We sat down with our Estates and Facilities specialist, Connor Humpage, to explore what drew him to MRG, how he’s building trust in high-stakes leadership placements, and the impact he hopes to make in the sector.
What drew you to MRG, and how has your experience differed from previous roles?
I’ve been aware of MRG for the best part of 10 years – always highly regarded, and I have known about Ben Duffill and Michael Hewlett during this period, due to their great success, as we operated in the same space.
Since I joined the business in December 2024, I’ve quickly discovered why we are so highly regarded and why our market knowledge and presence are second to none. Each member of the team truly understands each sector and we all collaborate so well, like nothing I’ve been a part of previously. It is a privilege to be a part of MRG.
Engineering and maintenance leadership is a niche space, what makes a standout candidate in this field?
Technically qualified engineers who have progressed from being on the tools through to management and leadership positions within complex buildings, and who communicate effectively. Hands-on Engineering and Maintenance Leaders who have done this know exactly what they are looking at from a technical perspective and command respect from their teams to achieve positive outcomes. They will have the ability to manage insourced and outsourced Hard FM Service provision to a high level, working well as an individual and collaboratively as part of a team.
What’s one challenge clients often face when hiring for estates roles, and how do you help solve it?
Many variables can challenge any particular search at any particular time. However, having open and transparent conversations early on in the process, and taking a walk around the campus/estate on-site, really gives you a clear picture of what success looks like, beyond a Job Description. It’s then my job to go out to the market, tell that story and build the strongest shortlist of candidates I possibly can.
How do you build trust with candidates, especially in high-stakes leadership placements?
Detail, understanding and being memorable. The more information we provide to candidates during our conversations/meetings, the better our chances are of retaining them during the process and beyond. Honesty and transparency are key, from both ourselves as the recruitment partner and the candidates themselves. And lastly, it’s so essential to be memorable. We will never be just a voice on the phone – we show our personality and have face-to-face exposure with every candidate in every search. At MRG, we demonstrate real value to our partnerships, both with our candidates and clients. I’m a big believer in the idea that “you get out of life what you put into it”; recruitment is exactly the same. Be memorable!
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make in the estates and facilities space through your work at MRG?
I have a real passion and determination to help organisations deliver world-class estates across the UK, through their most important asset, their people. I live and breathe this message every day and make sure “I am attacking everything with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind” (Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Quote – NFL).
Positivity is infectious, and it’s important that everyone always feels that positivity from me. Be that candidates, clients or colleagues. I want to look back in 10, 15, 20 years’ time and know that I genuinely made a difference by putting outstanding people in the right place at the right time.
Contact Connor Humpage for an informal chat about opportunities in sustainability and energy.