Why Defining the Role Carefully is Key to Preventing a Mis-hire…

A 26-year-old founder of a rapidly growing tech start-up approached Knightsbridge Recruitment to hire their first PA. The business had scaled quickly, but the role itself was undefined – combining PA, office management, and project support into one. Two previous hires had left within weeks due to unclear expectations and unsustainable workload.

We recognised that the issue was centred around role definition. Through in-depth discussions, we helped the founder clarify priorities, refine expectations and structure the role more realistically -ultimately identifying the need for both a PA and an Office Manager. We then conducted a targeted search, focusing on candidates who would thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and ever-changing environment and could comfortably adapt as the business evolved.

Within two weeks, we placed a highly capable PA with experience supporting a fast-scaling founder. The placement was a success, providing immediate structure and support. We subsequently placed an Office Manager, ensuring both roles complemented each other effectively.