The client
Cross Country Trains, now part of the Arriva Group, is one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe. They employ more than 60,000 people and deliver over 2 billion passenger journeys across multiple European countries each year, including covering more of Britain than anyone else.
The UK arm of the business, for which it is best known, operates the New Cross Country franchise, including the longest direct service from Aberdeen in Scotland, to Penzance in Cornwall. With over 14 years’ experience in providing rail services, the Cross Country brand is well known across towns and cities nationwide.
The relationship
With all Cross Country routes going through Birmingham New Street, it’s no surprise that their head office is strategically placed in the city. Heathcote Recruitment Group (formerly ESA Group) has therefore been well placed to provide many recruitment projects over the last few years, particularly within the company’s marketing team to great success. Since 2015, ESA has helped the business to recruit for a Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Executive, CRM Manager and Digital Manager.
The challenge
Searching for specialist roles within the marketing mix often proves demanding. CRM is frequently a difficult skill set to recruit for, since the pool of quality candidates is very small. To widen the search, we were specifically ask to find candidates with experience in the leisure sector and similarly, head hunt for the Digital Manager position, as quality talent was not forthcoming via the usual channels.
By working with senior managers across the marketing department over a considerable period, our recruitment team has built an excellent relationship with Cross Country. We have taken a great deal of time to understand their culture and business goals to allow us to be able to find the best candidates on the market; particularly in a relatively niche business in the Midlands.
The result
Throughout our working time together, our specialist consultants provided a thorough face-to-face candidate screening service, and submitted a refined shortlist of candidates to Cross Country for the hiring managers and directors to review. Interviews were arranged following an in-depth client briefing. The company is generally a joy to work with, which makes it an attractive proposition when candidates commence the interview process.
Our consultants completed the final selection process by making the offer to the successful candidates and provided thorough feedback to all who interviewed. Great communication between all parties always help to achieve a smooth and efficient outcome. We look forward to working with Cross Country again in the future.
To find out how we can help you find the best talent in the industry, please contact us to arrange a no-obligation consultation.