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Specialist in FMCG Recruitment, Training & Consultancy
with a Personal 
Touch
Through our unique “Personal Touch” approach SmithCarey are proud to do things differently with high standards and integrity. Focused on setting new standards in FMCG Recruitment and Training, we believe in putting people first, treating them properly, doing what we say we are going to do and delivering successful outcomes and outstanding levels of service. Through personal touch we work with you to attract, retain and develop the very best talent in industry.
Our directors are three of the best known professionals in FMCG Recruitment and Training – Mark Smith, Paul Carey and Maria Murphy. From start to finish of our assignments our ‘personal touch’ runs through everything we do.
Services
Permanent Recruitment
SmithCarey specialise in the recruitment of commercial talent across FMCG, B2B and Consumer Durable industry sectors with particular emphasis on permanent positions in Sales, Marketing (Brand, Category, Customer, Trade and Shopper), Export and International. We also recruit candidates from Commercial Revenue Management, Supply Chain and Customer Services where our clients might have a specific need or requirement.
Interim Recruitment
We provide Interim and short term contract solutions for our clients (usually 3 to 12 months) providing a stop gap to a permanent recruit as well as providing an experienced pair of hands when you need a trouble shooter to hit the ground running. Typically our Interim roles will be focused on individuals with FMCG Commercial Sales, Marketing or Supply Chain experience and a proven track record of delivering successful results.
Training
Effective Training and capability development is no longer a soft option, it is a key part of attracting, retaining and developing highly capable people and understanding that developing our people directly links to driving improved business performance. So at SmithCarey Training we offer both ‘Personalised client specific ‘commercial training and coaching programmes’ as well as ‘Open courses’ that help smaller teams and individuals ‘fast track’ their commercial skill development.
Business Consultancy
At SmithCarey, our FMCG expertise allows us to fit the right consultant around your needs. We consult in 2 key areas: Capability consultancy and Commercial consultancy. Our Capability consultancy delivers tools, process, hands on support, that will deliver and embed an effective capability strategy or transformation. Our Commercial consultancy service includes ‘Go to market’ planning: best in class cost increase: new channel strategy: live commercial negotiation or in many cases challenges you just need sorting!
Our Sectors
FMCG
The team at SmithCarey have an outstanding track record, expertise, knowledge and experience in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market with a tireless passion in delivering first-class candidate and client standards, we do what we say with a personal touch that is unrivalled in the industry. We attract, retain and develop the best talent in the FMCG industry!
B2B
We understand the unique nature of our B2B clients current and future needs in order that we then attract, retain and develop a successful outcome for both. The team at SmithCarey have a track record of delivering results in B2B through the attraction and development of highly effective Sales & Marketing individuals.
Consumer Durables
We work across a number of consumer durable brand and own brand sectors where we know that attracting and developing the best talent is critical to delivering both business and personal growth. Our experienced blue chip team will ensure that we attract, retain and develop the very best talent with a personal touch!
Featured Reviews
Following applying for the role of NAE I was contacted by Mark to meet to discuss my skills and if I was a good fit for the role and vice versa which was refreshing to know my best interests were taken into consideration too.
Following on through the whole stage I was kept up to date and had detailed feedback also. Upon successfully securing the role and now starting, communication has still been made to see how things are going which is really appreciated.
Mark and the team are great to work with and I would highly recommend to others should they be in need of a change in their careers.
