From Recruitment Consultant to Principal Consultant: Olivia Hartley's Five Year Journey at Atkins Search

At Atkins Search, we believe great recruitment careers are built through a combination of ambition, support, opportunity and trust.

For recruitment professionals looking to develop their career, progression isn’t simply about job titles. It’s about being given the opportunity to grow, take ownership, develop expertise and make a meaningful impact within the industry.

Olivia Hartley’s five year journey with Atkins Search is a great example of what’s possible when talented individuals are given the platform to succeed.

Starting as a Recruitment Consultant and progressing to Senior Recruitment Consultant before becoming Principal Recruitment Consultant for Yorkshire, Olivia’s career demonstrates the clear progression pathways available within the business for those who are committed to their development and willing to embrace new opportunities.

Building a Recruitment Career with Atkins Search

When Olivia joined Atkins Search as a Recruitment Consultant, she became the first member of our Consultancy team. Joining a growing business meant more than simply filling a role, it provided an opportunity to help shape a team, develop specialist market expertise and build a long term career within the construction recruitment industry.

Over the following five years, Olivia continued to develop her knowledge, relationships and influence within the Yorkshire construction market, taking on increasing responsibility while progressing through the business.

Reflecting on her journey, Olivia said:

“When I joined Atkins Search as a Recruitment Consultant, I was excited by the opportunity to build a career with a business that genuinely values its people and invests in their development. Fast forward to today, and having progressed to Principal Recruitment Consultant for Yorkshire is something I’m incredibly proud of. Looking back, it’s amazing to see just how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally.

The journey has challenged me in all the right ways. As my role has developed, I’ve taken on greater responsibility, built some fantastic relationships across the industry, and grown in confidence year after year. Being trusted to build my own network, develop the Yorkshire region and support both clients and candidates has been hugely rewarding.

A huge part of that progression comes down to the people around me. Throughout my career, I’ve been given trust, autonomy and unwavering support, alongside plenty of opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and continue developing. The knowledge, encouragement and belief I’ve received from managers and colleagues has made such a difference and has played a massive part in the person and consultant I’ve become.

Looking ahead, I’m really excited about what’s to come. I want to continue growing the Yorkshire region, strengthening our presence in the market and supporting others as the team expands. Atkins Search has given me an incredible platform to build my career, and I feel very lucky to be part of something so special. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.”

Creating Opportunities for Growth in Recruitment

Successful recruitment careers don’t happen by accident, they are built through continuous development, industry exposure, strong mentorship and the confidence to take on new challenges.

At Atkins Search, consultants are encouraged to build their own networks, develop market specialisms, take ownership of their regions and create long term relationships with clients and candidates. As they grow, so do the opportunities available to them.

Olivia’s progression from Recruitment Consultant to Principal Recruitment Consultant reflects the investment we make in developing recruitment professionals and the opportunities available for those looking to build a lasting career in the industry.

Thoughts From Nicole Broughton

Having worked alongside Olivia throughout much of her journey, Nicole has witnessed first hand how she’s developed both professionally and personally during her time with the business. Her comments:

“Seeing Liv progress from Recruitment Consultant to Senior Recruitment Consultant and now Principal Recruitment Consultant has been absolutely brilliant to watch. She was one of the first faces to welcome me to Atkins Search when I joined nearly 5 years ago when we bonded over Chinese food and Strelley Hall Quiches, and I couldn’t be prouder of what she’s achieved over the years.

Every step of her journey has been a reflection of the hard work, dedication and drive she brings to our office, and the Atkins Search crew every single day. Liv has consistently challenged herself without fear, embraced new opportunities and pushed beyond her comfort zone to achieve her goals. Absolute legend.

What makes her progression even more impressive is the way she’s achieved it. Alongside delivering fantastic results, breaking records, and just showing up for herself and others, Liv has built strong relationships across the industry, supported those around her and become an integral part of the Atkins Search team. We honestly couldn’t do it without her.

Her positive attitude, wicked sense of humour, determination, and commitment to being the best she and we can be, have made her a real role model for others following a similar path. She’s a teammate, a friend, a colleague, and as a team, we can always count on her to brighten any room she walks into.

Liv’s journey is a perfect example of what’s possible at Atkins Search when talent, ambition and opportunity come together. It’s been a pleasure to see her grow both professionally and personally over the years, and this path she’s on is true recognition of everything she has accomplished.

Congratulations, Liv! You should be incredibly proud of how far you’ve come so far. Knowing your drive and ambition, I have no doubt this is just the beginning of an even bigger success story.”

A Career, Not Just a Job

Olivia’s story highlights what many recruitment professionals are looking for in their careers; clear progression, genuine support, autonomy, development opportunities and the ability to make a real impact.

At Atkins Search, we are committed to helping ambitious recruiters build long term careers, whether they’re taking their first step into the industry or looking to progress into senior leadership roles.

Could Your Career Story Be Next?

Olivia’s journey from Recruitment Consultant to Principal Recruitment Consultant is a great example of what’s possible when talent, ambition and opportunity come together.

If you’re a Recruitment Consultant looking for more than just a job and want to build a rewarding, long term career with genuine progression opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch for a confidential conversation about joining Atkins Search and discover what your next chapter could look like.

📩Hello@atkinssearch.co.uk