Building Something New: My First Quarter at ECW Search

Back in December, I wrapped up my university studies and proudly graduated with a degree in Business. Like many graduates, I was excited—but also slightly apprehensive—about what would come next. Fast forward a few months, and I’ve just completed my first real quarter at ECW Search, where I’ve had the incredible opportunity to build a brand-new business unit from the ground up.

My unit specialises in recruiting for Operations, Logistics, Technical, NPD (New Product Development), and Supply Chain roles. It’s been an exciting, demanding, and ultimately rewarding experience.

The Challenge of Starting Fresh

ECW Search are specialists in commercial recruitment and after filling operations roles for our key customers, I realised I had a real interest and passion for this area of business. However, starting a new division in recruitment is no small task. There were days in the beginning where it felt like I was shouting into the void—reaching out, researching, networking, and not always seeing immediate returns. I had to quickly learn the nuances of my specialism and prove that I could deliver value to both candidates and clients.

Like any new venture, there were moments of self-doubt, a fair amount of trial and error, and many long days. But persistence paid off.

Early Wins and Momentum

Despite the initial hurdles, I’m proud to say that our first quarter has exceeded expectations. We've already filled three Technical NPD roles, completed two Head of Operations retained searches, and placed several mid-level Operations Managers.

Each successful placement wasn’t just a win for our clients—it was validation that we’re building something truly valuable. These early successes have given us real momentum and reinforced our confidence in the direction we’re taking.

Advice for Anyone Starting Something New

If you’re in the early stages of launching a new business unit, service line, or even an entirely new career path, here are a few things that helped me navigate the process:

• Be Patient: Success doesn’t come overnight. Keep showing up, doing the work, and trusting the process.

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to lean on more experienced colleagues or mentors. People are often more willing to help than you think.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Every meeting booked, every positive candidate interaction, every bit of progress—acknowledge it.

• Stay Close to Your Market: The more you understand your sector’s needs and pain points, the more effectively you can add value.

Looking Ahead

The foundation has been laid, and I’m excited about what’s next for our division at ECW Search. There’s so much potential in the Operations and Supply Chain space, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our presence in this market. If you are struggling to find talent in this space, drop me a line and I will happily walk you through our sourcing processes and see if we can help find the right people to grow your business.