Should You Move Agencies as a Recruitment Manager?

What to consider before making the leap, and how one leader made it work.

Changing recruitment roles isn’t easy, but sometimes, It’s essential

If you’re a recruitment manager, you’ve likely built a lot where you are, your team, your desk, your clients. You’ve put in the work. So, the idea of walking away from that? Understandably daunting.

And yet, staying in a role where you’re undervalued, unsupported, or stuck in neutral isn’t exactly a win either.

Whether it’s limited growth opportunities, lack of leadership support, or simply a culture that no longer fits, many recruitment managers find themselves asking the same hard question:

Is it time to move on?

The Common Fears Recruitment Managers Face

Recruitment managers considering a move often face a wave of uncertainty:

• “What if the new place doesn’t deliver on what they promise?”
• “Will I lose the autonomy I’ve earned?”
• “Can I trust the leadership to back me when it matters?”
• “Is there really room to grow here?”

These are valid concerns.

That’s why we want to share a real story from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Meet Alex Taylor – Senior Business Manager at Daniel Owen

After 15 years in healthcare recruitment, Alex decided it was time for a change, not just of companies, but of industry too. She joined Daniel Owen, a specialist recruiter for the built environment, as a Senior Business Manager.

We sat down with her to talk honestly about the move: the good, the challenging, and what made it worth it.

What Attracted You to Daniel Owen? 

“What attracted me to Daniel Owen was the fact that their staff retention was very high. The company’s values were a really important factor for me, and they genuinely live them here. Plus, the career progression. A lot of people have worked their way up over the years.”

For many managers, evidence of long-term growth is more powerful than empty promises. If others have progressed, and stayed, it means the structure is real.

How Was the Onboarding and Team Integration? 

“I came from over 15 years in the healthcare industry, so moving into a new sector was always going to be a challenge. But the onboarding process made it smooth. I had a lot of support, and it gave me more confidence in myself—that I’m adaptable.”
 
 Managers want to hit the ground running. But they also need to feel supported. A strong onboarding process makes a big difference, especially for cross-sector moves.

How Much Autonomy Do You Have Over Your Desk and Team? 

“I’ve been able to bring fresh ideas to the team and implement them. I’ve also used my own management style. Running my own desk has always gone well for me, and it’s been great to do that here.”
 
 Autonomy is key. Leaders thrive when they’re trusted to lead, and that trust needs to be clear from the start.

What’s the Culture Like?

“There’s a real buzz in the office. Everyone gets on well, and we all have the same goals: do well, achieve, and progress. It’s competitive in the right way, and people support each other.”
 
 Culture isn’t just about perks, it’s about people who lift each other up. That energy can’t be faked, and it matters more than most realise.

Are the Career Progression Opportunities Clear and Achievable?

“I was in my last job for 10 years, so moving was a big decision. But here, the pathway is very clear. I know exactly what I need to do to get to the next level, and that gave me the confidence that I made the right move.”
 
 Recruitment managers often leave when they no longer see what’s next.

Do You Feel Supported as a Recruitment Manager?

“Yes, definitely. The board and directors were really supportive during the transition. As time went on, they’ve taken a step back and let me manage the team how I feel best, while always being there if I need support.”
 
Support doesn’t mean handholding. It means knowing someone’s got your back without getting in your way.

Is a Move Worth It?

For Alex, the move paid off. She found a team where she could lead, grow, and be herself, with the backing of a company that truly supports its people.

If you’re a recruitment manager thinking about making a change, ask yourself:

• Am I still growing where I am?
• Do I feel genuinely supported?
• Am I being trusted to lead?

If the answer to any of those is no, maybe it’s time to explore a place that ticks all three.

What's Next?

We're hiring managers across the UK:

Get in touch directly: 
 
📞 0207 651 4034
✉️ talentacquisition@danielowen.co.uk

Or learn more about the DO life >>