A Day in the life with Michelle Morrison from JAB Recruitment

Background

I grew up and went to school in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. I started my career in the Subsea sector in 2002 when I worked at Sonsub and from there I have spent 18 years working in crewing/HR roles. During this time specialising in crewing Diving and ROV projects globally. I have studied throughout the years alongside working full time – covering HR (CIPD), project management (APM) and Health and Safety (IOSH).

After a second redundancy in 2019 I decided to change the direction of my career into recruitment and started with JAB as Head of Subsea Contracting. I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career.

Company 

JAB Recruitment have been placing professionals in the oil and gas industry since 2003, with offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Houston and Calgary.  Our global client portfolio ranges from major operators to mid-cap and small independent oil companies to businesses spanning the entire oil field service sector.  Our 30 staff globally focus on building long term enduring relationships with our clients and candidates across disciplines from exploration to decommissioning. 

What does your job involve and who are your clients?

Managing the subsea contracting recruitment, ensuring we are providing candidates who are competent and have the correct skills for each role we source for. 

We have a healthy mix of experienced staff and fairly new members of our team in Aberdeen.  My job recently has been focused on training, competence, mentoring and ensuring all our processes are effective and efficient. 

We have over 15 years experience providing manpower to the subsea sector and we forecast continued growth during 2020.

What is your specialism as a recruitment consultant?

I specialise in subsea disciplines – Diving, ROV, Inspection, Survey etc. Over the past 18 years I have built a strong professional reputation and I have a large network across all subsea disciplines.

What are the biggest challenges in that discipline/sector?

The biggest challenge would be the limited number of entry level personnel into the subsea sector over the past 5 years. This can cause team make-up difficulties but hopefully as the market improves we will see more entry level recruitment into the industry.

How does your experience help overcome these challenges for your clients?

Having extensive experience working in crewing roles has given me understanding of the technical disciplines which helps in sourcing the right candidate for a role and suggesting creative solutions to our clients.

What is the best thing about working for Jab Recruitment? 

The team we have are close knit group of professionals determined to provide an excellent service to our clients.  We have a good laugh together which makes for a great working environment at JAB. 

Tell us your best joke?

A job applicant was asked, “What would you consider to be your main strengths and weaknesses?”

“Well,” he began, “my main weakness would definitely be my issues with reality—telling what’s real from what’s not.”

“Okay,” said the interviewer. “And what about your strengths?”

“I’m Batman.”

Who is the funniest person in the company?

Oh this is a difficult one as all the team are very funny and never a dull moment in our office. I am sure our neighbours in the office can hear our laughing daily – sorry Ron!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career would need to be developing my team and seeing them progress their careers.  I am glad in my role at JAB I can continue to do this. 

What plans does your company have for the future and how do you see your own role developing?

Our vision is to be the recruitment company of choice to the subsea sector in the UK and globally.  We are heavily investing in all aspects of our business from people to systems.  Our clients come first and we are focussed on service excellence and long term partnerships.