From graduate recruiter to industry leader: Chris Pritchard

In this edition of our Consultant Career Story series, we feature Chris Pritchard, Managing Director in Search's Health and Social Care division.

With nearly fifteen years at Search, Chris has built a career defined by progression, purpose, and a commitment to connecting exceptional care professionals with organisations that truly make a difference.

Here, he reflects on his journey so far, the impact of his team’s work, and what it takes to build a successful career in recruitment. 

I joined the recruitment industry straight out of university, starting at the bottom and moving into a team leader role within my first year. From there, I went on to open and manage an office. 

When Search approached me to join the Manchester healthcare team, I saw a real opportunity to help scale and shape the division. Since then, I have progressed from Team Leader through Divisional Manager, Associate Director, and Senior Director to my current role as Managing Director. Being the first person to reach that level at Search was a proud moment. 

What has kept me here is the same thing that drew me in: clear progression, genuine investment in people, and a supportive, open culture. Even as our teams and markets evolve, the core values remain the same. 

Can you give us an overview of your industry, sector focus, and the types of roles your team specialises in? 

Our division focuses on the health and social care sector, supporting vulnerable adults and children across a wide range of services. We partner with private providers and charities across areas such as disability support, mental health, homelessness, elderly care, and children’s residential services. 

We recruit for both temporary and permanent roles, from nurses and support workers to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, care-home managers, and quality managers. More recently, we have expanded our international reach, placing doctors, GPs, and psychiatrists in markets such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is an exciting step that reflects how far the team has grown.
 

What excites you most about working in the Health and Social Care sector, and why should someone consider a career in it? 

The people in this sector are incredibly diverse, but they all share a genuine desire to make a difference. 

The environment can be challenging, whether that is through funding pressures, staffing shortages, or regulatory demands, but that is exactly what makes the work meaningful. You see first-hand the impact that quality recruitment has on care outcomes. It is a 24-hour sector that never stops, and that constant sense of purpose is what keeps me motivated. 

How would you describe the culture of your team, and what do you enjoy most about leading it? 

Collaboration is central to how we work. Everyone brings different strengths, and because many of our clients operate nationally, our offices support each other regularly. 

The team is motivated by service and relationships, not just numbers. Everyone wants to see each other succeed, and we celebrate wins together. Leading a team with that level of passion and integrity, and seeing people develop into future leaders, is one of the best parts of my job. 

What opportunities for growth and development exist within your team and the wider Health and Social Care division? 

Progression is a strong focus for us. Many consultants join, build a successful desk, and naturally move into leadership roles. There is a clear trajectory and strong support along the way. 

Whether you come from a recruitment background or directly from the care sector, there is real scope to develop quickly and build a long-term career here. We have seen it happen time and again. 

What qualities or skills do you look for in someone joining your team? 

Organisation is key. The sector is complex, so managing multiple clients, shifts, and compliance processes takes focus and structure. 

You also need strong communication skills, honesty, empathy, and a genuine interest in helping others. The best people combine compassion with drive. They care deeply about doing a great job while delivering results and growing their business area. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in recruitment? 

Go in with your eyes open and be honest about what the job involves. Recruitment, especially in the Health & Social Care sector, is fast paced, challenging, and requires resilience, but it is also incredibly rewarding. 

Take advantage of training, ask questions, and stay curious. Choose a sector you can see yourself specialising in because expertise takes time to build, but it is what sets great recruiters apart. 

Ready to take the next step in your recruitment career? Explore our current opportunities.