Recruitment Manager

Michelle Waterworth Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in West Yorkshire is seeking a Permanent Recruitment Manager to build and lead a new division. This role offers equity opportunities and a clear path to leadership, with responsibilities including mentoring and strategic decision-making. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in recruitment and be comfortable with modern recruitment practices.

Benefits

Equity and shares

Competitive salary + excellent commission structure

Full autonomy to build your own team

Supportive, modern, and tech-savvy culture

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a recruitment consultant in permanent placements.
• Comfortable leading and motivating others.
• Open to modern recruitment practices and tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build a new permanent recruitment division.
• Mentor junior team members and guide them.
• Work closely with the business owner on strategic decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client-focused

Commercial Awareness

Job description

Permanent Recruitment Manager – West Yorkshire
Build & Lead a Perm Division | Equity Opportunity | Succession Plan

Are you an ambitious recruitment consultant looking to step up into leadership? Or perhaps you're an established recruitment manager seeking a long-term opportunity that offers equity and real career ownership?

A well-established West Yorkshire recruitment agency — known for its strength in the industrial, manufacturing, construction, trades, and engineering temp markets — is expanding with the launch of a brand-new permanent recruitment division. We're looking for a high-performing recruitment consultant or a growth-focused recruitment manager to lead this exciting new division.

This is a rare opportunity to build, scale, and lead a perm function from scratch — with full backing, autonomy, and the potential for equity and shares in the business.

Opportunity:

This is a hands-on billing role to start with — but it offers a clear path to leadership and strategic influence as you grow the team.

• Lead from the front: You'll continue billing as a recruitment consultant, while guiding junior team members and setting the standard.
• Mentor and develop: Whether you're a senior recruitment consultant or a current recruitment manager, you'll pass on your knowledge through day-to-day coaching and support.
• Shape the future: As a trusted recruitment manager, you’ll work closely with the business owner on strategic decisions and operational leadership.
• Create a standout perm service: Build across sectors using the loyal client base and new business opportunities.
• Use modern tools: Embrace AI, automation, and recruitment tech to improve sourcing, workflows, and delivery.
• Own your success: This is a succession role with a genuine path to equity and ownership in the coming years.

About You:

• Proven track record as a recruitment consultant in permanent placements — any sector.
• Either a senior recruitment consultant ready to progress, or an experienced recruitment manager looking to secure long-term growth.
• Comfortable leading, inspiring, and motivating others — whether in a formal recruitment manager role or through mentoring as a top-billing recruitment consultant.
• Commercially aware, client-focused, and forward-thinking.
• Open to modern recruitment practices and tools that drive efficiency and results.

Benefits:

• Equity and shares — a clear succession plan as the owner prepares to step back.
• Competitive salary + excellent commission structure.
• A warm desk with loyal clients and live perm vacancies ready to go.
• Full autonomy to build your own team and run your own division — without corporate red tape.
• Supportive, modern, and tech-savvy company culture.
• A genuine opportunity for a recruitment consultant or recruitment manager to take their career to the next level.

We are open to all levels and sector experience, but PLEASE NOTE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN A RECRUITMENT AGENCY IS ESSENTIAL TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE.

If you’re interested in this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to:

• Connect with Michelle Waterworth on LinkedIn and/or follow Michelle Waterworth at Michelle Waterworth Recruitment. You will be kept up to date with recruitment news and other roles that may be a more perfect fit.
• Check out other roles on michellewaterworth.com website vacancy page.