Michael - July 24- I was approached by Mark for a NAM role with a leading confectionery business, on a fixed term contract within the wholesale side of the business. After initial discussions, a job brief and company background was received, prior to an initial Zoom meeting with the UK head of business and the two SNAMs within the business. Confirmation of a final interview was received within 24 hours and swiftly arranged for early January 2024. This took place with the head of Europe, UK lead and one SNAM. I am pleased to say, I got the job! Mark confirmed it within 48 hours and came back with offer terms within 2 working days. I now start on 29th Jan. Mark, Maria and Julie kept me totally up to date throughout the process. I would recommend Smith Carey to other applicants and employers alike. Thanks for your help SC! Jon January 2024
- Exceptional Consultancy. I recently had the pleasure of working with Smith Carey Ltd, securing a Business Development Manager role with their expert guidance. Maria Murphy demonstrated exceptional professionalism and tailored coaching, ensuring I excelled at each interview stage. I was most impressed by the personalized approach and attention to detail on my circumstances and unique skill set, which was instrumental to my success. I highly recommend Smith Carey Ltd for anyone seeking career advancement or looking to penetrate the international market. Grateful for her unwavering support and expertise in shaping this significant career milestone - Mathias - December 2023
"From my initial contact with Maria, I received an accurate job description, followed by consistent timely communication which included good advice on interview tips and a depth of knowledge of the company and industry sector. The role proved an excellent match and I will be starting with my new company soon! I would highly recommend Maria Murphy and SmithCarey". Julie - October 2023
‘I appreciate the whole recruitment process and guidance provided by Maria Murphy at SmithCarey. She made me feel comfortable and talked me through the whole process and also provided guidance.
To be candid, Maria was more than a recruitment personnel she was like a trusted confidant throughout the process and I am grateful. Demmo, July 2023
- ‘My experience with Maria at Smith Carey recruitment has been fantastic. The communication throughout the recruitment process was excellent, Maria was quick to respond to all my queries and delivered feedback at each stage of the process. For the 2nd stage of the interview, I had to complete online tests and give a presentation, Maria gave me advice for both of these which I really appreciated and also help calm my nerves! I would highly recommend Smith Carey in the future’ – Hannah, July 2023.
- I can’t recommend Smith Carey enough. I had the pleasure of working with Maria, who is a highly experienced and professional recruiter. Working with different agencies in the past I could tell, that for Maria I wasn’t just a number, but she was truly there to help me to be hired for my next dream role. Her approach is very personal and she is there for you when you need her. Once again Maria, thank you ever so much for helping me with my career move.’ - Magdalena, February, 2023
- From my 1st conversation with Mark about the role he was fantastic, he had an in-depth knowledge of the role, the business, and the key individuals that I would be meeting throughout the process. He challenged me on my experience and reasons for wanting the role as well as being supportive and giving direction once I was in the process. The communication, insight and feedback were all 1st class! A big thanks to Mark and the team at Smith Carey for the help and guidance in securing my new position Barry (June 2022)
- "I just wanted to say thank you to Maria for all her help in securing my latest position as Sales Controller. Maria kept me informed throughout the whole process, she was available to catch-up outside of working hours and gave lots of helpful advice on the whole recruitment process. I would thoroughly recommend Maria and SmithCarey's services to any prospective candidates or clients. All the very best for the future and I will stay in touch" – James, April 2022
- ‘From the first conversation about the role, Maria was informative, honest and quick to respond to my questions. I received all the relevant information in good time, and through differing methods of communication, to ensure that the latest information was sent as soon as possible. I had to make a decision between 2 roles, and Maria was able to get the last element of information I required within a very short timeframe to make sure I could make the right decision. I would thoroughly recommend SmithCarey to anyone’ – Andrew, February 2022
- I’d like to recommend the service I received from Mark Smith at SmithCarey 100%. What I loved the most about working with Mark was that I really felt that he understood both my requirements and those of the client. He gave me some really great tips and information which I have no doubt, helped me to secure my new job. Mark is undoubtedly a very experienced recruiter and I’m extremely grateful to have crossed paths with him. Davina - January 2022
- I recently had the pleasure of working alongside Maria at SmithCarey who, after one initial informal call took the time to understand what I was looking for in my professional future along with the situation I was currently in. Within a half hour of speaking with Maria she was very sincere and honest about the positions best suited to me. There was full transparency about my strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities for growth and potential. Within two days, Maria had put me forward for the first potential job, within a week the employer had replied to arrange an initial interview. Maria has been a life line staying with me throughout the entire process, regularly checking in, providing support and advice, interview techniques and practice competency questions - I’m happy to say, thanks to Maria and SmithCarey, I will be starting the new year with a new company and a new role – Manraaj, December 2021
