What does Witan Search do?

Witan Search is a specialist recruitment and headhunting partner supporting technical, commercial and leadership hiring across chemicals, manufacturing, personal care, lubricants, CASE and advanced materials in the UK and Europe.

Which sectors does Witan Search specialise in?

Witan Search specialises in recruitment across chemicals and specialty chemicals, personal care ingredients, lubricants and metalworking fluids, CASE and advanced materials, and manufacturing and engineering functions.

Where does Witan Search operate?

Witan Search supports clients across the United Kingdom and Europe, running searches that range from local hiring to multi-country recruitment where language and market knowledge are required.

What types of roles does Witan Search recruit for?

Witan Search recruits across R&D and formulation, technical service and applications, quality and regulatory, operations and manufacturing leadership, supply chain and procurement, and commercial roles including technical sales and key account management.

How is Witan Search different from a generalist recruitment agency?

Witan Search focuses on specialist industrial markets, combining sector knowledge with targeted headhunting, market mapping and insight-led recruitment to reach candidates who are not actively applying through job boards.

GET TO KNOW US BETTER

Building Lasting Relationships

About us

Connecting Talent with Opportunity

At Witan Search, we believe that people are at the core of every thriving organisation. Driven by a passion for connecting talent with opportunity, we deliver expert recruitment solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our team takes the time to understand both businesses and individuals, ensuring every placement is more than just a match, it’s a driver for growth and innovation.

More than a CV

At Witan Search, we prioritise human interaction, valuing each candidate as more than just a CV to truly understand their unique strengths and aspirations. We recognise that behind every resume is an individual with dreams, goals, and potential. Our dedicated team takes the time to engage with candidates on a personal level, ensuring we comprehend their career ambitions and the distinct skills they bring to the table. This holistic approach allows us to make informed and meaningful connections, aligning the right talent with the right opportunities.

Building Relationships

We believe in building lasting relationships through collaboration, flexibility, and reliability to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our commitment goes beyond filling positions; we strive to make a positive impact on the careers and lives of those we serve. With years of industry experience and a genuine enthusiasm for what we do, we bring a human touch to the recruitment process.

Dedicated Staff

At Witan Search, we celebrate every success and learn from every challenge, always aiming to provide exceptional service and support. Join us, and experience a recruitment partner who values people, fosters connections, and drives success through thoughtful, personalised solutions.

It’s our vision to lead the way in connecting and recruiting great people with great companies and enabling them to advance in a challenging industry.

Case studies

Client case studies

A selection of recent projects across chemicals and personal care, from single specialist hires to a team built across Europe.

Building a Technical Service team across Europe

Sector: Chemicals
Location: Poland, with remote coverage across Europe
Service: Project recruitment and employer branding

Challenge

An international chemical business retained Witan Search to build a remote Technical Service team supporting its customers across Europe. The client had a limited profile in the employment market and was competing with much larger employers for the same people. Demand for Technical Service specialists was high, the technical requirements narrowed the pool further, and several hires were needed quickly.

Approach

We formed a project team of talent consultants and marketers. The marketers built and promoted the client's employer brand on social media while the consultants headhunted directly. Our first appointment was a Head of Technical Service, who then helped define the skill set for the wider team.

Result

Over the initial six month project, we hired the Head of Technical Service and recruited the team behind them. The client then agreed a lasting arrangement with Witan Search to keep the team fully staffed.

Five production technicians for a personal care plant in Belgium

Sector: Personal care
Location: Belgium
Service: Retained recruitment

Challenge

A personal care products manufacturer retained Witan Search to hire four to five technicians for its production plant in Belgium.

Approach

We drew on our network in the sector and ran targeted advertising and marketing campaigns alongside direct search.

Result

Within two weeks the client had a longlist of 10 qualified professionals, and five were selected for the roles.

Relocating an R&D Chemist into a shortage market

Sector: Chemicals
Role: R&D Chemist
Service: Market mapping and headhunting

Challenge

An international chemical business needed an R&D Chemist for a laboratory role with specific degree and experience requirements. A regional skills shortage meant the right person would probably need to relocate.

Approach

We mapped the regional market, then widened the search to professionals open to relocation, supported by employer branding campaigns.

Result

We delivered a strong shortlist, the client made the hire, and the successful candidate is thriving in the role.

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Don’t just take our word for it

“When it comes to working with external partners I’m always concerned about key factors like quality of collaboration, promptness of support, flexibility, and reliability. With Witan Search, I have no more to be worried about those fundamental aspects as I consider the team as an extension of mine, always able to find tailored solutions and ensure the same high level of service. Today, after more than 2 years of constant collaboration, we can strongly affirm we have created a solid relationship of trust which will last over the years.”

"We have used Witan Search for our key overseas placements during the past two years. We have found them to be professional, provide quality candidates, and demonstrate good follow-through during the process. Most importantly, they quickly filled our positions. We continue to use them because they deliver. I would recommend them to other companies that have needs in Europe."

"We have an ongoing need for regular recruitment across all functions in a number of different geographical regions. To support our needs I have been successful collaborating with Witan Search for over 10 years, and I have always found them to work with the utmost flexibility, urgency, care and quality. I have no hesitation in recommending Witan Search for those seeking to recruit in the Benelux region."

"We have created a solid relationship of trust. Today, after more than 10 years of constant collaboration, we can strongly affirm we have created a solid relationship of trust which will last along the years, regardless the employer or the sector I’ll work in. When it comes to working with external partners, I’m always concerned about key factors like quality of collaboration, promptness of support, flexibility and reliability. I no longer worry about those fundamental aspects as I consider them as an extension of mine, always able to find tailored solutions and ensuring the same high level of service in all European countries."

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us with any questions or if you're interested in learning more about our services.