A high profile appointment
Earlier in the year, GlobalSportsJobs was delighted to be involved in one of the higher profile industry appointments when Tom Sears was appointed as the new Chief Executive of Irish RaboDirect Pro12 side Connacht Rugby. With a wealth of international experience and having worked in a variety of communications and commercial roles across both professional rugby and cricket, Tom undoubtedly stood out from the other seventy applicants as the right man for the job.
Having seen and applied for the role through the GlobalSportsJobs site, the case of Tom Sears ultimately demonstrates how GlobalSportsJobs is unlocking access to all levels of talent from across the global sports industry. From entry level to Chief Exec, the platform’s unique network is providing the market with a viable and cost effective solution to attracting talent in the new digital age.
Will Lloyd, CEO of GlobalSportsJobs is delighted that the platform has had such a significant impact in such a short space of time.
“There is always scepticism to change, and sport has a history of resisting change. However I am delighted that over five hundred organisations have now used the site since we started less than two years ago and the success stories just keep coming in. I am delighted that our bespoke network has again delivered great success in a cost effective manner.”
Tom talks to us about his recent career move and his experiences with GlobalSportsJobs…
Active & passive job seekers
Having turned to professional cricket in his career back in 2000, the recent appointment sees Tom return to his first sport of rugby.
Tom Sears: “At the time I had been at Cricket Kenya for two years. Although I wasn’t actively looking at the time, I saw the job at Connacht Rugby on GlobalSportsJobs. It looked very appealing in terms of what Connacht were looking to achieve and the role had great prospect of developing both professional and domestic rugby.”
Through its unique network and wide range of communication channels, GlobalSportsJobs accesses a wide range of both active and passive job seekers. The site has become a barometer for the rest of the industry, providing an insight into what opportunities are currently out there in the world of sport.
TS: “I would imagine that most people in sport sign up for newsletters through GlobalSportsJobs and keep an eye on the site to see what’s out there – it’s just the nature of people regardless of what industry they’re in. And it happens that GlobalSportsJobs had the lion’s share of the good jobs out there. It’s a key resource in the sports industry.”
Competition
Did Tom think he would get the position?
TS: “I knew it would be a popular role. Advertised on a site such as GlobalSportsJobs it was bound to attract world-wide interest. It’s a great opportunity and I feel privileged to have been offered the role.”
The former Cricket Kenya Chief Exec took up his role in July, bringing to the position a wealth of international experience having previously worked for organisations such as the Rugby Football Union, Northampton Saints, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Derbyshire County Cricket Club and New Zealand Cricket.
Building on success
So what does the next few months hold for Tom in his new role?
TS: “Obviously it’s the start of the new season so we’ll be gearing up for that. Apart from that it’s a key time at Connacht Rugby to make sure operations are sound and to build on the good work that’s taken place over the last couple of years.”
Tom’s role will ultimately be to lead the next stage of the club’s impressive progression, driving forwards the success that has been achieved over recent years under the prior leadership of Gerry Kelly.
Digital scepticism
Ultimately, organisations in the sports industry are increasingly embracing the digital era in their talent acquisition strategies. The industry is no longer limited to hiring candidates already in their network. GlobalSportsJobs is now giving organisations such as Connacht access to a broader range of talent and the ability to find the candidate who is truly right for the job. So what does Tom have to say to the few digital sceptics left out there?
TS: “There’s no reason to be sceptical at all. It’s a fantastic resource to have access to in the sports industry, whether you’re looking to recruit or looking for a new position yourself.”
Since its launch back in 2010, GlobalSportsJobs has proved successful in providing a cost effective solution to accessing talent across the global sports industry. With the Connacht Rugby appointment not possible without GlobalSportsJobs’ unique global network, the case of Tom Sears cements the site as the leading sports job board for the international sports industry and indicates a promising forecast for the years to come.