‘I found the recruitment process very quick and positive with the help of Maria. She was great and very helpful. Communication was on point and I was placed in the job quite quickly. I’ve been employed now for 3 months with no regrets. Would definitely recommend ’ – Ieva, November 2021
- "I was recently represented by Maria of SmithCarey and was successful in landing my new role. Throughout the process, Maria was incredibly supportive and all communications were clear and timely. Maria was on hand to help out when I thought that I was going to be late for my first interview due to traffic problems! I cannot recommend Maria and SmithCarey highly enough. It was a privilege to be represented by such a professional organisation. Thank you Maria and SmithCarey." Richard (Nov 2021)
- If you are in doubt about where to go to in search of your dream job, I could not recommend highly enough Maria. From my very first call with her, she was extremely professional. She asked all the right questions. She was very punctual and straight to the point. She was encouraging and gave me the boost of confidence I needed. I was invited to an interview just a few days after applying for a job on the SmithCarey website. Maria provided all the necessary information about the recruiting company and gave me a few good tips, which helped me to succeed in the job interview. The proof is in the pudding – the day after the interview, Maria called me with the good news of the job offer. Even after being offered the job, she was still there to guide me through the whole procedure leading up to signing the employment contract. On a personal level, Maria is very polite, friendly and positive. She made the whole experience of applying for and getting a job extremely enjoyable. I would recommend her to all my friends. I will definitely use her services again in the future if I ever need to. – Olga (Nov 2021)
- It has been a lovely experience to communicate with SmithCarey. Maria was very enthusiastic and helpful while I was applying for this position and preparing for the interview. Skills and support have been provided to me during the whole process. And it was a delight to have a chat at each stage. I really appreciate the help from SmithCarey!’ – Audrey (October 2021)
- ‘The recruitment process with Maria at SmithCarey was a fresh of breath air! Maria was a pleasure to liaise with and effectively communicated the client brief across to me. She was responsive and managed my expectations at all stages – you’d be surprised how hard this is to find amongst recruiters. Best of all, Maria has placed me in a great job and company, so thanks!’ - Lydia
- ‘Smith Carey recently placed me in a 12 month fixed term contract. I have found them to be supportive throughout the process, both in terms of preparing me for interviews and in managing my requests where I was requesting flexibility from the client company - for example, contract duration and package. Nothing was too much trouble for Maria and she kept me updated throughout. I would have no hesitation in working with them again. Highly recommended. Rosie (June 2021)
- I have recently worked with Smith Carey in successfully securing a new role and this is no small way down to the support that Maria gave. I was given a detailed brief and a huge amount of advice that stemmed from Maria’s insight into the company. Throughout the application and interview process Maria seemed genuinely eager for me to do well and offered great support to ensure I did which, ultimately, helped build my confidence at each stage. Without hesitation I would most highly recommend Smith Carey - Stewart (April 2021)
- I was recommended by a friend within the industry to touch base with Maria based on a glowing review. From the offset, Maria has been a fantastic recruiter to work with, open, honest and incredibly diligent. Maria set up a preliminary interview in order to really understand my skill set and aspirations, prior to setting up my first stage interview with the potential employer. She offered me helpful and constructive feedback along with support on the layout of my CV ahead of the interview. I believe this ultimately helped me to secure the job. Maria is the best recruiter I have worked with. I would highly recommend her to anyone truly looking for the right move with both the employer and employee’s interests at heart. All the best - Nicole
- Would just like to thank Mark and his team for finding me my perfect role. I felt very prepared from the beginning as Mark took the time to talk me through the company, their expectations and responsibilities of the role. He made sure the role was the right fit for me, and kept me updated throughout the whole process. Thank you again Mark, can't wait to start the next stage of my career, and it's thanks to you! - Rachael (June 2020)
- I just wanted to say thanks to Maria for her support as I worked through my recent application for the Senior NAM post. I greatly appreciated Maria’s honesty, clarity and prompt updates, including her phone call late on a Friday afternoon, when she was actually away on a long weekend break. I'm settling in well and feel confident that this will prove a good move for both parties. All the very best - Billy (December 2019)
