Three images including one of Adam running, Adam in the hospital with his child and one with his partner and child
Three images including one of Adam running, Adam in the hospital with his child and one with his partner and child

Ten years of building relationships at ATA Recruitment

ATA Recruitment

Ten years of building relationships at ATA Recruitment

This year marks a significant milestone for Adam Waite, who is celebrating ten years at ATA Recruitment. Over the past decade, Adam has played an important role in developing our South division, while building a career shaped by consistency, trust and long-term relationships.

Looking back, Adam reflects on how his journey has taken shape over time.

“When I joined ATA, I didn’t really have a career plan. I just wanted to work hard, be successful and be rewarded. Over time, I found direction here and built both my career and the life I wanted outside of work.”

That journey has been about steady progress rather than quick wins, both professionally and personally.

Adam’s experience at ATA Recruitment

Reflecting on his time at ATA Recruitment, Adam speaks positively about the opportunity the business has given him to grow at a steady and supported pace. From early on, he felt ATA was a place where he could develop a long-term career rather than simply focus on short-term results.

“I was already working in a commission-based role, but I knew there was more I could achieve at ATA. It felt like somewhere I could really develop my career.”

Over the years, that expectation has been met through progression, responsibility and trust. Adam credits ATA with giving him the platform to build success at work while also creating stability outside of it.

“The success I’ve had here has shaped me, not just professionally but personally as well. It’s allowed me to build the life I wanted outside of work.”

That balance between performance and long-term development has been central to Adam’s experience at ATA and to the way he now supports others in their own careers.

Images of him with his work colleagues as well as him with his child and one with his partner

Finding direction and building something meaningful

One of Adam’s proudest achievements has been helping to grow the South of the UK operation. Along the way, he has developed long-standing relationships with clients and candidates that go beyond transactional recruitment.

“The relationships are what I’m most proud of. Some are professional, some have become friendships, but they’re all built on trust and honesty.”

Taking the time to understand people has always been central to Adam’s approach. Whether working with clients, candidates or colleagues, he has focused on doing things properly and building partnerships that last.

Growing into leadership

A key milestone in Adam’s career has been his transition from Consultant to Manager. Moving into leadership meant learning how to support different people in different ways and adapting his style as teams evolved.

“Becoming a Manager taught me that everyone needs a different approach. Creating space for people to succeed has been really important to me.”

Adam has supported team changes, guided individual development and taken pride in creating an environment where people feel supported on both a personal and professional level.

One quote that reflects his leadership mindset is one he particularly values.

“As you climb the ladder of success, don’t pull it up behind you. Leave it down for others to rise.”

Adapting to a changing market

During Adam’s time at ATA, the engineering and maintenance recruitment market has changed significantly. Earlier in his career, candidate availability was stronger and the focus was often on finding the right role for the right person.

“The market is much tighter now. Skilled Engineers are harder to find, which is why relationships and trust matter more than ever.”

Adam believes that open communication and honesty are essential to navigating a challenging market and delivering real value to clients.

A consistent focus on quality

Skills shortages have remained a constant challenge across engineering and manufacturing, particularly within maintenance. Throughout his time at ATA, Adam has kept a clear focus on quality.

“We’ve always focused on quality. That means widening the net, using recommendations and supporting routes like ex-forces recruitment to make sure clients get the right people.”

This approach has helped clients build stronger teams, even when the market has been demanding.

Building trusted client partnerships

Over the years, Adam has supported recruitment projects across FMCG, food and automated logistics, working closely with clients on a wide range of engineering and leadership roles. His focus has always been on understanding how each business operates and what success looks like in that environment.

“Being open and honest with clients is critical. Sharing the good and the challenges, and working through them together, is what builds trust.”

This understanding has been key to making long-term, sustainable hiring decisions.

Looking ahead

As Adam looks to the future, his focus remains on continuing to grow the South of the UK, supporting his team and maintaining strong relationships with both new and existing clients.

“My priority is helping my team be successful, supporting our clients and continuing to grow. Progress matters, but bringing others with you matters more.”

Thank you Adam

Reaching ten years at ATA Recruitment is a meaningful achievement and a reflection of Adam’s commitment, consistency and people-first approach. We are grateful for the contribution he has made over the past decade and look forward to what the next chapter brings.

Thank you Adam, and congratulations on ten years with ATA Recruitment.

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