Consultant Catch-up with Duncan Cooke
Pull up a seat and have 5 minutes read as the July consultant Spotlight is on Duncan Cooke – Head of Contracting and Search at edenfx HSE
What made you choose recruitment as a career…?
It’s a real industry cliché but like many recruiters I fell into the role. Around 2007 I’d finished up working for a media production company in London and really needed to secure a new job closer to home. I ended up approaching a local temp agency called Barbara Barnes to secure some short-term work. Whilst being interviewed by the company owner Edwin, he asked if I’d ever thought about a career in recruitment – my honest answer was no but Edwin was a encouraging and charismatic chap and persuaded me to come in for a couple of days to ‘try it out’. As a young and hungry 26-year-old I loved the variety and pace of work. Since then I’ve never looked back and have been fortunate enough enjoy a great journey over the last 13 years.
Over the past 10 years I’ve specialised in HSEQ recruitment. Again, this was more by chance than design. Finding a specialism has really allowed me to develop as recruiter, building up my industry knowledge and expanding my network. I been fortunate enough to work with clients/candidates throughout NZ, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
If you could change one thing about yourself to date what would it be?
Am I only allowed one? My wife could probably provide a comprehensive list.
Over the last 12 months I have really started to enjoy my running and surfing however at 40 and with all the aches and pains that follow, I really wish I started this earlier in life.
Your 3 favourite things about NZ
- Seeing my kids get to enjoy the NZ lifestyle is easily top of the list. The can now ski, surf, and Paddle Board.
- Waking up to a view of the sea every morning
- …. And pies (mince and cheese or butter chicken please)
How would you spend your 65th birthday?
I’m assuming I’ve got an unlimited budget…
I spent my 40th during the first week of lockdown, it wasn’t quite what we had planned. So, for my 65th I think we’d need to go big. How about on a Yacht in Monaco watching the Grand Prix with all my closest friends and family. That would do nicely.
Given the changes taking place in labour markets across New Zealand and with border being closed to overseas applicants, how do you expect to add value to local businesses?
The past few months have been very challenging for the vast majority of businesses in New Zealand. What we are seeing is an increase in amount of fixed term and temporary positions. Company’s seem to be favouring an agile work force that can adjust to peak and troughs in workload.
Once of the few positives to come out of Covid-19 has been the increased appreciation and understanding of HSEQ professionals. Their value to organisations has really been felt over the last 5 months. At the end of the day good safety should be good business.
So how can I help?
If you happen to be a hiring manager in a businesses that is finding it increasingly difficult to secure talent to fill business critical roles and want to access our deep talent pools to gain the edge on your competitors, then pick up the phone today and let me know what we can help you with right now?
Let us help you to secure the talent you need to grow your business. 09 424 8367 Team edenfx HSE