This much I know: How to succeed as a working mum

How to succeed as a working mum

Just Recruitment Business Manager Bridie James knows a thing or two about the demands of parenthood and work. Here’s the mother-of-two’s inside track on the hardest balancing act of all.

There’s nothing to rival the feeling of returning to work after maternity leave. Even if you know your job inside out, you’re bound to feel a twinge of nervousness as you step back into the office.

Expect the office to feel different from when you left it before having your baby,...  

People come and go, and dynamics change. Expect the office to feel different from when you left it before having your baby, and you won’t be wrong-footed when you return.

You’ll slot in soon enough. And you’ll rapidly remember what you love about your career. I find mine to be stimulating and unpredictable, which is a great combination.

To succeed, you need to be hyper-organised. Each night, I devise a clear plan of what needs doing the next morning if we’re all to get out of the house in time for school, the childminder and work.

Routines are good. They make it easy for everyone in your household to know what to expect on any given day. I don’t think I could fit in everything that I do without having some pretty well-rehearsed routines in place.

Be prepared. I tend to log in to my work emails in the evening and catch up with admin and other tasks. That way, when I arrive in the office the next day, I can send vital emails to clients and candidates, and get on with the business of my job.

I thrive on pressure. At the moment, I’m responsible for our Witham branch. That gives me a clear focus, and means I can’t afford to get distracted. I find that clear sense of purpose really useful in keeping me motivated.

You need to make room for hobbies. As well as my job and my family, I like to run and participate in marathons. I find this time helps to clear my mind and is energising.

How to succeed as a working mumWorking parents should never be afraid to get hired help. There’s nothing that will compensate your kids for your time. So pay someone else to weed your garden or clean your house, and spend those hours catching up with a family.

If you’re earning the money, be sure to spend it on exciting things. We plan a regular trip out with the kids so that they get to enjoy the rewards of our efforts. That’s also a great way of giving them a good work ethic, because they get to experience the benefits of hard graft.

The first thing I tell myself in the morning is: “You have had seven hours’ sleep. Honest.” It’s all about mind over matter.

 

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Published: 25 October 2023
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2023

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Accounts Assistant (1 year contract)
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC8
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Braintree, looking to add an Accounts Assistant to their team.

You will be responsible for maintaining all records required for the accurate operation of the sales and purchase ledgers, including the daily entry and reconciliation of cash.

Duties include:

  • Entering daily cash from multiple bank accounts and reconciling on a daily basis.
  • Processing daily sales invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Dealing with the despatch team to reconcile any discrepancies.
  • Processing of Purchase Ledger Invoices, ensuring they are accurate, matched to the delivery notes, and as per the terms agreed.
  • Ensuring the invoices are coded correctly and in line with company policy.
  • Reconciling all supplier statements and agreeing the Creditors Report monthly, correcting any discrepancies with suppliers, and in line with company policy.
  • Raising and processing monthly payment runs for Purchase Ledger invoices, both in domestic and foreign currencies.
  • Working closely with Customer Service and Warehouse departments to ensure excellent communication is adhered to at all times and a high level of
  • Customer Service is given at all times.
  • Assisting the Accounts Manager and CFO with any other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the accounts department within the company.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please note the company can offer full or part-time hours!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
Field Service Engineer (South)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: South
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913747
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, at the forefront of their sector, looking to add a Field Service Engineer to their team - covering a patch in the South - you can be based anywhere in the South of the UK.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the Installation, Commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment in a variety of environments, located in the South of the UK.

Duties include:

  • Duties include installing, commissioning, maintaining, and fault‐finding a wide range of both manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Providing user training to end clients when required.
  • Providing feedback to customers on any issues identified during commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visits.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience of performing in a technical field service team
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed
  • Some overnight stays are required

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.

You will be continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies. You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be furthered through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will receive ongoing, industry-recognised product training as new products are introduced. You will also enjoy a generous remuneration package, including a competitive salary, company healthcare, a contributory pension scheme, a phone, and a laptop, as well as excellent opportunities for career progression within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
Production Operator
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB30
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Production Operator for a company based in Witham, Essex.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 6.00am to 2.30pm, with occasional 12-hour shifts required to cover holidays and peak periods.

Role will involve:

  • Carrying out the safe and efficient operation of equipment to prepare products
  • Undertaking dispatch checks and reporting any discrepancies to the Team Leader
  • Completing all necessary record-keeping on the computer
  • Operating filling equipment
  • Movement/sampling of the product to the final store as instructed
  • General cleanliness of production areas, conveying equipment, coolers, etc.
  • Maintaining high levels of cleanliness in all work areas, ensuring correct procedures are followed and documented, where applicable

Skills/Abilities include:

  • Able to determine colour differences by eye
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Quality awareness
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Good people skills
  • Literate and numerate
  • Team player

Experience in production line operations in the food and beverage sector and knowledge of HACCP would be advantageous.

Excellent company benefits include:

  • Automatic entry into pension scheme after 3 months 4% employee, 6% employer contributions, going up to a maximum of 8% company contribution
  • You automatically qualify for Death in Service benefit which is 4 x basic annual salary
  • Health Cash Back Plan
  • Gym subsidy and cycle to work scheme
  • Benefits hub with access to discounts from various retailers
  • Loyalty awards scheme

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician (Leeds/Bradford)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB29
About the role

A global leader in vehicle washing technology is expanding and seeking a Field Service Technician to support its customers across the Leeds and Bradford region.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

The role involves the service and installation of car and commercial valet equipment. You will handle all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, including equipment servicing and repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels to standard requirements and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • An Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Traveling and staying out overnight as and when required
  • Taking on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • A valid, clean UK driving license
  • Good people skills, presentable, and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

The benefits:

  • Company vehicle available
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more