Vanessa Hastings
Summary
Dynamic recruitment professional with extensive global expertise and multi-sector experience across both both start-ups and large multinationals. Demonstrates target-driven leadership and thrives under pressure, consistently delivering results. Proficient in applicant tracking systems, with effective communication skills that enhance team performance and drive organisational success. Committed to leveraging recruitment acumen to achieve strategic talent acquisition goals. Experience as part of a HR SLT with a focus on D&I, EVP and Onboarding.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Recruitment Lead, Western Europe
British American Tobacco
London
01.2023 - Current
- Led managerial recruitment across UK&I, France, Nordics, Benelux, Iberia & GMCI.
- Managed full recruitment life cycle for various functions including Marketing, Finance, Legal, External Affairs, HR, Digital, IT & Account Management
- Pro-actively sourced top talent by implementing effective sourcing strategies
- Collaborated with the talent insights team to create data driven talent acquisition strategies
- Trained and upskilled the wider recruitment team on best practises across Europe & Asia
- Part of the HRSLT where the focus streams were Onboarding, D&I and EVP.
- Reduced agency usage from 33% to 2% per annum with a cost saving of £350k
- Decreased time to hire by 30% while maintaining quality standards.
- Increased external hires by 25% via pro-active sourcing
- Achieved high satisfaction scores in candidate and hiring manager surveys consistently.
- Introduced innovative recruitment techniques and trained global recruitment team in end markets.
- Managed contracts & relationships with external job boards
- Revised and managed the PSL
- Trained all Western Europe Line Managers on a Licence to Hire Program
Client Director
Brewster Partners
United Kingdom
11.2019 - 12.2022
- Launched digital and IT function, achieving growth from £0 to £500k in 18 months.
- Hired and managed a team of two to support expansion initiatives.
- Established long-term partnerships, leading to service offering enhancements.
- Managed diverse client portfolio across FMCG, Life Sciences, Healthcare, SaaS, IT and Digital Agencies.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to pinpoint improvement opportunities.
- Optimised client satisfaction through effective relationship and expectation management.
- Nurtured positive client relationships, bolstering company reputation in marketplace.
Director
Digital Media Stars
London
05.2014 - 10.2019
- Set up own consultancy and specialised in placing top talent in digital media, marketing, tech, and IT sectors.
- New business across agency, publisher, ad tech and networks
- Annual turnover of £300k.
Associate Director
October Recruitment
London
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Held a 360 degree recruiting role reporting into the founder.
- Generating, interviewing and placing candidates from graduate through to Director level
- Spanning a range of disciplines including Digital Ad Sales, Ad Ops, Search Marketing, and Agency roles.
- Grew and developed the client base further across both media owners and agencies.
Business Development Manager
Localstars
London
03.2009 - 09.2011
- 1st hire in this SaaS Ad Tech start up.
- Secured contracts with 95% of UK's regional press publishers within 12 months.
- Managed ongoing accounts to ensure client satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted sales training and platform training for clients to maximise product usage.
Senior Recruitment Consultant
The Media Place
London
06.2007 - 03.2009
- Operated as Senior Consultant within PR and Marketing fields across Pharma, Health, Lifestyle, and Fashion sectors.
- Recognised as top biller during entire period of service.
- Delivered high-level consulting services to drive client success.
Marketing manager
Bench & Hooch
Manchester
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Executed comprehensive marketing strategies for international brands, Bench and Hooch.
- Developed E-Commerce strategies to enhance online presence.
- Created global imagery to maintain brand consistency across markets.
- Managed trade marketing initiatives to boost product visibility. Oversaw public relations agencies to strengthen brand reputation.
Digital Marketing Manager
Harrods
Londonderry, Northern Ireland
04.2006 - 04.2006
- Articulated Harrods' voice and vision across digital platforms.
- Drove online traffic and revenue through affiliate marketing, PPC, SEO, and email marketing.
- Managed annual marketing budget while overseeing design and development of Harrods.com.
Senior PR Executive
Mason Williams PR
London / Manchester
12.2003 - 08.2004
- Public relations across national, regional and trade editorial for various lifestyle & FMCG brands.
- Boosted corporate reputation with effective crisis management techniques.
- Drafted engaging press releases, resulting in increased media coverage.
- Handled queries from journalists swiftly and professionally, building trustful relationships within the media sphere.
Public Relations Executive
Coalition Total Communication
London
02.2002 - 10.2003
- Elevated public profile of diverse US and UK brands through proactive media relations.
- Developed relationships with media outlets, resulting in increased visibility.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Product Development
University of Arts
London 04.2001 -
Skills
- Global recruitment expertise
- End-to-end recruitment management
- Stakeholder influence
- Target-driven leadership
- Pressure resilience
- Effective communication
- Applicant tracking systems proficiency
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Recruitment Lead, Western Europe
British American Tobacco
01.2023 - Current
Client Director
Brewster Partners
11.2019 - 12.2022
Director
Digital Media Stars
05.2014 - 10.2019
Associate Director
October Recruitment
09.2011 - 04.2014
Business Development Manager
Localstars
03.2009 - 09.2011
Senior Recruitment Consultant
The Media Place
06.2007 - 03.2009
Digital Marketing Manager
Harrods
04.2006 - 04.2006
Marketing manager
Bench & Hooch
08.2004 - 06.2006
Senior PR Executive
Mason Williams PR
12.2003 - 08.2004
Public Relations Executive
Coalition Total Communication
02.2002 - 10.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Product Development
University of Arts
04.2001 -
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