The Counter Offer

Managing Teams and Driving Success in Education Recruitment with Martin Keddie

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What truly drives a recruiter to succeed—passion for people, or the pursuit of profit?

In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones sits down with Martin Keddie, Associate Director at Axcis Education Recruitment. Martin’s unique journey from performing arts to becoming a top-billing recruiter in the education sector reveals how diverse experiences can shape a successful career in recruitment.

Martin shares how his background as a teaching assistant and performer equipped him to navigate the challenges of recruitment. He discusses his rapid progression within Axcis, highlighting the importance of discipline, people skills, and a commitment to supporting children with special educational needs.

Hear Martin’s practical advice on staying calm under pressure, building strong client and candidate relationships, and how personal growth can lead to long-term success in recruitment.

This episode is a must-listen for recruiters looking to elevate their game and build a rewarding, impactful career in the recruitment industry.


Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

  • Diverse Experiences Lead to Success: Martin’s background in performing arts and education shaped his approach to recruitment, showing how transferable skills from different industries can set you apart as a recruiter.
  • Passion Over Profit: Martin emphasizes that his motivation for entering recruitment wasn't driven by money but by a genuine desire to help people—particularly in supporting children with special educational needs. 
  • The Power of Discipline and Adaptability: Drawing from his experience as a performer, Martin highlights the critical need for discipline and adaptability in recruitment, whether it's navigating client relationships or handling last-minute challenges.
  • Relationships Are Everything: Building and nurturing strong relationships with candidates and clients is a cornerstone of recruitment success, proving that trust and communication are more important than transactional thinking.
  • Proactive Career Growth: Taking the initiative to pursue additional qualifications and create new roles within an organization is a powerful way to advance your career and shape your own path.
  • Staying Calm in Crisis: Martin shares his strategies for remaining calm during high-stress situations, a key trait for thriving in recruitment where unpredictability is common.

    • About Martin Keddie

    Martin Keddie is the Associate Director of HR & Candidate Management at Axcis Education Recruitment, with over 13 years of experience in education recruitment. Based in Greater London, Martin specializes in placing talented individuals into special educational needs (SEN) roles, helping to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children.

    Martin’s career began in musical theater, and he later transitioned into recruitment, bringing his discipline and adaptability from the performing arts into his work. He quickly rose through the ranks at Axcis, starting as a Senior Team Leader, then moving to Branch Manager, and eventually becoming Associate Director.

    Known for his calm leadership and people-first approach, Martin is passionate about fostering strong relationships with candidates and clients alike. His HR expertise, coupled with his Associate CIPD qualification, allows him to mentor and support his team, ensuring they excel in the field of SEN recruitment.

    Connect with Martin Keddie:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn

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        The Counter OfferBy Susanna Gray-Jones