Building a High-Performance Recruitment Career: Ben Robinson
posted 27 Aug 26
In this month’s Consultant Career Story, we feature Ben Robinson from Henderson Scott’s Sales & Marketing team.
Ben joined Henderson Scott with two years of recruitment experience and a clear idea of what he wanted from his next move: greater specialisation, strong development opportunities, and an ambitious team around him.
Here, Ben shares how he’s developed his specialist expertise, what has contributed to his success, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Can you tell us about your recruitment journey and what led you to join Henderson Scott?
I went into recruitment straight after university and spent two years with an executive recruitment business in Leeds before making the move to Henderson Scott.
I’d always felt that my personality and skill set were well suited to sales, and recruitment gave me the combination I was looking for: building relationships, working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment, and having the opportunity to earn well based on your performance.
Henderson Scott had approached me a few times, and when the timing was right, I met with the team and heard more about the plans for the business. The growth ambitions and training programme really stood out, as did the opportunity to specialise in a specific market and build real expertise within it.
What attracted you to your specific market, and how has specialising helped you develop as a recruiter?
I specialise in Sales recruitment across the formwork, shoring, and scaffolding industry.
Having a specific niche has allowed me to really understand my market and build stronger relationships within it. You get to know the businesses, the people, and what good looks like, which means you can add more value to clients and candidates.
That level of specialisation has made me much more focused in how I approach recruitment.
How did you navigate the challenges of your first few months, and what helped you keep progressing?
My first six months didn’t quite meet the standards I’d set for myself. I was putting in the hours without always seeing the results I wanted, and I also experienced a couple of backouts.
Those moments can be frustrating, but determination has always been a big part of how I work. I kept going, focused on what I could improve, and trusted that the results would follow.
What has your training and development at Henderson Scott looked like?
The training programme was one of the things that attracted me to Henderson Scott in the first place. It goes beyond the fundamentals of recruitment and develops your broader sales skills too, which has helped me build a more rounded approach.
That development continues beyond the initial training. I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and learning from the people around me, and our Talent Development team is always available if there’s a particular area I want to work on or need additional support.
What achievement are you most proud of since joining Henderson Scott?
Building a relationship with one of the biggest organisations in my market is probably my proudest achievement.
They have their own talent team and rarely use external recruiters, so I spent several months trying to create an opportunity. Eventually, I was trusted with a role over the Christmas period and found a candidate who was a great fit.
That first placement opened the door to the wider leadership team. I’ve since filled four roles with the business and expect it to develop into a £200,000 account by the end of 2026.
What are you working towards next, and what does continuing to raise the bar look like for you?
My targets are clear: I want to bill $400,000 in 2026 and earn my next promotion.
For me, raising the bar means continuously looking for ways to improve, challenging yourself to achieve better results, and never becoming too comfortable with where you are.
There’s always something you can learn or do better, and that’s what keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a successful career in recruitment?
Be a sponge.
Listen to the people around you, particularly those who have consistently performed over a number of years. There’s a huge amount you can learn from their experience if you’re open to it.
Never assume you’ve learned everything. Keep developing your skills, stay curious, and look for ways to improve.
Interested in building your own career story with Henderson Scott? Explore our current opportunities.
Want to hear more about life at Henderson Scott? Read Alicia Patnelli’s Day in the Life of a Recruitment Consultant.
