Are you looking for a career that actually moves as fast as you do? In the recruitment world, progression is often used as a buzzword, but at Goodman Masson, it is a tangible reality. If you have been considering working at Goodman Masson, you are likely looking for more than just a desk, you are looking for the infrastructure and freedom to build something entirely your own.

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Hamish Harmer’s career is the perfect case study in long-term growth. From weighing up competitors to leading a high-performing division through record-breaking milestones, Hamish has proved that with the right environment, the sky is the limit.

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We sat down with Hamish to talk about the non-negotiables of success: leading from the front, hitting major milestones, and the power of two-way learning. See what he had to say...

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How did it all begin?

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It started with a search for the right foundation. I was looking to join a business that had the infrastructure to support me in growing out teams, and crucially, a business that wanted to go on that growth journey with me.

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I actually already knew my Executive Director, Catherine, from a previous company. In my gut, I worried it might be the "easy and safe" option to simply work with a manager I already knew, so I made sure to interview with three of Goodman Masson’s direct competitors. However, seeing the environment here, it became clear that this was the perfect place for me to scale. It turned out to be an easy decision!

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What have been the most defining moments in your progression?

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Having an impactful start was defining. I wanted to lead from the front immediately and show my new team that I was here to be hands-on, not just directional. In my first six months, I grew my desk to £5,000 weekly GP and maintained a 93% fill rate. Truly nailing my own desk gave me and, I’m sure, the people I was managing, the absolute confidence in my ability to pass on best-practice advice.

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The other major turning point stands out just before my promotion to Director, when the division successfully more than doubled its performance in just a couple of years. Hitting that specific milestone was something I had been lasered on for a long time. Everything we did revolved around it. From average margins and contractor care to specific training on FTC flips. When we finally achieved it and celebrated together, it was an incredible feeling.

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Looking back, what specific habits or mindsets got you to the Director level?

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Consistency is everything. Everyone is human and we all have off days, but I strive to be as consistent as possible. I like to think my team always knows what they will get from me, and exactly what I expect from them in return. I always practice what I preach; when I can’t, I make sure to be entirely transparent about why. I love accountability and the satisfaction of delivering on promises.

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Another mindset shift that has helped me immensely is embracing two-way growth. Even though I am a Director and my role is to manage and upskill people, I am fully aware that everyone in my team is better than me at certain things. They have taught me a lot, and I actively want to learn from them. Stepping away from the old-school leadership mindset that not knowing everything is a weakness, has improved me no end. It’s a great trait to have, and honestly, my team still checks CVs for me sometimes!

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What keeps you motivated?

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Seeing the success stories within the team and watching people develop and improve is what drives me. In this role, every single day is different. A new challenge or puzzle comes up daily that requires real thought and strategy, and I find that incredibly exciting.

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What is your top advice for someone starting their career at Goodman Masson?

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If you are ready to start your own story, I have three main pieces of advice:

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• Throw yourself out there completely. Sit next to and learn from as many different people as possible. Everyone in this business is incredibly helpful, and if you bring the right attitude, people will go the extra mile to see you succeed
• Don't feel like you have to know it all. Ask as many questions as you can, and be completely open to feedback
• Build your internal network. Make it your personal mission to let people across the business know what you do and how well you can deliver, especially if you ever get a job intro passed your way
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Your Future Starts Here

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Hamish Harmer’s story is a perfect example of what happens when you combine personal drive with an environment designed to help you win. Whether you are aiming to nail your own desk or looking to scale a division of your own, the opportunity is waiting for you.

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Learn more about working for us!

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Get in touch with our Talent Acquisition team to find out what opportunities we have available: internalrecruitment@goodmanmasson.com