pro-rata.
  • The position will be hourly paid. Competitive pay dependent on qualifications and experience.
  • On-site accommodation is available if required.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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1st / 2nd Line Support Engineer
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £24,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913616
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a 1st / 2nd Line Systems Engineer for a dynamic business based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Due to the company’s location and the role requirements, you will need access to your own vehicle.

The company provides business managed IT and consultancy to clients across East Anglia and London with IT, voice, connectivity, mobile and security solutions, and services.

You will be a solid team player with outstanding technical skills, dedicated to delivering customer service excellence with a genuine drive to move forward in your career.

The position is varied, and you will be working with clients operating in many different sectors of business and industry ranging from care to law firms.

The role is a blend of PSA, RMM and telephone-based remote support delivered from the company’s office — a good telephone manner is essential!

You must be able to demonstrate your ability to take ownership of issues and see them through to a successful resolution in the most efficient, effective, communicative, and timely manner for the client.

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  • Microsoft 365 and its offerings such as Exchange, SharePoint, Azure AD and Endpoint Manager. You will be required to configure and maintain Microsoft 365 Tenants.
  • Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel, etc).
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  • You will install and configure appropriate software for end users.
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Benefits:

  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • On-site parking
  • Private Health care
  • Private Dental care
  • 25 Days Holiday Plus Public Holidays
  • Car Allowance
  • Phone Allowance
  • Commission
  • Cycle to work scheme

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Works Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913614
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Colchester – looking to recruit a Works Coordinator, to join its vibrant and busy team.

The key purpose of this role is to liaise with all business departments to ensure that all works required on-site are completed within agreed time frames — using all available business resources effectively.

Key duties include:

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Key requirements for this role include:

  • Highly organised
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The working hours for this role are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

This role offers 20 days holiday, plus bank holidays and extensive company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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CNC Turner – Setter / Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £37,173 - £44,607 per annum
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913615
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for an experienced CNC Turner – Setter/Operator to join a dynamic and growing company’s team in Braintree.

You will work with Wickman CNC and BSA lathes, programming, setting, and operating 3-axis CNC Six Spindle and Cam Six Spindle Lathes to produce high-precision components.

Key responsibilities include:

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  • Proven experience as CNC Turner – Setter/Operator
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We will consider skills transfer from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

You will be required to work on a rotating early and late shift:

Earlies:

  • Monday to Thursday,06.00 to 14.30
  • Friday, 06.00 to 13.30 (39 per week)

Lates:

  • Monday to Thursday,14.00 to 22.30
  • Friday, 13.00 to 20.30 (39 hours per week).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more