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Sally Brearley, Managing Consultant and leader of our Front-Line Talent (FLT) team, excels at recruiting large-scale, volume campaigns. She has been at MERJE for five years and has proven, time after time, to be an invaluable cog in our wheel.

Here, we get to know more about Sally, what makes her tick and why she loves working at MERJE…

Congratulations, five years really is a milestone! Bearing that in mind, what has been your biggest achievement to date at MERJE?

Seeing the FLT team progress and grow professionally has been so wonderful to observe. Last year saw three promotions on our desk alone, which shows how hard our people work to deliver a fantastic service to both our clients and candidates.

Personally, progressing into a management position was something I had never considered before joining MERJE, but I am so thankful for the support of my Director Neil Johns, who continues to believe in me.

Can you tell us a bit about your career background/experience and what ultimately brought you to MERJE?

I had worked for a large recruitment company for 10 years before joining MERJE, where I focused on recruiting call centre temps in the Manchester area. I really enjoyed my time there, but it became a little like “Groundhog Day”.

Moving to MERJE opened up so many more opportunities and my role became a lot more varied as I now recruit for perm, temp and contracting roles and cover the whole of the UK, recruiting salaries up to £35K. This greatly improved my knowledge of the contact centre industry and my network multiplied in months.

I was first attracted to MERJE after meeting with Neil, who I had an instant connection with, and after meeting Rick and Jonny - two of MERJE’s three owners. I could really see that they value work-life balance, that we are trusted as grown-ups to do our job, and that family comes first.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?

Managing an amazing team, winning new business, and placing some brilliant candidates with our loyal clients

What advice would you give to someone wanting to progress in your role?

It is so important to provide an honest and reliable service to candidates and clients as you never know when your paths will cross in the future. Always leave them feeling like they have received the best service possible, even if you’re unable to help them at that time.

What is the most valuable thing that you have learned while working at MERJE?

It’s a tough question as I’ve learned so much along the way. I guess the main thing is managing to be successful in my role, while also being able to strike a good balance and still putting my family at the heart of what I do.

What has surprised you most in your five years?

Neil being persuaded to go to a karaoke bar on our team night out!

What are your future career goals?

I would absolutely love to help the FLT desk to hit and exceed their challenging individual and team targets year on year. I look forward to growing the team at MERJE and branching out into other areas of expertise. I am constantly looking to improve my own ways of working in order to get me to the next level personally, and look forward to seeing what that will look like for me.

Do you have a hidden talent that helps with your job?

Yes, but as it’s a hidden talent - I can’t say what it is!

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

I love to search for a holiday bargain and live for our next family adventure. We are a very active family, so I love going to the gym, walking with my cavapoochon Maggie, climbing mountains, drinking wine, partying with my friends and family, and watching my son play football (badly) and skateboard (brilliantly)!

How would you describe MERJE in three words?

Flexible, successful, and unique

If you had to choose three members of the MERJE team to be part of your pub quiz, who would you choose and why?

Beth Langstreth for her excellent general knowledge, Mike Ayres for his grasp on sports trivia and Barry McDonald because he just seems to know stuff!

What's your desert island disc?

Brothers And Sisters by 2Funky2!

What's your mastermind specialist subject?

It’s got to be 1980s and 1990s music.

Your dream dinner party guests?

My husband Ben, my sister Anna, her partner Steve, my sister Laura, and her late husband Steve who sadly passed away in December.

Your last supper?

My late Nanna’s pancake soup for starters, my Sunday dinner for main, and a cheese board - served at room temperature - for dessert, all washed down with a glass of cold New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (starter) and a bottle of 19 Crimes red wine (main and dessert) – not that I’ve thought about this much!

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Thanks Sally, some great answers to our questions here and we wish you the very best of luck progressing your career at MERJE!

If you think a career with us would be your perfect fit, please get in touch and send us your CV: info@merje.com.