Motorsport and FMCG Recruitment Specialists

The Collective Network is young, agile and ambitious – not bogged down by years of corporate rigmarole.

Born from the need for an organic partnership approach to recruitment, we believed we could do something better than the typical contingency model, we offer a personal, honest service matched by credible industry expertise. Naturally inquisitive, nobody cares more about getting to the nuts and bolts of our industries than we do. Our two divisions, Motorsport & Automotive and FMCG, are firmly established in our technical engineering and manufacturing backgrounds.

Our collective 55 years of recruitment experience means we save our clients time. Using recruitment trends, benchmarking and tailored advice on hiring pinch points, clients benefit from our consultative approach. Stay ahead of the competition and secure the talent no others have access to.

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TCN grass wall

Meet the Team

Unlike other recruitment providers, The Collective Network doesn’t set daily sales KPIs to distract from providing a genuinely personal service. Your success is our success, every day.

Motorsports
Jason Parrott
Director & Co-founder

Jason specialises in contract and permanent recruitment within the automotive, motorsport and sub-contract manufacturing sectors, with specific knowledge of staff supply to Formula One teams, suppliers and manufacturers.

Jason has over 20 years’ experience in motorsport as a competitive driver in the World European and British karting championships before setting up and managing his own team to compete in the British and European kart championships.

Jason has since transferred his extensive motorsport and high-performance engineering knowledge into a successful recruitment career, providing expert staff to the motorsport and automotive industries.

“I believe having both a passion and knowledge of the industry gives me a great understanding of the products, applications and, most importantly, the people that are required to succeed,” he says.

FMCG
Tom Fitzjohn
Director & Co-founder

Tom has over seven years’ experience in FMCG recruitment. He helps SME and blue-chip clients recruit the best middle to senior-level management professionals in the industry across permanent, interim, and retained assignments.

Tom’s personal, honest communication style and credible industry expertise makes him a trusted figure in the food & beverage industry.

“When you’re in recruitment, everyone gets a similar starter pack: a phone and a laptop. The most important ingredient for success is YOU. The harder you work often the better you become. Often you get out what you put in. It’s the simplicity of this concept, plus the emotion of finding people their dream role, that got me hooked on recruitment,” he says.

Passionate about delivering first class customer service, no stone is left unturned. Now focusing on the continued growth and development of The Collective Network, Tom’s goal is to keep the business at the forefront of the recruitment industry.

Motorsports
Graeme Marks
Sector Lead

Graeme specialises in placing candidates in diverse engineering-focused roles and works closely with Director and Co-Founder, Jason, to grow the motorsport division at The Collective Network.

Graeme joined The Collective Network as a Senior Recruitment Consultant with more than six years’ experience working as a Technical Consultant in the motorsport industry.

With a solid background in motorsport engineering recruitment, Graeme understands the sport’s fast-paced nature and the need for building long-lasting client relationships.

“I’m a firm believer that excellent customer service is at the forefront of everything we do,” he says. “Giving the same level of care and attention to everyone we work with is paramount to the results we deliver, both for the employer and the candidate.”

FMCG
Jake Balkwill
Sector Lead

Now working as a Sector Lead, Jake is now focused on growing The Collective Network’s offering to new and existing clients in the FMCG space. If you’re looking for specialist support in food recruitment or just need a tip for the weekend, Jake’s always on hand to support.

Jake started out in life loving nothing more than kicking a ball – he was a talented footballer.

At just 19, Jake became a father. Fast forward a few years, and he now has a family of four, plus two little fluffy dogs. Having to figure out life quickly, Jake fell into recruitment and has supported the FMCG and food manufacturing industry for over seven years.

Jake’s a film buff and never takes himself too seriously. Football is now for watching and not playing, with a cheeky acca on the weekends.

FMCG
Gemma Wright
Senior consultant

Gemma specialises in placing top talent within the FMCG market across the North of England. With 14 years of experience in recruitment, she has worked with some of the largest recruitment agencies in the Education and Medical sectors and has now discovered a new passion for the fast-paced nature of the food industry!