- I cannot recommend Smith Carey more highly, Mark was incredibly helpful and professional. He invested a lot his time to get to know me and where I would like to go with my career, as well as ensuring my CV was perfect and I was fully prepared ahead of both of my interviews. He was attentive and answered my questions promptly and I was fortunate to have a job within 2 weeks of our first meeting! - Becky
- Maria provided me with excellent briefing/background information of the company & products before the interview plus she kept me in the loop throughout the recruitment process. Overall, Maria is very impressive, professional and extremely responsive to queries. I really enjoyed working with her. Highly recommended! - Shoeb (October 2019)
- Maria from SmithCarey is the main reason why I landed my new role. She has been very professional, patient and took time to get to know me, my experience and what I was looking for in a career. Even though I was not actively looking for a new job Maria helped me find an organisation and a role which seem to be a much better fit for me and my goals. Thank you! - Rafal
- Maria was fantastic throughout my whole application process. She was a pleasure to talk to and gave me excellent advice which I feel ultimately helped me to secure the role. Maria provided in-sight into the business and provided excellent interview tips that helped me to feel confident for each stage of the application process. Her support was invaluable, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me find the perfect role - Zoe
- I would like to say ‘thank you’ Maria for how you handled the screening / first interview process. You have been open, honest and kept me updated all the way through – it has been a breath of fresh air in today’s recruitment market – Simon
- Mark's attention to detail and application from initial contact, up to and including job offer was exceptional. The confidence he instilled in me for initial interview had me feeing, he ACTUALLY wanted me to be successful. His personable approach was so refreshing in what can be in essence 'a numbers game' for recruiters. My new employers also think very highly of Mark as he is an expert in his field, concise, to the point and a delight to work with. Thank you for all your help - Ash
- I found working with Mark to be a very positive experience when assessing my career options. Mark took the time to understand what I was about, what I was looking for, and then only put me forward for roles in which he felt mutual synergies existed. I really felt that Mark understood the businesses that he represented, but also me as an individual. I see Mark as an expert in his field and would not hesitate to work with him in the future - James
- I started my new job this week and they are a really nice bunch of people. Thanks for all your help and support Maria in finding me a job I know I’m going to enjoy - Kate
- Thanks so much for your feedback on my CV Maria, I really appreciate it. My CV definitely needs changing as I am getting little response for anything I apply for. Really value your opinion and thanks again for reviewing for me - Mike
- From a Candidate who has worked for a major a FMCG business for 18 years I have found SmithCarey and especially Mark a privilege to work with. From the initial conversation by telephone and the one to one interview the professional approach has been first class. I have found my perfect role within four weeks of searching. The support and direction being something I have found very refreshing in the current climate - Darrell
- Colin brought alive the scenarios for our negotiation course through a mix of on the job experiences and theory, which ensured we took the learning on board. The team now have a set of tools which we regularly use to guide our negotiations and planning, and Colin’s encouragement of sharing learning’s continues within the team! - Kate
- Smith Carey have been working in partnership for almost 3 years now. This has enabled us to benchmark our teams against a clear set of commercial competencies, and to design and implement a bespoke training and development program. This tailored approach is already yielding benefits, and we are now into our third phase. I can recommend their methods 100% - Commercial Director
- We were very pleased with the level of professionalism and integrity delivered by SmithCarey in their training programme, as well as their attention to detail - MD, FMCG
- I have been in sales for over 20 years and have been on countless sales training courses. Some outsourced and some internal. With the vast majority after a couple of weeks you find yourself going back into your usual habits whether they be good or bad, however I feel completely differently about this course. Overall the course has definitely made a difference
- I have worked with SmithCarey for a number of years and specifically with Paul Carey. Paul has provided me a service specifically around training sales teams to deliver successful cost price increases. Paul understands the market and how buyers think and makes it his job to really understand and tailor the training around specific business challenges. SmithCarey really deliver ‘best in class’ training. Head of Sales
- Smith Carey have and continue to deliver successful courses and workshops for the Dr. Oetker International Sales Academy (ISA). Their ability to convert a brief in to a practical, targeted and effective tailor-made workshop is well proven and a key reason they are an important partner in the Dr. Oetker ISA Program - Sales Director at Dr Oetker
