North East company wins big 'redesign' contract with Marks and Spencer

Leading high-street retailer, Marks and Spencer has invested in its assessment materials to recruit early years careers candidates by bringing on board an innovative recruitment service provider.

The company has appointed North East-based Smart Resource Solutions (SRS) to deliver a multiple approach solution across the UK, where Marks and Spencer has four assessment centres between London, Manchester and Newcastle.

As well as delivering over 500 video and telephone interviews for Marks and Spencer at the start of the annual recruitment process, SRS has now designed and implemented a new lean system which will help find the talent quickly during assessment stage.

SRS worked closely with the HR team and business stakeholders to bring together new elements which now make the entire assessment process refreshing and exciting for assessors and applicants.

Helen Alkin, head of future talent at Marks and Spencer UK, said: “Each assessment centre runs at least 75 assessments a year, with around eight candidates per session.

“As we aim for a conversion rate of one in three the model needed to be made really efficient. We needed expert support to ensure that those who get to assessment are the best of the applicants, and that they are fully assessed to ensure we employ only the highest caliber.

“This was a huge job and having worked with SRS before, I had high expectations. I am delighted that they demonstrated not only an understanding of this but that they were creative in their approach and ideas.

“SRS really do make things happen quickly, in a way that works for all involved.”

Over the last year SRS has expanded its portfolio and activity under the guidance of managing director Sophie Milliken.

From accredited, bespoke assessment simulation days for Universities, through to direct and bespoke design of recruitment materials and outsourced delivery of graduates and apprentices for employers, SRS has been building a unique approach that is proving successful.

She said: “This is SRS’s dream job as not only were we able to design and implement exciting new materials, Helen also showed complete faith in us and trusted our advice.

“Working with key stakeholders throughout the design process kept them engaged as well as ensuring that their input featured in the final materials.”

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