Gemma brings a wealth of experience to TCN, especially in building meaningful relationships and providing a personalised approach to both clients and candidates. “I believe that recruitment is all about people—listening, understanding, and delivering the best possible outcomes,” she says. In her spare time, you’ll find Gemma singing or spending quality time with her five cats!

Motorsports
Chris Smith
Senior Consultant

Having previous recruitment experience and working for an engineering business supplying parts within the F1 paddock, Chris is well-equipped in this field and possesses a broad knowledge of the motorsport industry.

After graduating from university and traveling the globe, Chris decided to ply his trade to build lasting relationships in recruitment, focusing on the motorsport sector.

“Having worked as a parts coordinator for an engineering business, I had the opportunity to liaise with many different departments at a leading F1 team and gained a great understanding of many job roles and the culture within this style of business,” he says.

In his spare time, Chris sees family and friends, is partial to a round of golf, and, for his sins, supports Manchester United.

Motorsports
Jack O’Connell
Senior Consultant

Jack joined The Collective Network team with 15 years of Recruitment experience from within the Medical and Education sectors.

Jack’s experience of building long lasting relationships with candidates and clients alike with his honest but tenacious approach, always striving to get positive results. Unfortunately for Jack, in his spare time, he is a QPR supporter and also still plays at an amateur standard in the local Veterans league.

FMCG
Jay Singh
Recruitment Consultant

Jay claimed the accolade as the top salesperson at Phones 4u early in his career. He later transitioned into the world of insurance and now recruitment. Jay specialises in sourcing talented engineers covering East Anglia.

Jay’s always got a story to tell. He’s been blessed with life experiences, having his own family and getting on the property ladder at just 24.

He’s also had the opportunity to be on local radio stations, perform on live stages, and feature on his football team’s fan YouTube channel, “YNWA!”

His passions include football, films, and music. Plus, he can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under three minutes.

Motorsports
Jack Watson
Recruitment Consultant

Jack has had a lifelong obsession with everything on four wheels, whether rebuilding an original Mini or competing in a national karting championship. With a good understanding of motorsport’s fast pace and his military-efficient nature, Jack has proven a fantastic addition to the motorsport team.

Starting his career in the Royal Air Force in a human resources role, Jack has recently transitioned into recruitment in the motorsport sector.

“My passion for motorsport, alongside my career history in HR, is a useful combination for recruitment. The chance to speak to like-minded individuals with meticulous attention to detail and fascinating knowledge makes every day a school day!” he says.

Jack continues to expand teams’ horizons by placing candidates in a wide range of engineering-focused roles as part of his role at The Collective Network.

Away from the office and the track, Jack spends his spare time staying active, playing the odd round of golf (losing multiple balls in the process!) and socialising with friends.

Motorsports
Charlie Thorpe
Recruitment Consultant

Charlie started his career as a personal trainer. Building rapport with his clients is a skill that has allowed him to help many people find their perfect role while working as a recruitment consultant.

“I believe it’s not only important to listen, but to fully understand the needs of everyone you are working with. Whether they’re looking for their next role or to fill a role, understanding what’s needed in the first place is the only way to truly deliver the best results,” he says.

Previously working in an aviation recruitment role, Charlie brought his recruitment skills and has recently joined the motorsport team. This has been a great fit for Charlie as he’s spent many hours under cars and is passionate about everything with an engine.

In his spare time, Charlie is usually down the gym or on the rugby pitch with the local team, which generally ends with a beer down the pub supporting the Harlequins.

FMCG
Jordan Wathall
Recruitment consultant

Jordan joined TCN with previous experience within engineering, his understanding of the industry and hands-on experience gives him a unique insight into the roles he recruits for, ensuring credibility which is key at TCN.

Known for his confident and approachable nature, Jordan builds strong relationships with both clients and candidates, making the recruitment process seamless and stress-free.

