Life at VANRATH: "The VANRATH name speaks for itself."
Publish Date:Posted about 17 hours ago
Author:by Ross Stevenson
Recruitment is all about people, and Ross Stevenson, our Associate Director of Digital & Business Transformation (Contract), knows that better than most.
Having started his career in recruitment over a decade ago, Ross has built an impressive track record working on major digital and business transformation projects across Northern Ireland. Since joining VANRATH, he’s not only helped shape our Tech division but has also developed lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike.
In this Q&A, Ross shares his journey so far, what makes VANRATH different in the Tech space, and his advice for anyone looking to step up into a leadership role.
What led you to a career in recruitment, and specifically Tech recruitment?
"I have Nigel Reed to thank for this. After going for a candidate meeting about graduate building surveyor role in 2014, Nigel (typical recruiter), described an opportunity to join RGB as a trainee recruiter in their built environment team. I met my old MD, Chris Blunden, and took it from there. After a few years I moved home to start the next chapter with Rachel (my wife) and joined VANRATH, the rest is history.
Early on in my VANRATH career, a role came in with Susan Campbell in BSO for a BAND 8A Project Manager. When I met Susan with my pen and paper (not really having a clue about what it said on the job description), I got to grips with what was needed. From that point working in Digital and Business Transformation was for me. I got the people, what they are trying to do on their programmes, and felt like I could help, making a long term career out of it. Since then, I have worked on some extremely important/meaningful projects, across multiple sectors. That decision was one of the best/most important ones in my life."
What sets VANRATH apart from other recruitment agencies in the Tech space?
"Our CVs stand up against anyone else’s in NI and our tech team are subject matter experts across their desks. We break these down into specialist areas and our stakeholders are dealing with seasoned recruiters. We have longstanding relationships with both candidates and clients; this massively helps when finding the right fit for the requirements."
What’s it like working at VANRATH - and specifically within the Tech team? How would you describe the culture?
"I love it. The VANRATH name speaks for itself in NI — it’s not so big you feel like you are part of a big corporate machine.
I love seeing what’s going on in NI and not just my own desk. We are encouraged to go to industry events and workshops so you get to see some of the amazing things going on. This is what keeps it fresh and enjoyable for me. Culture wise, I’m left to get on with it. That said, there is plenty of management/back-office support when needed. I work with a great team of experienced people who share ideas and suggestions.
For me, the culture has been hard work and it’s got me to where I am but there is also time for getting laughs in. I have a young family and there have been definite strides to help make things more flexible."
What does a typical week look like for you as an Associate Director of Tech Recruitment?
"Always busy😊. I have my Digital and Business Transformation jobs to work on and the day to day of that includes; advertising, marketing, meeting clients, candidates, interviews, dealing with offers and aftercare.
Outside of this, there are weekly meeting with the Senior Management Team to discuss all kinds of things like team performance, targets, things we are doing well, what we need to stop doing and improvements we think will make the business better."
If you could give one piece of advice to someone aiming for an Associate Director role, what would it be?
"It’s got more layers to the previous role of just running a desk so think about where you need to upskill/develop. I’ve found being open about that has created good opportunities for me to learn. There is more than just you, and it’s likely you will looking after a team so ensure everyone knows the expectations in a grown-up way.
What I have found really works is plug into their why, nothing gets someone more motivated than that. Once that bit is done leave them to get on with it and be there for them if/when they need it."
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Ross’s story highlights the impact that great recruitment can have – not just on careers, but on entire sectors in Northern Ireland. His passion for Tech, his hands-on approach, and his commitment to building relationships have played a huge part in shaping the success of our Tech team at VANRATH.
And the exciting part? We’re now looking for the next leader to join us. VANRATH is currently hiring for an Associate Director for our Permanent Tech Recruitment team – so if you’re ready to take the next step in your recruitment career and help drive our Tech division forward, we’d love to hear from you.
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