Populus Select, a growing specialist recruitment firm serving the sustainable technology, manufacturing, engineering and life science sectors, has appointed experienced professional James Smith as an associate director as it looks to continue its growth trajectory.

Tees Valley-headquartered Populus has maintained steady growth over the past year with revenue growing 30% as the demand for highly-skilled professionals continues to grow across the world. To meet the increasing demand for its services, Populus has taken on four new team members, including James.

James, who hails from Middlesbrough, one of the UK’s energy and green innovation hubs, joins Populus with a research-focussed background.

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He has a track record of placing high quality engineering candidates in specialist firms in the UK, Middle East, Asia and USA. His remit at Populus will see James building client recruitment frameworks to ensure a smooth project delivery and supporting the continued expansion of the firm’s client base.

Sim Hall, managing director at Populus Select, said: “James’s appointment is key to delivering our growth ambitions, which have already seen us grow our sales by 30% and deliver several record quarters in the last year.

“His role will see him building on Populus’s success of the last few years and securing our position as a globally respected firm with a strong history of supporting organisations to source people with the expertise needed to help them grow and flourish.

“Despite the spectre of a recession looming, organisations across the world in the science and engineering sectors continue to cry out for skilled individuals to join them in senior and specialist positions. With a renewed focus on the transition to net zero carbon emissions and green infrastructure, we expect this to continue for years to come.”

James Smith, associate director at Populus Select, said: “My experience delivering complex briefs focussed on engineering, energy and sustainable technologies for global organisations was a natural fit for Populus Select. I am really excited to be part of a growing organisation with opportunities to develop alongside the business.”

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