Outside of work, he enjoys pub games and plays for a darts team. Most importantly, he’s a proud dad to a cheeky but amazing two-year-old boy.

Motorsports
Will Donaldson
Associate Consultant

Will started his career within the hospitality sector, but took the decision to leave the late nights and bar management behind. The move into the world of recruitment was natural after the influence of his family who had previously worked within the industry.

Since joining TCN, Will has grown and developed his skills within the Motorsport/Automotive sector aiming to both service clients and candidates affectively building solid relationships along the way. He believes the fast-paced environment that comes with the industry is ever challenging and keeps him on his toes.

Outside of work, Will spends his time ‘touching grass both’….long story so you’ll have to ask him, but he’s normally on the rugby pitch and going on hikes around the UK. If not outdoors, he is busy spending time with his family and friends.

FMCG
Owen Sheldrake
Associate consultant

After graduating from university in Leeds, Owen found his way into recruitment, firstly starting off in Accountancy Practice, before making the switch to TCN and joining the FMCG department.  

Outside of work, Owen likes to keep active by going to the gym and playing football and boasts a 5km PB of 15 minutes! You can also find him watching his team (unfortunately), Tottenham Hotspur

FMCG
Kelsea Read
Resourcer

Kelsea joined TCN from a customer service background and that certainly shines through with her ability to build strong relationships, ensuring exceptional experiences, and bringing a people-first approach to everything she does. 

Outside of work she is a party girl and loves football.

NA-sector
Courtney Merrygold
Office Manager

Courtney has always been a natural organiser. In her previous role she worked as a Personal Assistant in a fast-paced working environment. This, paired with previous recruitment experience, makes her a perfect match for TCN. 

Courtney is always making sure there’s milk in the office because who wants a tea with no milk?

How we work

The recruitment industry traditionally places candidates into vacancies. It’s transactional, cold and rushed.

The Collective Network rejects this way of working.

The TCN ethos is to connect people with people.

It’s warm, human and successful.

Get to know us better

Machinery

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Testimonials

  • The Collective Network have played a key role in supporting the expansion of our business across a number of vacancies within the business, utilising their network of highly skilled candidates and in-depth knowledge of our sector has enabled us to grow our team and I would certainly recommend Jason and his team for anyone looking to recruit within the Engineering sector.

    Managing Director - Sub Contract Engineering Business

  • The Collective Network group has been instrumental in identifying new talent for my team. Being able to draw on their extensive networks and expertise in this industry has made the recruitment process efficient and straightforward. You can count on them to find the right profile candidates, in the right timescales.

    Head of Program Development - Formula 1 Team

  • The team at The Collective Network are highly dependable and always ensure they have a full understanding of each role that they work on so they understand the business needs in terms of future employees. The team are genuinely passionate, caring and professional and always go the extra mile to help you find the right person. I would certainly recommend Jason and the team for anyone looking for a recruiter – they have a proven track record and are a pleasure to work with

    HR manager - Motorsport Manufacturing Company

  • My experience working with Tom has always left me feeling valued as a candidate. His honest and consultative approach has helped my transition to the next step in my career seamlessly.

    Production Manager - FMCG

  • Jason from The Collective Network recently approached me regarding a job opportunity which has now led me to my current employment. After previous bad experiences with recruitment consultants I was wary, but Jason was great throughout the process. Open communication and an all-round good attitude resulted in me having complete ease of mind throughout the recruitment process.

    Programmer Manager - Tier 1 Automotive and Motorsport Supplier

  • Truly partnering with a business you can trust is important. Knowing where to turn to find out market information, salary benchmarking or getting advice on hiring processes. All this and more is why I continue to use their services.

    Talent Partner - Food Manufacturing

  • The team at The Collective Network have always provided me with outstanding service. Their deep rooted industry knowledge is second to none. This has resulted in a more rounded partnership experience than just filling jobs.

    Operations Director - Food Manufacturing