Building Exceptional Marketing Teams for a Leading UK Fashion E-commerce Brand
Over the past 25 years, we have had the privilege of partnering with Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH), now one of the UK’s leading fashion e-commerce businesses. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of trust, understanding, and shared vision. What began as a partnership during FGH’s catalogue mail-order days where we were recruiting print designers and direct mail marketing specialists, has evolved into a journey through digital transformation, as the business redefined itself into the fashion ecommerce business it is today.
From Traditional Mail Order to Digital First
FGH’s journey mirrors the transformation of the retail industry itself. My brother and I still remember flicking through Freemans’ iconic catalogues, circling games and toys for our Christmas lists as children. The toys section always at the back! Fast forward to today, and Freemans.com is a leading player in the UK’s fashion e-commerce space, offering a seamless online shopping experience.
Navigating such a transformation required not just technological innovation, but also the right people with the skills, vision, and expertise to drive change. The business seemed to really accelerate change in 2019 when they recruited Ann Steer in to the CMO role. She was then rapidly promoted to CEO in 2020 – testament to the businesses marketing and customer focus.
Recruiting Across the Entire Marketing Spectrum
For over two decades, we have worked closely with Amanda Kellett and her HR team at FGH to recruit for virtually every department within their marketing function. From building digital performance teams to placing talent in CRM, campaign management, and research and analytics, our role has been to support FGH’s growth by connecting them with the best marketing talent available.
Key roles we’ve helped recruit include:
• PPC and SEO specialists to drive digital performance.
• Integrated campaign managers to connect their brand with consumers.
• CRM experts to improve customer engagement and retention.
• Onsite trading specialists to optimise the customer journey and boost conversions.
• Data analysts and researchers to provide the insights needed to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Amanda Kellett, HR leader at FGH, reflects on the partnership:
“During the time that Jonathan has been our recruitment partner, he has taken the time to really understand our business and the culture. He keeps us informed of how the search for candidates is progressing and is always honest when it is a challenging assignment. We look forward to continuing working with him.”
A Partnership Built on Understanding and Results
What sets our collaboration apart is the depth of understanding we have developed over time. We don’t just fill vacancies; we understand FGH’s culture, ambitions, and the unique challenges of the fashion e-commerce market. This enables us to source candidates who not only have the right skills but who are also the right fit for the business.
Our recruitment process is strategic and proactive. For every role, we:
• Take a detailed brief, ensuring we fully understand the requirements. This is with the hiring manager , many of which we have placed at Freemans, and through those conversations we get to the heart of what really matters in the role and the sorts of people that could be suitable.
• Search actively for the best talent, tapping into our network of marketing and digital specialists. We look beyond the job title or the key words, interpreting skills and experiences in the context of their current or previous employers.
• Present only candidates who align with FGH’s goals, culture, and ways of working. This has always been key, and is a key metric we challenge ourselves on.
This approach saves the hiring managers at Freemans time and ensures that every hire adds real value to the business.
Why Partner with Northern Marketing Jobs?
As a specialist recruitment agency for marketing and digital roles in the North of England, we combine experience, industry knowledge, and a hands-on approach to deliver results. With over 28 years in the industry, Jonathan Hirst has an unparalleled understanding of what it takes to succeed in marketing recruitment.
Our long-standing relationship with FGH demonstrates the value of having a trusted recruitment partner who knows your business inside and out. Whether you are transforming your marketing team or building out a digital performance function, we can help you find the talent you need to drive your business forward.
Call Jonathan Hirst Today
If you’re looking to recruit for marketing or digital roles, why not work with a specialist who truly understands the industry? Whether you’re a fashion e-commerce business like FGH or a growing SME in need of marketing expertise, Jonathan Hirst at Northern Marketing Jobs can help.