- I have used Smith Carey training several times to help the Commercial team . From junior Commercial Managers to experienced Controllers they have always provided excellent skills and frameworks which we have adapted in day to day work life. Smith Carey were able to bespoke the training to our needs covering basic selling fundamentals, through to negotiation using real buyers in role plays. They also developed bespoke sales competencies working with the team . I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to others Commercial Director
- If you thought a whole day session with your team on Competition Law would have the effect of just putting barriers in the way of growing your business, think again. Our whole day session was delivered to our National Account Team which was described as being an excellent day by all participants. Aside from the positive feedback we received, which was mostly about how enjoyable it was (yes I know the law enjoyable!), We have already begun to see value added to the business agreements that are being negotiated within one week of that session with Paul and Malcolm. We believe that we have had excellent value for money and that the ROI will be easily attained in the first year. Sales Director DrinksSales Director - FMCG Cider
- We have been working with SmithCarey over the past 4 years within the area commercial Negotiations and Business Account Management through to capability profile and development. The bespoke service, skill set, challenge and commitment from the team at SmithCarey has been 1st class. They have really grown to understand our business and our needs within the commercial world of consumer healthcare, working across a range of channels and routes to market, this has been key to the results that we have achieved over our time working with them and will continue to benefit from in the future - Sales DirectorSales Director - Bayer UK
- I have both used and participated in a number of training programmes developed and supported by Paul & the team at SmithCarey, I have found them to be dynamic motivating and above all have equipped me and my teams to deal with difficult situations & negotiations. Having first experienced this training as a Snr Business Manager I am now rolling a version of this training programme out across Europe – it has become my standard for Negotiation Training. Director, Customer Effectiveness Programmes - Healthcare OTCDirector Customer Effectiveness Programmes - Bayer
- I have found SmithCarey very professional and practical in their approach and application. They have taken the time to understand our business, industry and the capabilities of our people. This approach delivered a Selling and Negotiation course structure that helped accelerate the development of our commercial team whilst helping the business as a whole set clear milestones in place to further develop as a team - Director of SalesDirector of Sales - Moy Park
- At a time when I had been made redundant, I lost all of my confidence and you really helped boost that, particularly with the belief that I could move into a sector that other recruiters had said I wouldn't be able to get into - so thank you! Your service is fantastic, with the personal touch that makes all of the difference rather than just being another candidate or a CV in a huge pile! I will be recommending you to any of my friends that are looking for their next placement. Thank you for believing in me - Julia
- Having identified the need to fully comply with the Competition law requirements Paul Carey from SmithCarey brought together a first class training and compliance programme across the total business. Their clear assessment and understanding of the Aunt Bessies business needs has led us to a policy and procedure review and has now established new standards. The use of the an experienced lawyer and the practical yet challenging training, has brought to life the realities and helped establish an effective compliance level, whilst at the same time support the team in being able to confidently work effectively within the law. An excellent SmithCarey programme - fully recommend! - Finance Director, Frozen FoodFinance Director - William Jackson
- Straight talking, highly experienced team that deliver over and above expectations... most of all they listen!HR - Aunt Bessies
- We have just completed a major training and development programme that has changed our whole approach to working with customers - MD Branded FMCG, Food and DrinksMD - SHS Sales & Marketing
- With the guidance of SmithCarey, our employer branding strategy has helped articulate and communicate the values and strength of First Drinks’ organisation, brands and positive people culture in order to help attract the best fmcg sales and marketing talent - John
- World class facilitation and input into the PDP process - Head of HR, Major FMCGHead of HR - FMCG
- We approached SmithCarey to support them in upskilling their colleagues across a number of functions in the area of Competition Law, Corporate Compliance and GSCOP. Despite the subject matter being rather dry, with a necessary focus on the requisite legal obligations and requirements, SmithCarey as a team did a fantastic job in delivering an engaging, informative and stimulating training programme. The programme was structured in such a way as to ensure that the correct level of detail and intensity was relevant to the audience and the feedback from participants across all functions was universally positive. Without question I would recommend Paul Carey, whose approach has been understanding, collaborative, confident and insightful throughout - DirectorDr. OetkerDirector of Sales (Ambient & Frozen)
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