The Company
The client was a UK-based waste management and recycling business headquartered in the North East. It had built a strong reputation for handling both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. With annual revenues exceeding £14 million, the company promoted a zero-to-landfill approach and was recognised for its operational reliability, environmental compliance and service excellence.
Unlike many providers that specialised in a single waste stream, the business brought together leadership and technical expertise from both sectors. This integrated knowledge allowed it to offer a comprehensive, professional approach to waste management, particularly for complex industrial clients. Supported by modern infrastructure and recent investment, the company was well positioned for continued strategic growth.
The Challenge
As part of its growth strategy, the company created a new position for a Business Development Manager to lead the expansion of industrial services in the North of England. The role was directly linked to revenue generation, reported to the Commercial Director and required a combination of technical credibility in hazardous waste and strong commercial ability.
After internal efforts to source the right candidate proved unsuccessful, the business engaged Newman Stewart for support. The challenge was clear: fill a business-critical role quickly without compromising on quality or long-term impact. Given the visibility and importance of the role, a poor appointment would have delayed progress and disrupted client development.
Our Process
Newman Stewart was selected based on our proven expertise in the recycling and environmental services sectors. From the outset, we acted not just as a search firm but as a strategic advisor. We worked closely with the leadership team to refine the role profile, ensuring alignment between technical requirements, commercial expectations and cultural fit.
Drawing on our sector intelligence and extensive network, we delivered a targeted executive search designed to identify individuals with the exact combination of industry knowledge, credibility and ambition. Within a short timeframe, we identified a standout candidate with a successful track record in hazardous waste and industrial service delivery.
Regular communication with the client enabled us to guide the process strategically, provide market insight and build trust in the strength of the recommendation. As a result, the client moved quickly and with confidence.
The Outcome
The position was successfully filled in a short timescale by a high-calibre individual who went on to play a key role in the company’s industrial services growth. The business avoided further internal strain, minimised hiring risk and secured a senior leader who delivered value from day one.
This engagement demonstrated the benefit of partnering with a search firm that understood not only the talent market but also the strategic goals of its clients. By acting as an advisor as well as a recruiter, Newman Stewart helped the company align its talent decisions with its commercial ambitions and supported a critical stage of its development.
The Managing Director of the business commented: “We would recommend Newman Stewart and will definitely look to use them again when hiring any senior and/or challenging positions. Their expertise in our industry means we can leave them alone and trust them to fulfil our brief and deliver exceptional candidates time after time.”
Newman Stewart continues to support organisations across the waste and recycling sector in building future-fit leadership teams capable of driving sustainable growth, innovation and performance.
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