Principal Recruitment Consultant

Principal Recruitment Consultant (Contract Specialism)

Location: Bristol - Hybrid, 2 days office attendance

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Recruitment Consultant with a contract specialism background to take ownership of a high-value security-cleared talent function. This is a true 360 recruitment role, combining business development, contractor redeployment, and account growth across highly specialised markets including Defence, Aerospace, Space, and Nuclear.

This role is critical to driving revenue growth, improving contractor redeployment, and scaling the Secure Projects function into a high-performing, market-leading capability.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Revenue Generation
Proactively develop new client relationships within secure and defence-related sectors
Leverage an existing pool of SC/DV-cleared contractors to generate new business opportunities
Build and maintain a structured sales pipeline with a focus on long-term growth
Work closely with Group Sales, MSPs, and Account Management to maximise opportunities

360 Recruitment Delivery

Manage the full contract recruitment lifecycle, from client acquisition to placement and aftercare
Redeploy existing contractors to maximise utilisation and profitability
Identify redeployment triggers and act proactively to secure continuity of assignments
Collaborate with delivery teams for roles requiring additional sourcing focus

Contractor & Account Management

Provide high-quality contractor aftercare to drive retention and repeat business
Ensure compliance and best practices across all assignments
Support account growth through extensions, upselling, and redeployment strategies

Team Development & Function Growth

Mentor junior consultants and contribute to building a high-performance team
Help establish best practice across the Secure Projects recruitment function
Play a key role in scaling the 360 Defence recruitment capability

Required Experience & Skills

Proven experience as a contract sales recruiter (360)
Strong background in SC-cleared / MOD / secure projects recruitment
Deep understanding of:
Contractor lifecycle
Aftercare and retention strategies
Redeployment and extension processes
Demonstrated ability to:
Own and deliver against revenue targets
Operate autonomously in a sales-driven environment
Build and scale recruitment functions

Why join us?

At Manpower, we're committed to your growth and success. Whether you're an experienced recruiter or new to the industry, we provide the tools and support to help you thrive.

What we offer:

Uncapped earning potential: Competitive salary, commission, and performance bonuses
Career progression: Clear pathways to working your way up
A high-performance culture: Recognition, rewards, and a collaborative, driven team that celebrates your achievements
Work-life balance: 24 days' holiday (rising to 27), your birthday off, and early finish Friday each month
Health & wellbeing benefits: Flexible benefits for private medical, dental, gym memberships, and more.

About Manpower

Manpower is a global leader in contingent staffing and permanent recruitment, helping businesses stay agile in an ever-changing world. We're proud to be recognised as one of the world's most ethical companies for the 16th time-reinforcing our commitment to doing business the right way.

We foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Apply now and build a meaningful career with Manpower.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website